Top 10 Best NFL Players Not Drafted in 1st Round
This is an ode to those players whose names were not called amongst the initial flurry of top college prospects, but who, through sheer grit, determination, and skill, managed to cement their places among the league's finest. Think of this as a testament to the ones who weren't handed the limelight immediately but fought for it, demonstrating that a lower draft pick is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to leave a legacy that lasts.
Tom Brady, one of the NFL's most storied players, was famously selected during the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. Brady's incredible career includes multiple Super Bowl wins, proving that draft position isn't always indicative of future success. Greatest QB ever to play the game of football. As of 2013, he has led the New England Patriots to 5 Super Bowls, winning 3. He was the Super Bowl MVP in 2 of the 3 Super Bowl wins. He has been elected to 8 Pro Bowls and holds the NFL record for most touchdown passes in a single season with 50. He has the most playoff wins of any player ever, with 17. He has the longest consecutive winning streak ever, with 21 consecutive games. He led his team to the first undefeated season since the institution of 16 regular season games.
He has won 2 NFL MVP awards and was Athlete of the Year in 2007. He is also the first QB to lead his team to 10 divisional titles. He has countless other awards and titles, but this is getting too long. All of this, and he was drafted in the 6th round!?
Joe Montana was picked during the 3rd round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Despite this, Montana led his team to multiple Super Bowl victories, cementing his status as one of the all-time greats. Apparently, in scouting reports, he was called "cocky" and that "he lacked the tools for an NFL quarterback." Well, here we are in 2017, still gazing at his achievements, and, hey, I know it was the draft stock, but, really? Third round?!
I don't like the 49ers, but how is Joe Montana not number 1?
Brett Favre, a name synonymous with resilience and longevity, was chosen in the 2nd round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. Favre, however, found his greatest success after a trade to the Green Bay Packers, where he set numerous records and secured a Super Bowl win. Drafted by the Falcons, traded to Green Bay, sat behind "The Magic Man," got a lucky starting spot, and took the Green Bay Packers to their first Super Bowl since '67. Got into a car accident, rehabbed, and held more passing records than any QB in NFL history. Definitely the greatest at his position, no doubt!
Didn't pronounce his name right on draft day.
Fran Tarkenton, the scrambling virtuoso, was taken in the 3rd round of the 1961 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings. With his unique playstyle, Tarkenton had a standout career and guided his team to three Super Bowl appearances.
Johnny Unitas, a name revered in NFL circles, was picked in the 9th round of the 1955 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, his successful career unfolded with the Baltimore Colts, where he became a key figure in shaping the modern quarterback role.
Kurt Warner, undrafted in 1994, eventually found his footing in the NFL with the St. Louis Rams. He led them to two Super Bowls, winning one and earning two NFL MVP awards along the way.
Terrell Davis, the Denver Broncos' stalwart running back, was picked in the 6th round of the 1995 NFL Draft. Despite being overlooked initially, Davis put together a Hall of Fame career and won two Super Bowls with the Broncos. Terrell Davis was one of the few RBs to get over 2000 yards in a season. He may go to the Football Hall of Fame!
Steve Young, a Hall of Fame quarterback, was not a 1st round NFL Draft pick. He initially began his professional football career in the United States Football League, before transitioning to the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later the San Francisco 49ers where he achieved great success.
Terrell Owens, a game-changing wide receiver, was a 3rd round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. Owens had an illustrious career marked by great performances and a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Deacon Jones, a fearsome defensive end known for coining the term 'sack,' was a 14th round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1961. Despite his late selection, Jones had an impactful career and revolutionized the defensive play.
The Newcomers
Randle is the second-biggest bargain of all time. He wasn't drafted but was signed as an afterthought by Atlanta as a free agent after the draft. He was then cut and picked up by Minnesota, where he turned into an unstoppable force wherever he lined up along the defensive line. Hall of Famer.
Antonio Brown, a premier wide receiver in the league, was a 6th round selection in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite his later selection, Brown has had a highly productive career and is considered one of the best receivers in the league.
Thurman Thomas, a dynamic running back, was a 2nd round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft by the Buffalo Bills. Known for his versatility, Thomas was instrumental in the Bills' four consecutive Super Bowl appearances.
Steve Largent, chosen in the 4th round of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Houston Oilers, made a name for himself with the Seattle Seahawks. Despite his late selection, Largent retired as the NFL's all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
Actually, Ray Guy is the only punter ever drafted in the first round (not counting two-way players or kicker hybrids).
Bro, this guy is a beast. He has NEVER had a punt returned for a touchdown in his whole career!
Adam Vinatieri, one of the most clutch kickers in NFL history, went undrafted in 1996. He then signed with the New England Patriots, where he won multiple Super Bowls and hit some of the most significant kicks in NFL history.
Russell Wilson, the dynamic quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks, was selected in the 3rd round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Despite his initial draft position, Wilson has proven himself as one of the elite quarterbacks in the league.
Richard Sherman, a shutdown cornerback, was a 5th round selection in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. Despite being overlooked, Sherman quickly established himself as a dominant defensive presence in the NFL.
Best kick returner EVER! How is he not on this list? He already nearly broke the most kick returns in a career record in only 3 years! The current record holder played for at least 7 years.
Bart Starr, the legendary Green Bay Packers quarterback, was picked in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft. Starr, a late-round gem, would lead the Packers to multiple championships, including the first two Super Bowls.
Roger Staubach, a standout quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, was actually a 10th round pick in the 1964 NFL Draft. His on-field success, including multiple Super Bowl appearances, demonstrated his immense talent and leadership. Staubach was drafted in round 10, pick 129, and is in the Hall of Fame. He made it to six Pro Bowls and was a two-time Super Bowl champion.
Kam Chancellor, a dominant strong safety, was a 5th round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks. His physical style of play was instrumental in the Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" defense that led them to a Super Bowl victory.
Dak Prescott, the Dallas Cowboys' current starting quarterback, was chosen in the 4th round of the 2016 NFL Draft. Prescott quickly rose to prominence and has proven to be one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the league.
Julian Edelman, a notable wide receiver and return specialist, was a 7th round pick by the New England Patriots in 2009. Edelman became a key player in the Patriots' offensive system and played a crucial role in multiple Super Bowl wins.