Who is the Smallest Player Ever Drafted?

The smallest players in NFL Draft history include:

Shortest Players Drafted

• Trindon Holliday – 5'5", 170 lbs (2010, Texans, Round 6)
• Tarik Cohen – 5'6", 179 lbs (2017, Bears, Round 4)
• Jakeem Grant – 5'6", 165 lbs (2016, Dolphins, Round 6)
• Jacquizz Rodgers – 5'6", 196 lbs (2011, Falcons, Round 5)
• Darren Sproles – 5'6", 190 lbs (2005, Chargers, Round 4)

All-Time Smallest NFL Player

Jack "Soapy" Shapiro (5'1", 119 lbs) is the smallest player in NFL history, but he played in 1929 before the draft existed.

Success Despite Size

Darren Sproles is the most successful "small" player in modern NFL history, with 3× Pro Bowl selections and 19,696 all-purpose yards despite being just 5'6".

Small players typically succeed as:

• Return specialists (speed/agility)
• Slot receivers (quickness in space)
• 3rd-down backs (receiving threats)

Height matters less than speed, agility, and football IQ.