This is the time of year when all NFL teams are putting their rosters together for training camp.
And one of the most exciting events of the calendar year, the annual NFL Draft, has just concluded.
But we have to keep in mind that all rosters are also built from the inside and out — that is, with the inclusion of a group of players not drafted in the seven rounds. This group is overlooked in the frenzy of taking the best prospects available in rounds one through seven.
But history is full of players not drafted at all, and Denver Broncos history is no exception.
Our list of undrafted college free agents includes some who played elsewhere previously, some who continued their careers somewhere else after Denver and many who played their entire pro careers in the Mile High City.
But all are examples of guys who made it after some, or even most teams said they could not. Every team has these players, and I thought we might take a look at some of the Broncos' most prominent examples of talent at one time overlooked.
From 1960 until the present, the Broncos' roster has always had someone who was a good player, even a star, despite not having been taken in the college draft.
Due to my own age and knowledge, I could write vast summaries of these players, but for now we will just make more cursory mentions.
For the Broncos, these players include current players, Pro Bowlers, Ring of Famers and even a Hall of Famer.
In fact, for Denver, you can go all the way back to the beginning, when the team had two future Ring of Famers who had not been drafted: Gene Mingo, who had played only for the United States Navy in service ball after high school, and Lionel Taylor, who had played one year as a free agent linebacker for the Chicago Bears before becoming one of the great receivers in pro football history with the Broncos.
The current Denver roster includes cornerback Bryce Callahan, wide receivers Tim Patrick and Diontae Spencer, linebacker Malik Reed, defensive lineman Mike Purcell, placekicker Brandon McManus, wide receiver/quarterback Kendall Hinton, cornerback Essang Bassey, quarterback Brett Rypien, linebacker Alexander Johnson and offensive lineman Austin Schlottmann.
One of the first things players do when they enter a locker room is take off their civilian clothes and put on the same uniform. At that moment, newspaper clippings, previous publicity, signing bonuses and contracts all mean far less than what happens on the field. The guys who run the fastest, make the most plays and catch the coaches' eyes with consistency find their way to the roster.
The NFL is a meritocracy. Nobody cares about potential as much as performance.
Just recently, undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay signed with Houston after three successful seasons in Denver.
But he is not the only undrafted Bronco free agent who went on to another club.
Pro Football Hall of Fame cornerback Willie Brown played four great seasons in Denver before being traded to the Raiders, and he actually teamed up with another former Broncos free agent — Nemiah Wilson — at cornerback for the Raiders when they became Super Bowl champions.
Wendell Hayes was an outstanding free agent running back for the Broncos who also became a world champion, in his case with the Kansas City Chiefs, after moving on from Denver. In fact, Hayes was coached by future Broncos General Manager John Beake when Beake was a young assistant coach on the Kansas City staff.
Longtime NFL offensive lineman Ben Garland, a product of the United States Air Force Academy, began his pro football journey as an undrafted free agent in Denver.
More recently, star cornerback Chris Harris, Jr. went to the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent after a lengthy stay in Denver.
Free agency today is such that players move on, but some stayed here for the duration of their careers and became franchise legends.
Take a look back through Rod Smith's outstanding Broncos career, from entering the league as an undrafted player to winning Super Bowls and earning league accolades.
A headshot for Rod Smith from the 1990s.
Safety Steve Atwater congratulates receiver Rod Smith after a touchdown during an October 27, 1996 win (34-7) over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith (80) runs upfield during an NFL game against the Green Bay Packers on December 8, 1996. The Packers defeated the Broncos 41-6. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith (80) poses with the Ninos de Mexico dressed in Broncos t-shirts before an NFL preseason game against the Miami Dolphins in Mexico City, in 1997. The Dolphins defeated the Broncos 38-19. (AP Photo/Eric Lars Bakke)
Rod Smith raises the roof after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
Rod Smith runs with the ball against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
Rod Smith signals to the crowd after scoring a touchdown against the St. Louis Rams at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 14, 1997.
Rod Smith makes a spectacular catch and straight-arms his opponent against the New England Patriots at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 6, 1997.
