There is no question about it: Rod Smith deserves a spot on the list of all-time Broncos.
He has been eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame since 2012, his fifth year out of the league.
For some reason, he has been passed over every year. Why should he be in the Hall of Fame?
Simple.
Smith was the Broncos’ all-time leader in the most important categories for a wide receiver: Receptions (849), yards (11,389), and touchdowns (68) at the time of his retirement.
He scored at least one touchdown in 66 games and has an overall touchdown count of 71. His yards and touchdown totals rank first among all undrafted players. He was able to produce solid numbers while accompanied by other great players around him.
He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 2012.
Did I mention he went undrafted in 1995? Smith should have been drafted?
Not only was he the best undrafted receiver in Broncos history, he likely is the best undrafted player in NFL history.
All of his accomplishments add up to an amazing career and the best among undrafted players. It is a head-scratcher that he has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
If he didn’t deal with hip problems late in his career, Smith would have added on to his already-impressive stats. In that scenario, he would have been able to make a better case for the NFL’s ultimate destination.
– GT