The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college football players to join their professional rosters. Every team hopes to find the next superstar in the first round, but sometimes the most valuable players slip through the cracks and become draft steals. These players are chosen later than expected in the draft but end up making a significant impact on their respective teams. In this article, we will explore the top 10 draft steals in NFL history, players who exceeded expectations and became legends in their own right.
1. Tom Brady - New England Patriots (2000, 6th Round, 199th overall)
Tom Brady is undoubtedly the greatest draft steal in NFL history. Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady was the 199th overall pick. He went on to win seven Super Bowl titles with the New England Patriots, establishing himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Brady's combination of skill, determination, and leadership has made him a true legend in the sport.
2. Joe Montana - San Francisco 49ers (1979, 3rd Round, 82nd overall)
Joe Montana is another quarterback who defied expectations. Drafted in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Montana became the face of the San Francisco 49ers and won four Super Bowl championships. Known for his poise and clutch performances, Montana is widely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
3. Johnny Unitas - Pittsburgh Steelers (1955, 9th Round, 102nd overall)
Johnny Unitas was selected in the ninth round of the 1955 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers but was eventually released before the regular season began. The Baltimore Colts picked him up, and Unitas went on to become one of the most influential quarterbacks in NFL history. He won three NFL championships and set numerous passing records during his illustrious career.
4. Shannon Sharpe - Denver Broncos (1990, 7th Round, 192nd overall)
Shannon Sharpe, a tight end, was drafted in the seventh round of the 1990 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Despite being a late-round pick, Sharpe became one of the most dominant tight ends in the league. He won three Super Bowl titles and was a key contributor in the Broncos' success during the late 1990s.
5. Terrell Davis - Denver Broncos (1995, 6th Round, 196th overall)
Terrell Davis was selected in the sixth round of the 1995 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Despite being plagued by injuries, Davis had a remarkable career. He won two Super Bowl titles with the Broncos and was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXXII. Davis was a powerful running back and played a crucial role in the Broncos' success during the late 1990s.
6. Bart Starr - Green Bay Packers (1956, 17th Round, 200th overall)
Bart Starr was chosen in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He went on to become one of the most successful quarterbacks in NFL history, leading the Packers to five NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls. Starr's leadership and precision passing made him a vital part of the Packers' dynasty in the 1960s.
7. Deacon Jones - Los Angeles Rams (1961, 14th Round, 186th overall)
Deacon Jones was a defensive end who revolutionized the position with his speed and agility. He was selected in the 14th round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams. Jones went on to dominate the league and became known for his ability to sack quarterbacks. He was a key player in the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
8. Richard Sherman - Seattle Seahawks (2011, 5th Round, 154th overall)
Richard Sherman was drafted in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Despite being overlooked by many teams, Sherman quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league. He played a crucial role in the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2014.
9. Terrell Owens - San Francisco 49ers (1996, 3rd Round, 89th overall)
Terrell Owens, a wide receiver, was selected in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Owens quickly became one of the most dominant receivers in the league, using his size and strength to overpower defenders. He had a remarkable career, accumulating over 15,000 receiving yards and scoring 153 touchdowns.
10. Roger Staubach - Dallas Cowboys (1964, 10th Round, 129th overall)
Roger Staubach was chosen in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. However, Staubach didn't join the Cowboys until 1969 due to his military commitments. Once he stepped on the field, Staubach showcased his exceptional skills and led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories. He was known for his ability to make big plays and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.
These ten players prove that success in the NFL isn't always determined by draft position. They overcame obstacles, exceeded expectations, and left an indelible mark on the sport. Their stories serve as a reminder that talent and determination can lead to greatness, regardless of when a player is selected in the draft.
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