The NFL Draft is one of the most highly anticipated events in the world of sports. It is a time when teams have the opportunity to select the best young talent in the country and add them to their rosters. With the draft just over a month away, it’s time to start getting excited and diving into draft season.
The first round of the draft always receives the most attention, and for good reason. This is where the top prospects are selected and where teams have the chance to make a big impact on their future. However, it’s important to remember that great players can be found in every round of the draft. In fact, some of the best players in NFL history were drafted outside of the first round.
Let’s take a look at the best NFL player ever drafted in each round.
First Round: Jerry Rice
It’s no surprise that the best player ever drafted in the first round is Jerry Rice. Widely considered the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, 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’s work ethic and dedication to the game made him a true standout and a role model for future generations of players.
Second Round: Kevin Greene
The second round has produced some great players over the years, but none more dominant than Kevin Greene. The linebacker was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 113th overall pick in the 1985 draft. He went on to play for four different teams during his 15-year career and was a five-time Pro Bowler. Greene was known for his ferocious pass-rushing abilities and finished his career with an impressive 160 sacks.
Third Round: Shannon Sharpe
Selected by the Denver Broncos with the 192nd overall pick in the 1990 draft, Shannon Sharpe is widely considered one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. He played 14 seasons in the league, mostly with the Broncos, and was a key part of their back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998. Sharpe was a seven-time Pro Bowler and finished his career with over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns.
Fourth Round: Kurt Warner
Kurt Warner’s journey to the NFL is one of the most inspiring stories in sports. After going undrafted in 1994, Warner played in the Arena Football League and NFL Europe before finally getting his chance with the St. Louis Rams in 1998. He went on to lead the Rams to a Super Bowl victory in 1999 and was named the league’s MVP twice. Warner finished his career with over 32,000 passing yards and 208 touchdowns.
Fifth Round: Tom Brady
Arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, Tom Brady was selected by the New England Patriots with the 199th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He has gone on to win six Super Bowls with the Patriots and has set numerous records along the way. Brady’s work ethic and determination have made him a true legend in the game and he continues to play at a high level even at 43 years old.
Sixth Round: Terrell Davis
Terrell Davis was a late-round gem for the Denver Broncos, who selected him with the 196th overall pick in the 1995 draft. He quickly became the team’s starting running back and helped lead them to back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998. Davis was a three-time Pro Bowler and was named the league’s MVP in 1998. He finished his career with over 7,600 rushing yards and 60 touchdowns.
Seventh Round: Shannon Sharpe (again)
Shannon Sharpe makes the list again, this time as the best player ever drafted in the seventh round. After being selected by the Broncos in the third round, Sharpe was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in 2000. He played a key role in the Ravens’ Super Bowl win in 2001 and finished his career with over 10,000 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns.
The NFL Draft is a time for teams to build for the future and find the next generation of superstars. While the first round may get all the hype, it’s important to remember that great players can be found in every round.
