The NFL Draft is a spectacle full of first-round hype and endless predictions, but sometimes, the best stories come from way down the board. These guys weren’t the most talked-about names on draft weekend, but went on to build unforgettable careers anyway.
Whether drafted in the late rounds or almost missed being drafted, these players defied expectations and rewrote what it means to be a “sleeper pick.” They didn’t just prove people wrong—they became legends.
15. Shannon Sharpe
Drafted as a long shot out of a small school, Sharpe became one of the best tight ends ever. He also became one of the most entertaining voices in football after he retired.
14. Donald Driver
The driver came from an adverse background and entered the Packers’ record books. His consistency and work ethic made him a fan favorite in Green Bay.
13. Marques Colston
Colston appeared in New Orleans and immediately became Drew Brees’ go-to guy. Not bad for a seventh-round pick out of Hofstra.
12. Chris Carson
Carson ran with power and purpose, becoming a key piece of Seattle’s offense. Injuries eventually slowed him down, but he overachieved his draft slot.
11. Alfred Morris
Morris exploded onto the scene as a rookie in Washington and never looked back. His old-school running style worked like a charm.
10. Matt Birk
Birk anchored the offensive line for years in Minnesota and Baltimore. He turned a low-profile pick into a Pro Bowl career.
9. Antonio Brown
Off-field drama aside, Brown was one of the most unstoppable receivers in the league for nearly a decade. That’s not bad for a guy who was taken after 194 other players.
8. Terrell Davis
T.D. went from a special-teams afterthought to Super Bowl MVP. He helped define Denver’s back-to-back title runs in the late ’90s.
7. Hines Ward
Okay, not super late, but still not a first-rounder—and he played like one. Ward was as tough as they come and a crucial part of Pittsburgh’s identity.
6. Jared Allen
Allen brought relentless energy and a cowboy persona to the pass rush. He piled up sacks and played with a chip on his shoulder the size of a bison.
5. Richard Sherman
Sherman wasn’t just great—he was loudly great. A fifth-round pick who helped build the Legion of Boom and backed it up every Sunday.
4. Zach Thomas
People said he was too small and too slow. Then he made seven Pro Bowls and landed in the Hall of Fame.
3. Jason Kelce
Kelce became the heart and soul of the Eagles’ offensive line. Also, there are legendary parade speeches and an unmatched beard game.
2. George Kittle
Kittle blocks like a lineman and runs like a receiver, all while bringing WWE-level hype to every play. San Francisco found a gem, and then some.
Read More: 10 Most Ruthless Base Stealers in MLB History
1. Tom Brady
The ultimate late-round legend. Pick 199 turned into the most decorated quarterback in NFL history—good luck ever topping that story.
Read More: 15 NFL Teams That Completely Wasted a Franchise QB