Rod Smith tries to gain extra yardage after making a spectacular leaping catch against the Chiefs secondary against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1997.
Rod Smith makes a leaping reception over the defender for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, CA on November 30, 1997.
Rod Smith points to the crowd after a play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Rod Smith yells and expresses his excitement after the Broncos score another second half touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 27, 1997.
Rod Smith and teammates celebrate their playoff win over the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Rod Smith makes a reception and stretches for a first down to keep a third-quarter drive alive against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on January 11, 1998.
Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe(84) poses for a photo with Broncos teammates linebacker Allen Aldridge (57), linebacker Keith Burns (56), tight end Dwayne Carswell (89), and wide receiver Rod Smith (80) on media day during the week of the NFL Super Bowl XXXII football game against the Packers. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Rod Smith receives a post-game congratulations in the locker room from coach Mike Shanahan against the Green Bay Packers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on January 25, 1998.
Rod Smith runs the ball on a reverse play against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on October 25, 1998.
Rod Smith recovers an Ed McCaffrey fumble against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on November 1, 1998.
Rod Smith loosens up on an exercise bike before the start of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on November 16, 1998.
Rod Smith looks over some papers with coach Brian Pariani against the Miami Dolphins at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on December 21, 1998.
Rod Smith and John Elway celebrate after the two hooked up for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on January 9, 1999.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith (80) answers a question during Media Day before Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons, Tuesday, Jan. 26, 1999, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Broncos defeated the Falcons 34-19. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Rod Smith blows by Eugene Robinson en route to an 80-yard touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Rod Smith is swarmed by his teammates after hooking up with John Elway for an 80-yard touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
Rod Smith is interviewed by the media after winning Super Bowl XXXIII against the Atlanta Falcons at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL on January 31, 1999.
The players and coaches of the Denver Broncos were presented their second consecutive Super Bowl rings during a ceremony held at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs. Pictured here is Rod Smith.
Rod Smith hauls down a Brian Griese touchdown pass against the St. Louis Rams at Trans World Dome in St. Louis, MO on September 4, 2000.
Rod Smith makes a touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
Rod Smith celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the Atlanta Falcons at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 10, 2000.
Rod Smith makes an acrobatic reception against the Oakland Raiders at Network Associates Coliseum in Denver, CO on September 17, 2000.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 24, 2000.
Rod Smith signs autographs for fans against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2000.
Rod Smith talks with Peter Warrick following a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Cinergy Field in Cincinnati, OH on October 22, 2000.
Rod Smith looks intense along the sidelines against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, LA on December 3, 2000.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on December 17, 2000.
Rod Smith reflects in the end zone about his days at Mile High Stadium before the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey pose for a picture following their record-breaking game against the 49ers against the San Francisco 49ers at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on December 23, 2000.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the New York Giants at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 10, 2001.
Rod Smith makes a reception against the Dallas Cowboys at TX Stadium in Houston, TX on November 22, 2001.
Rod Smith celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on December 16, 2001.
Rod Smith hauls in a touchdown reception against the St. Louis Rams at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 8, 2002.
Rod Smith waves to the fans before heading into the locker room against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on September 22, 2002.
Rod Smith is upended after making a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 6, 2002.
Rod Smith celebrates with his teammates after the Broncos' victory against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, MO on October 20, 2002.
Rod Smith makes a reception and stretches toward the goal line against the Seattle Seahawks at Seahawks Stadium in Seattle, WA on November 17, 2002.
Rod Smith poses for a photo after receiving the Broncos' Walter Payton Man of the Year nomination.
Several members of the Denver Broncos were on hand to receive their awards as a part of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award ceremony.
Rod Smith fights off a defender for extra yardage after making a reception against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, CA on December 1, 2002.
Rod Smith makes a leaping reception against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 15, 2002.
Various players, including Jimmy Spencer, Rod Smith, and Keith Burns, were on hand at the Denver Rescue Mission to help pass out Christmas presents to needy children.
Rod Smith watches his teammates during the pregame drills against the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on August 29, 2003.
