The NFL draft is an exciting time for football fans as teams look to select the best players to add to their roster. While quarterbacks often receive the most attention on draft day, there have been many instances where teams have found gems in later rounds. Here are some of the biggest non-quarterback draft day steals in NFL history:
Shannon Sharpe - 7th Round, 192nd Overall, Denver Broncos (1990) Shannon Sharpe was not considered a top prospect coming out of Savannah State University, but the Denver Broncos took a chance on him in the seventh round of the 1990 draft. Sharpe went on to become one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, winning three Super Bowls and earning eight Pro Bowl selections.
Terrell Davis - 6th Round, 196th Overall, Denver Broncos (1995) Terrell Davis was not expected to be a star in the NFL, but the Denver Broncos took a chance on him in the sixth round of the 1995 draft. Davis quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in the league, winning two Super Bowls and earning three Pro Bowl selections.
Jason Taylor - 3rd Round, 73rd Overall, Miami Dolphins (1997) Jason Taylor was not a highly-touted prospect coming out of college, but the Miami Dolphins saw potential in him and selected him in the third round of the 1997 draft. Taylor went on to become one of the best defensive players in the league, earning six Pro Bowl selections and being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.
Jared Allen - 4th Round, 126th Overall, Kansas City Chiefs (2004) Jared Allen was not considered a top prospect coming out of Idaho State University, but the Kansas City Chiefs saw potential in him and selected him in the fourth round of the 2004 draft. Allen went on to become one of the best pass rushers in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and being named a first-team All-Pro four times.
Richard Sherman - 5th Round, 154th Overall, Seattle Seahawks (2011) Richard Sherman was not a highly-touted prospect coming out of Stanford University, but the Seattle Seahawks saw potential in him and selected him in the fifth round of the 2011 draft. Sherman quickly established himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the league, earning five Pro Bowl selections and helping the Seahawks win Super Bowl XLVIII.
These players prove that luck is just as much a part of the NFL Draft as scouting is.
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