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Green Bay Packers: Top 15 undrafted free agents of all-time

By Ralph Mancini

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January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) celebrates after he intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) during the first half in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
January 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Green Bay Packers cornerback Sam Shields (37) celebrates after he intercepts a pass intended for Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jermaine Kearse (15) during the first half in the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

SAM SHIELDS (CORNERBACK)

So how does a corner with 4.3 speed from a major program (University of Miami) end up going undrafted?

A number of teams shied away from picking Shields due to poor practice habits and an alleged drug issue he had as a collegian.

Ted Thompson gambled on his raw tools and the one-time Hurricane defensive back has developed nicely into the team’s No. 1 corner.

Shields, much like many defensive backs who came before him, started out his career at the U as a wide receiver who couldn’t catch. As a cover man, however, he’s become much more than someone who solely relies on his speed, as his technique and ability to jam opponents at the line has improved every year.

The Packers re-signed their free agent investment to a four-year contract worth $39 million in 2014 despite the fact that he can still improve his game in run support and that he has yet to play a full 16-game season.

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