Rod Smith talks with the coaches on the phone along the sidelines against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio on September 7, 2003.
Rod Smith does a silent prayer before the start of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on October 12, 2003.
Rod Smith celebrates with his teammates after his punt return for a touchdown against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 16, 2003.
Rod Smith and his teammates prepare for the game against the Chicago Bears at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 23, 2003.
Rod Smith, along with Shannon Sharpe, play a little tune on the Stampede's drums against the Kansas City Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on December 7, 2003.
A portrait of Rod Smith.
Rod Smith gets the fans pumped up before the start of the game during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on September 26, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith heads upfield after making a reception during a 20-17 win over the Panthers at Invesco Field in Denver on Oct. 10, 2004.
Rod Smith makes a reception during the NFL game against the Carolina Panthers on October 10, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith makes a touchdown reception during the NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals on October 25, 2004 at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Rod Smith gets a game ball for his accomplishments against the Houston Texans on November 7, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith during the NFL game against the Oakland Raiders on November 28, 2004 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith during the NFL game against the San Diego Chargers on December 5, 2004 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.
Rod Smith greets Peyton Manning after the Broncos victory over the Colts during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts on January 2, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado.
Rod Smith poses for a portrait during a cover shoot for Broncos Gameday Magazine in 2005.
Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith runs out of the tunnel during player introduction before a game against the San Diego Chargers at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on September 18, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Jake Plummer and Rod Smith celebrate after a play against the Chiefs at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver on September 26, 2005. ©2005 Brett Wilhelm/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Rod Smith takes a moment for himself on the bench as the Denver Broncos defeat the New England Patriots 28-20 at Invesco Field at Mile High on Oct. 16, 2005. Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith hauls in a touchdown reception as the Denver Broncos defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 49-21 at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver on Oct. 30, 2005. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith celebrates a touchdown reception as the Denver Broncos defeated the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver on Jan. 14, 2006.
Photo: Jamie Haverkamp/Rich Clarkson and Associates
Rod Smith makes a catch during the AFC Championship game at lnvesco Field at Mile High in Denver on Jan. 22, 2006. ©2006 Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
The Broncos representatives at the 2006 NFL Pro Bowl — Champ Bailey, Rod Smith, John Lynch and Al Wilson — pose for a photo at the Ko Olina Resort on February 9, 2006 in Kapolei, Hawaii. (AP Photo/Paul Spinelli)
Rod Smith celebrates after making a touchdown reception against the Washington Redskins at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on November 18, 2001.
Rod Smith runs a drill with a young fan during the Denver Broncos Kids Caravan event at Invesco Field at Mile High for Denver area children. Photo: Stephen Nowland/Rich Clarkson and Associates
10 OCT 2006: The Denver Broncos host their Hometown Huddle featuring Rod Smith at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO. Photo: Jamie Schwaberow/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Deshea Townsend (26) can't break up a first quarter touchdown pass from Denver Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer to Rod Smith (80) during their football game in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 5, 2006. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Rod Smith greets Larry Fitzgerald after the Denver Broncos defeated the Arizona Cardinals 37-20 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Dec. 17, 2006. Photo: Ryan McKee/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Rod Smith tries to keep warm as the Denver Broncos play the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16 NFL action at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver, CO on Dec. 24, 2006. Trevor Brown, Jr./Rich Clarkson & Associates, LLC.
Rod Smith greets fans before a game against the San Francisco 49ers at Invesco Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver, CO on Dec. 31, 2006. Photo: Eric Lars Bakke/Rich Clarkson and Associates, LLC.
Rod Smith poses for a fun photo with children for Broncos Magazine 4 Kids.
