In the NFL draft, finding value is key. Every team hopes to strike gold and discover talent that exceeds expectations to propel their franchise forward. Draft-day steals showcase the importance of scouting and player development in building successful teams.
This article takes a closer look at each NFL team's best value pick in draft history. From late-round finds to overlooked prospects, these selections represent the epitome of surpassing expectations. As teams gear up for this year’s draft, they’ll be eager to uncover their next hidden gem, hoping to make a pick that will go down in history.
Arizona Cardinals
Aeneus Williams, Cornerback
Drafted: Round 3, No. 59, 1991
Aeneas Williams, drafted by the Phoenix Cardinals in 1991, became an iconic figure in the franchise’s history. As an eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time first-team All-Pro, his 46 interceptions during his tenure with the Cardinals showcased his dominance as a cornerback. Williams’ clutch performances, including his crucial interceptions in playoff games, established his legacy as one of the greatest players in Arizona Cardinals history and earned him a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Atlanta Falcons
Grady Jarrett, Defensive tackle
Drafted: Round 5, No. 137 (2015)
Grady Jarrett has been a standout in the NFL, with 93 games and 78 starts under his belt. He's recorded 300 tackles, including 25.5 sacks, 51 tackles for loss, and numerous quarterback hits. He tied an NFL record with three sacks in Super Bowl LI. Since his rookie year in 2015, he's consistently showcased his talent, making him a formidable force in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
Ray Lewis, Linebacker
Drafted: Round 1, No. 26 (1996)
Ray Lewis became the heart and soul of the Ravens’ defense for 17 seasons. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, a 13-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. While Lewis wasn’t chosen as early as anticipated in the draft, mainly due to concerns about his size, he transcended expectations and created a legacy as one of the best in NFL history and an iconic figure of his era.
Buffalo Bills
Thurman Thomas, Running back
Drafted: Round 2, No. 40 (1988)
Thurman Thomas swiftly rose to prominence as one of the league’s premier running backs. He boasted eight seasons with more than 1,000 rushing yards and four seasons with more than 500 receiving yards. From 1989 to 1993, Thomas earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections, First and Second All-Pro Team honors, and secured the NFL MVP title in 1991. Thomas remained with the Bills for more than a decade, uncommon for a running back, further solidifying his status as a Bills legend.
Carolina Panthers
Steve Smith, Wide receiver
Drafted: Round 3, No. 71 (2001)
Selected in the third round of the 2001 NFL Draft, Steve Smith quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in the league. He holds multiple franchise records through his 13 seasons with the Panthers, including career receiving yards (12,197), receiving touchdowns (67), and total touchdowns (75). Earning Pro Bowl honors five times, Smith concluded his 16-year career sitting eighth on the NFL’s all-time receiving yards list at the time of his retirement.
Chicago Bears
Richard Dent, Defensive end
Drafted: Round 8, No. 203 (1983)
Richard Dent’s journey mirrors a transformation from obscurity to greatness. Drafted as an eighth-round pick out of Tennessee State, defensive end Richard Dent exceeded all expectations upon joining the Bears. In 1985, Dent’s dominance knew no bounds, amassing 17 sacks, seven forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions. He earned the MVP of Super Bowl XX, helping secure Chicago’s sole Super Bowl triumph in history.
Cincinnati Bengals
Boomer Esiason, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 2, No. 38 (1984)
Boomer Esiason embarked on a remarkable 14-year NFL career with the Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals. He finished with 2,969 completions, 247 touchdowns, and 37,920 yards, four Pro Bowl selections, and an MVP in 1988. Beyond the field, his philanthropic efforts earned him the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 1995, reflecting his commitment to making a difference through the Boomer Esiason Foundation.
Cleveland Browns
Ozzie Newsome, Tight end
Drafted: Round 1, No. 23 (1978)
Ozzie Newsome, "Wizard of Oz," had a remarkable 13-season career with the Cleveland Browns from 1978 to 1990. As a tight end, he became the leading receiver in NFL history at his position, amassing 662 receptions for 7,980 yards and 47 touchdowns. He was a key player in the Browns’ offensive success, helping lead them to three AFC championship showdowns. Newsome was recognized for his leadership and consistency, earning multiple All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections. Off the field, he was honored for his community service, receiving awards such as the NFL Players Association Whizzer White Award.
Dallas Cowboys
Roger Staubach, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 10, No. 129 (1964)
Roger Staubach is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Although he was drafted in the 10th round with the 129th overall pick in the 1964 NFL Draft, Staubach beat the odds to become a legendary figure in football. His career with the Cowboys from 1969 to 1979 was marked by numerous accomplishments, including leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and earning the nickname "Captain Comeback" for his ability to create late-game rallies, as he orchestrated 23 fourth-quarter comeback victories, with 14 of them occurring in the final two minutes of regulation or during overtime.
Denver Broncos
Shannon Sharpe, Tight end
Drafted: Round 7, No. 192 (1990)
Shannon Sharpe changed the game for what it means to be a tight end. Sharpe was the first tight end to surpass 10,000 receiving yards, earning recognition with four All-Pro first-team selections and securing victory in two Super Bowls. To this day, his remarkable 96-yard touchdown catch during the 2000 AFC Championship game stands as the longest in NFL postseason history.
