A lot of hype surrounds the more than 200 players selected during the draft, but what of those who get to the NFL via a different path? Sports Illustrated's Andy Benoit created a fictitious team made up of who he considers being the best undrafted free agents in recent years.
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens not only made the list but got the starting nod over Case Keenum, who is now with the Washington Redskins.
Here is what Benoit had to say about Mullens on his fictitious team of undrafted players, which he called the Boise Scrappers.
"Not to kick this off with a hot take, but Mullens last year showed the patience, pocket toughness and field vision of a future NFL starter. We know Keenum can orchestrate an offense, but it'd be one dependent on run-pass balance and defined reads. This team (the Scrappers) should see if Mullens can turn into the NFL's next Tony Romo (yes, we realize the two players have completely different styles), and if it doesn't work out, Keenum is waiting in the wings."
Mullens, 24, earned his first NFL start during Week 9 of last season. He replaced an injured C.J. Beathard, who was filling in for starter Jimmy Garoppolo, and never relinquished the job.
Mullens completed 176-of-274 attempts (64.2 percent) for 2,277 yards with 13 touchdowns and 10 interceptions through his eight starts in 2018. He enters the offseason competing with Beathard for the backup quarterback job. The two will receive the majority of the practice snaps while Garoppolo rehabs and works his way back into action.
The 49ers signed Mullens as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Miss in 2017.
Click here to see the complete list of players who make up Benoit's All-Undrafted Team.