Denver Broncos wide receiver Rod Smith fights back tears as he talks about his retirement from the team after 14 seasons, during a news conference at the NFL football team's headquarters in Denver on Thursday, July 24, 2008. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Rod Smith joins teammates at the coin toss during a tribute to the former player prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field December 21, 2008
Rod Smith speaks at halftime during a tribute to the former player prior to the game against the Buffalo Bills at Invesco Field December 21, 2008
Denver Broncos owner Pat Bowlen shakes former Denver Broncos Rod Smith's hand during the Ring of Fame ceremony at halftime against the Houston Texans at Sports Authority Field in Denver Colorado on September 23, 2012. (Photo credit: Gabriel Christus/Denver Broncos)
Head Coach Gary Kubiak and former Broncos Shannon Sharpe and Rod Smith talk during an Aug. 18 training camp practice. (Ben Swanson)
Rod Smith speaks to the team during the Denver Broncos practice with alumni attending during the Ring of Fame weekend October 31, 2015 at UCHealth Training Center in Englewood,CO (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/Denver Broncos)
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) is congratulated by former Bronco Rod Smith on the sidelines after a 47 yard reception during second quarter action against the Green Bay Packers in the NFL game at Sports Authority Field in Denver, CO November 1, 2015. (Photo: © Eric Lars Bakke/ Denver Broncos)
Rod Smith and Shannon Sharpe walk through the tunnel before action against the New England Patriots during the AFC Championship Playoff NFL game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, CO, January 24, 2016. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Ring of Fame former running back Terrell Davis and Ring of Fame former wide receiver Rod Smith after a walkthrough practice in Pat Bowlen Fieldhouse as part of Ring of Fame weekend on November 18, 2017. (Ben Swanson)
Rod Smith salutes the crowd as part of the Fantennial celebration before the NFL game against the Tennessee Titans at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado, October 13, 2019. Photo by Gabriel Christus
Ring of Fame wide receiver Rod Smith was undrafted and was a vital cog in our back-to-back Super Bowl champion teams, eventually becoming the team's all-time receiving leader. And while not as prominent as Smith, tight end Dwayne ("House") Carswell and defensive end Harald Hasselbach were on those world-championship teams as well. Neither was drafted after college, but both had long careers in Denver.
Hasselbach in fact is one of 13 players to play for Super Bowl champions and on a Grey Cup championship team in the Canadian Football League.
Wide receiver Steve Watson and defensive tackle Greg Kragen were key players on our 1980s AFC championship teams, along with linebacker Jim Ryan, all of whom joined us as undrafted free agents.
I remember well when our personnel department cleaned out the files by inviting everyone to a gigantic free agent tryout camp — think of the "Star Wars" bar scene applied to football, as far as a wide range of characters was concerned.
There were 478 players present that day, and when it was over Rich Karlis was offered a contract and became a very popular and successful kicker for the Broncos.
Back in the 1960s the Broncos didn't have much, but they had free agent undrafted free agent offensive linemen Sam Brunelli, Larry Kaminski and Jerry Sturm.
In fact, our All-Time Top 100 team includes Sturm and Kaminski, as well as fellow undrafted free agents Rod Smith, Lionel Taylor, Mingo, Carswell, Harris Jr., Kragen, Bob Swenson — a great linebacker on our Super Bowl XII team — linebacker Jim Ryan, wide receiver/punter Billy Van Heusen, Matt Lepsis, and one of the greatest players of all time, fullback Cookie Gilchrist.
Taylor was recently named by the Talk of Fame Network's AFL "Call to the Hall" committee, of which I was a voter, as one of the 10 greatest American Football League players not already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Sturm had the longest career on the offensive line, 15 years (NFL and CFL careers combined), of any Bronco in history, having played six seasons in Denver, and was twice named an AFL All-Star.
We even had a former head coach, Dan Reeves, who was undrafted out of South Carolina and had a great career as player and coach. Reeves, like many others, ought to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his playing and coaching body of work.
Are there others?
Yes, there certainly are, but this is just a look at some of the most prominent players, those with the longest and most successful careers in pro football.
These stories are a reminder to us that rosters are fluid and built in many ways.
The draft is huge, a cornerstone of roster building in the NFL. But sometimes ...
Sometimes the best players come after the draft is over, when teams are signing guys that they liked in college, but maybe not quite enough to select in the draft.
Sometimes they are players who just will not give up, who travel from tryout to tryout in city after city, believing in themselves above all else.
Every player has a story.
Sometimes it starts with not being drafted at all.
