3 Greatest Kansas State hidden NFL Draft gems since 2000
Kansas State football. 13. Round 4, Pick 130. . Darren Sproles. 2. player. . 2005 NFL Draft. Darren Sproles
Darren Sproles was a player no one thought would be successful in the NFL based on his size alone. The five-foot-six running back did amazing things at Kansas State, and in the fourth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, the San Diego Chargers decided to take a chance on him.
K-State running back Darren Sproles weighed 187 pounds, ran a 4.49, benched 225 pounds 23 times and had a 33-inch vertical at the 2005 NFL Combine.
— D. Scott Fritchen (@DScottFritchen) March 1, 2024
He also measured 5 foot 6 inches.
They said he was too short.
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Now looking at Sproles stats, you see he didn't start every game and never really did at any point in his career. However, at the running back position, it is typically a rotation of guys and for years with the Chargers, Sproles was used more as a third-down back who could squeeze through openings. After spending his first six seasons with the Chargers, which included a season in which he was injured, Sproles ended up in New Orleans.
In his first season with the Saints, Sproles has his career high in rushing yards with 603 yards. He was also efficient on the goal line scoring 10 touchdowns in his three seasons. While his time with the Saints was good, Sproles made the move to Philadelphia to join the Eagles and that was where he would finish out his career.
In his first three seasons with the Eagles, Sproles was named to the Pro Bowl three times and named a second-team All-Pro in his first season. Sproles became a reliable running back that could be used in a committee. With the Eagles, Sproles also won his first and only Super Bowl in 2017. After dealing with injuries and seeing his playing time lower, Sproles decided to hang up his cleats and retire after the 2019 season. Sproles ended up having one of the best NFL careers by a former Wildcat.