Detroit Lions
Joe Schmidt, Linebacker
Drafted: Round 7, No. 85 (1953)
Joe Schmidt played linebacker for the Lions in the NFL for 13 seasons, winning two championships in 1953 and 1957. Schmidt was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors multiple times. He was also voted the NFL's most valuable defensive player in 1960 and 1963, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973. Later, Schmidt coached the Lions from 1967 to 1972, achieving a record of 43-34-7.
Green Bay Packers
Bart Starr, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 17, No. 200 (1956)
Bart Starr showcased exceptional leadership and precision passing throughout his time with the Green Bay Packers. Renowned for his ability to excel under pressure, Starr led the Packers to five NFL championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls, both of which he was named MVP. Starr’s legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time is highlighted by his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977.
Houston Texans
J.J. Watt, Defensive end
Drafted: Round 1, No. 11 (2011)
J.J. Watt quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier defensive ends. Known for his relentless play and versatility, Watt earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards and five All-Pro selections during his career with the Texans and the Arizona Cardinals. Off the field, Watt’s philanthropy and community engagement endeared him to fans, solidifying his status as a true leader in the NFL.
Indianapolis Colts
T.Y. Hilton, Wide receiver
Drafted: Round 3, No. 92 (2012)
Following an impressive rookie season with 861 receiving yards, T.Y. Hilton ascended to the top receiver position on the team following veteran Reggie Wayne. Hilton surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in four consecutive seasons, even leading the league in this category in 2016. Throughout his career, Hilton earned four Pro Bowl selections.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Maurice Jones-Drew, Running back
Drafted: Round 2, No. 60 (2006)
Maurice Jones-Drew, or "MJD," had a nine-season career in the NFL. He enjoyed a successful career highlighted by three Pro Bowl selections and leading the NFL in rushing yards in 2011. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the Jaguars before joining the Oakland Raiders for his final season in 2014.
Kansas City Chiefs
Will Shields, Offensive guard
Drafted: Round 3, No. 74 (1993)
Will Shields, a powerful 6-foot-3, 320-pound guard from Nebraska, joined the Chiefs in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft. He quickly solidified his place in the starting lineup, never missing a game throughout his 14-season career. Shields' leadership and consistency were instrumental in the Chiefs' success, earning him 12 Pro Bowl selections and numerous All-Pro honors. His impact on the field helped the Chiefs secure division titles and field potent offenses, making him one of the most revered players in franchise history.
Las Vegas Raiders
Howie Long, Defensive end
Drafted: Round 2, No. 48 (1981)
Howie Long was drafted by the Raiders one year after they secured victory in Super Bowl XV. Known for his speed and strength, Long garnered eight Pro Bowl selections, the second defensive lineman from the Raiders to earn a Pro Bowl selection. His impact, with 84 career sacks, defined his place in NFL history, and he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Los Angeles Chargers
Rod Martin, Linebacker
Drafted: Round 12, No. 307 (1977)
Drafted in the 12th round, Rod Martin proved to be the defensive backbone for the Chargers. Despite his late-round selection, Martin quickly became a force to be reckoned with on the field. His tenacity, skill, and leadership made him a cornerstone of the Chargers’ defense for years to come.
Los Angeles Rams
Aaron Donald, Defensive tackle
Drafted: Round 1, No. 13 (2014)
Aaron Donald finished his decade-long career with 111 sacks, a testament to his dominant presence on the field. Donald’s impact earned him eight first-team All-Pro selections, three Defensive Player of the Year awards, and a Super Bowl LVI ring. His relentless pursuit of excellence and unmatched skill set solidified his status as one of the most dominant defensive players of his generation, if not of all time.
Miami Dolphins
Zach Thomas, Linebacker
Drafted: Round 5, No. 154 (1996)
Zach Thomas’s exceptional instincts, relentless pursuit of the ball, and leadership qualities made him the heart and soul of the Dolphins’ defense for more than a decade. Although he wasn’t the biggest guy on the field, his football IQ always had him in the right spot. In his 12-year Dolphins career, he led the team in tackles for 10 seasons and recorded more than 100 tackles in each of his first 11 seasons. He was the first player in Dolphins’ history to win the Leadership Award (which is awarded by teammates) on three occasions, underscoring his contribution both on and off the field.
Minnesota Vikings
Matt Birk, Center
Drafted: Round 6, No. 173 (1998)
During his 11-year tenure with the Vikings, Matt Birk made six Pro Bowls, confirming his status as a standout performer. Departing for the Baltimore Ravens in 2009, Birk continued to excel both on and off the field, earning recognition as the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year just two years later. His career culminated with a Super Bowl XLVII victory in 2013 before retiring from the game, leaving a lasting legacy with the teams he represented.
