Chris Harris will open the 2015 season as a starting cornerback for the Denver Broncos. It will be his fourth season as a starter for the Broncos, since taking over as a starter in the 2012 season, his second in the league, after he made three late season starts in his rookie season. His 2014 season saw his first Pro Bowl selection, his first All-Pro selection (2nd team), and his second Pro Football Focus All-Pro selection. Late in the 2014 season, he agreed to a contract extension for 5-years and $42.5 million, which made him the highest paid #2 cornerback in the league.

What makes this an even better story is that Harris wasn’t drafted in 2011–he was an undrafted free agent. Of course, there are frequently stories of undrafted free agents making a big splash in the NFL, with guys like John Randle making the ultimate jump, from undrafted free agent to Hall of Famer.

What makes the Harris story even more remarkable was that he wasn’t just undrafted–he was completely ignored in the draft process. He wasn’t invited to the NFL Combine, held annually for the top 300 or so NFL prospects, including 34 cornerbacks (keeping in mind that 254 players were selected in 2011). He didn’t even attend a Pro Day, usually put on by colleges after the combine, to showcase their players in a controlled environment.

Harris signed a contract with the Broncos, earning a $2,000 signing bonus–and proceeded to lead all NFL rookie defensive backs in tackles, and was fourth overall in rookie tackles. His second season saw him score his first touchdown, set a Broncos record for longest interception return (98 yards) and rank 5th in yards allowed by a defensive back. To date he has 10 interceptions, 50 passes defended, and 2 career touchdowns.

Not bad for a guy that wasn’t considered one of the top 300 prospects in 2011.