NFL Writer Calls Patriots’ Super Bowl Star One Of Best Undrafted Free Agents In Modern Era originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.With the NFL draft approaching this Thursday, it’s a great time to reflect on some of the best undrafted free agents in NFL history. CBS Sports' Tyler Sullivan recently highlighted his top ten standout undrafted free agents from the modern era, naming former Patriots kicker Adam Vinatieri at No. 5."Vinatieri finally got his knock on the door and will enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer, going in as arguably the greatest kicker in NFL history," Sullivan wrote on Saturday.

"After spending time with the Amsterdam Admirals of the World League of American Football, Vinatieri joined the New England Patriots in 1996. He remained with the franchise through the 2005 season and established himself as the most clutch kicker in the league, booting numerous kicks, including multiple playoff/Super Bowl winners. He joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2006 and maintained his superb play up until his final season in 2019."Vinatieri spent 10 seasons with the Patriots, and if it weren't for him, likely, New England wouldn't have enjoyed the dynasty of the early to mid-2000s.

He made two game-winning kicks in the Super Bowl, one against the Rams in 2002 and the other against the Panthers in 2004.The 53-year-old kicker is one of the best in NFL history, and Sullivan named everything Vinatieri accomplished throughout his career."In all, Vinatieri has four Super Bowl titles, three first-team All-Pro nominations, is a part of the 2000s All-Decade Team, and the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team," Sullivan wrote. "His 2,673 points scored are the most in NFL history, and he also holds records for the most consecutive field goals made (44), most combined regular season and postseason games played (397) and most career field goals made (599)."More NFL: Patriots Predicted To Reach For SEC Standout On Night One Of NFL Draft