New England Patriots
Tom Brady, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 6, No. 199 (2000)
This one is easy. Tom Brady: GOAT. Drafted in the sixth round as the 199th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Brady’s selection by the Patriots marked the beginning of a football legend. Despite being initially overlooked in the draft, Brady’s unmatched determination, leadership, and sheer talent propelled him to greatness. Throughout his illustrious career with the Patriots, he rewrote the record books, leading the team to an unprecedented six Super Bowl victories and earning four Super Bowl MVP honors. Brady’s legacy as the greatest quarterback of all time cements his status as the ultimate draft steal in Patriots history. He went on to win a seventh Super Bowl in Tampa.
New Orleans Saints
Jahri Evans, Guard
Drafted: Round 4, No. 108 (2006)
Despite coming from a small college, Jahri Evans quickly established himself as a dominant force on the offensive line. He became a mainstay for the Saints, earning six First-Team All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl nods during his impressive career. Evans played a crucial role in the Saints’ Super Bowl XLIV victory and is widely regarded as one of the top guards in NFL history.
New York Giants
Roosevelt Brown, Offensive tackle
Drafted: Round 27, No. 321 (1953)
Despite his youth and inexperience after being selected in the 27th round, Roosevelt Brown impressed many with his size, strength, and dedication. He became the team’s starting left offensive tackle for 13 seasons, showcasing his skill as a pass blocker and opening holes for the running game. Brown played a crucial role in the Giants’ success, earning numerous accolades including eight All-NFL selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances. His standout performance in the 1956 NFL Championship Game solidified his place in football history, leading to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
New York Jets
Darrelle Revis, Cornerback
Drafted: Round 1, No. 14 (2007)
Darrelle Revis is renowned as one of the most shutdown cornerbacks in NFL history. Two years after he was drafted, “Revis Island,” as he came to be known, anchored the Jets’ defense to become the top-ranked unit in the league. With his exceptional coverage skills, ball-hawking ability, and knack for shutting down opposing wide receivers, Revis earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors during his career.
Philadelphia Eagles
Clyde Simmons, Defensive end
Drafted: Round 9, No. 233 (1986)
Clyde Simmons was a towering figure on the defensive line. Even though he was drafted in the ninth round of the 1986 NFL Draft, he defied the odds to become a powerhouse. In 1991, Simmons played a crucial role as the Eagles boasted the top-ranked defense in the NFL across all categories, including overall yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, and passing yards allowed, making the Eagles just the fifth team in NFL history to achieve this distinction.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Antonio Brown, Wide receiver
Drafted: Round 6, No. 195 (2010)
Antonio Brown stands out as one of the most dynamic wide receivers in NFL history. His exceptional route-running and game-breaking speed propelled him to seven Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors. Brown’s impact on the Steelers’ offense was undeniable, as he accumulated 11,263 receiving yards and 75 touchdown receptions during his tenure with the team.
San Francisco 49ers
Joe Montana, Quarterback
Drafted: Round 3, No. 82 (1979)
Joe Montana is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Selected in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft, Montana exceeded all expectations, leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and earning three Super Bowl MVP awards. Montana finished his illustrious career with 40,551 passing yards and 273 touchdown passes. His clutch performances, leadership, and unparalleled success make him one of the most iconic figures in football history.
Seattle Seahawks
Richard Sherman, Cornerback
Drafted: Round 5, No. 154 (2011)
Despite being chosen relatively late, Richard Sherman developed into one of the premier cornerbacks in the league and a cornerstone of the Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” defense. His exceptional play, leadership, and performances were instrumental in the team's success, including their Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl XLVIII. Throughout his 11-year career with the Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sherman compiled an impressive stat line, totaling 385 solo tackles, 110 assists, 7 fumble recoveries, and 37 interceptions, underscoring his status as one of the most dominant defensive backs of his era.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Derrick Brooks, Linebacker
Drafted: Round 1, No. 28 (1995)
Brooks was selected by Tampa Bay to help fix a leaky defense that had faced challenges for more than a decade. Throughout his 14-season career, he never missed a game, solidifying his vital role in what became renowned as one of the NFL’s premier defenses. Brooks was a six-time All-Pro selection and earned All-NFC honors on eight occasions. Additionally, his stellar performance earned him a place on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Tennessee Titans
Bruce Matthews, Guard
Drafted: Round 1, No. 9 (1983)
Matthews started his NFL career as a guard and secured a starting position on the team's offensive line by his second game. Matthews went on to play every position along the Oilers/Titans offensive line throughout his career. Regarded as one of the premier offensive linemen in NFL history, Matthews earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007, achieving this honor in his first year of eligibility following his illustrious 19-year career with the Oilers/Titans franchise. By retirement, Matthews had participated in 296 NFL games, surpassing all non-kickers in league history.
Washington Commanders
Darrell Green, Cornerback
Drafted: Round 1, No. 28 (1983)
Picked as the final player in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Green made an immediate impact. In his very first touch of the ball, during a preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons, he electrified by returning a punt 61 yards for a touchdown. He was known as one of the fastest players in the NFL for his 20-year NFL career, entirely in Washington, and was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time Super Bowl champion.
