4 best NFL hidden draft gems in Colorado football history

Colorado was not running a very pass-heavy offense at the beginning of the 1970s, so Cliff Branch only racked up 665 receiving yards over two seasons on the field in Boulder. That lack of production allowed him to slip through the cracks of the NFL Draft and by Year 3 with the Raiders, Branch was a Pro Bowler and posted the first 1,000-yard season of his NFL career. 

Branch reached 1,000 yards again in 1976, Year 5 of 14 for him in the league. Over his career, Branch amassed 8,685 receiving yards and 67 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl four times and first-team All-Pro in 1974, 1975, and 1976. 

While those were great numbers, Branch’s Hall of Fame case was bolstered by the Raiders playoff success. With Branch at receiver, the Raiders won the Super Bowl three Super Bowls and across his 22 playoff games, Branch racked up 1,289 yards.