The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting events in the world of football. It is a time when teams have the opportunity to build their future and fans eagerly await to see who their team will select. With the draft just over a month away, it’s time to start gearing up for the big day. In fact, we are now closer to the draft than we are to the Super Bowl, which means it’s time to really dive into draft season.
While the first round of the draft receives all the hype and media attention, it’s important not to overlook the later rounds. Some of the greatest players in NFL history have been drafted in the later rounds, and they have gone on to have incredible careers. So let’s take a look at some of the best NFL players ever drafted in each round.
First Round – Jerry Rice
It’s no surprise that the greatest wide receiver in NFL history was drafted in the first round. Jerry Rice was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 16th overall pick in the 1985 draft. He went on to have a legendary career, setting numerous records and winning three Super Bowls with the 49ers. Rice is widely considered to be the greatest player in NFL history, and his success is a testament to the importance of the first round in the draft.
Second Round – Kevin Greene
Kevin Greene may not be a household name, but he is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the second round of the 1985 draft. Greene spent 15 years in the NFL, playing for four different teams and recording an impressive 160 sacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, solidifying his place as one of the best second-round picks in NFL history.
Third Round – Shannon Sharpe
Shannon Sharpe is another player who may not be as well-known as some of the other names on this list, but his impact on the game of football cannot be ignored. Sharpe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 1990 draft. He went on to have a stellar career, winning three Super Bowls and being named to the Pro Bowl eight times. Sharpe is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history and is a prime example of the talent that can be found in the third round of the draft.
Fourth Round – Richard Dent
Richard Dent was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fourth round of the 1983 draft. He went on to become one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, recording 137.5 sacks in his career. Dent was a key member of the legendary 1985 Bears defense that won the Super Bowl and is a testament to the importance of finding hidden gems in the later rounds of the draft.
Fifth Round – Tom Brady
Arguably the greatest quarterback in NFL history, Tom Brady was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round of the 2000 draft. He has gone on to win six Super Bowls, four Super Bowl MVP awards, and three regular-season MVP awards. Brady’s success is a testament to the fact that great players can be found in any round of the draft, not just the first.
Sixth Round – Terrell Davis
Terrell Davis was a sixth-round pick by the Denver Broncos in the 1995 draft. He went on to have a phenomenal career, rushing for over 7,000 yards and winning two Super Bowls. Davis was also named the NFL MVP in 1998 and is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. His success is a reminder that teams should never overlook the later rounds of the draft.
Seventh Round – Shannon Sharpe (again)
Yes, Shannon Sharpe makes the list twice. He was not only one of the best third-round picks, but he was also one of the best seventh-round picks. Sharpe was drafted by the Broncos in the seventh round of the 1990 draft and went on to have a Hall of Fame career, as mentioned earlier. This just goes to show that great players can be found in any round of the draft, and teams should never underestimate the talent that can be found in the later rounds.
In conclusion, the NFL Draft is an exciting and crucial event for teams and fans alike. While the first round gets all the attention, it’s important not to overlook the
