The NFL Draft is one big game of poker. You’ve got scouts bluffing, GMs sweating, and fans praying their team doesn’t take a punter in the second round. But every once in a while, a franchise hits the jackpot and finds a future Hall of Famer, MVP, or franchise cornerstone—sometimes even outside of Round 1.
This list celebrates those all-time draft steals, value picks, and era-defining decisions. From no-doubters taken at the top to late-round legends no one saw coming, these are the 25 greatest NFL draft picks of all time.
25. Calvin Johnson – 2007, 2nd Overall
When you pick someone nicknamed “Megatron,” you’re expecting greatness, and Johnson delivered. Even in retirement, his dominance still echoes through highlight reels.
24. Troy Polamalu – 2003, 16th Overall
The Steelers traded up to get him, and it was worth every inch of draft capital. His hair wasn’t just iconic—his instincts were even more electric.
23. Marshall Faulk – 1994, 2nd Overall
Faulk was the ultimate dual-threat weapon before it was trendy. The Colts landed a future MVP and Super Bowl champ who helped redefine the running back position.
22. Emmitt Smith – 1990, 17th Overall
Drafting the NFL’s all-time leading rusher at 17 is a flex. He was the heartbeat of the Cowboys dynasty and just wouldn’t go down.
21. Randy Moss – 1998, 21st Overall
Moss made 20 teams look silly for passing on him. The Vikings got the best deep threat in history, and the rest of the league got torched.
20. Patrick Mahomes – 2017, 10th Overall
Kansas City traded up, ignored the “raw” label, and walked away with a generational quarterback. Not bad for a kid, some thought wouldn’t pan out.
19. Russell Wilson – 2012, 75th Overall
Third-round quarterbacks aren’t supposed to become Super Bowl champions. But Wilson shattered expectations, and then some.
18. Ray Lewis – 1996, 26th Overall
The Ravens’ very first draft included a linebacker who would become the face of the franchise. Talk about setting a tone from day one.
17. Larry Allen – 1994, 46th Overall
The Cowboys plucked one of the strongest humans to ever play the game in Round 2. He made pancaking grown men look like a hobby.
16. Jason Taylor – 1997, 73rd Overall
A third-round pick who terrorized quarterbacks for over a decade. Taylor gave the Dolphins a Hall of Fame pass-rusher on a bargain deal.
15. Terrell Davis – 1995, 196th Overall
Taken in the sixth round, Davis turned into a two-time Super Bowl champ and league MVP. Not too shabby for pick 196.
14. Joe Greene – 1969, 4th Overall
“Mean” Joe Greene became the face of Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain. He was the foundation of a dynasty and the toughest guy on the field.
13. Rob Gronkowski – 2010, 42nd Overall
Injury concerns dropped him to the second round. The Patriots snagged the most dominant tight end ever and threw a decade-long party.
12. Johnny Unitas – 1955, 102nd Overall
Drafted in the ninth round, cut by the Steelers, and scooped up by the Colts for peanuts. He turned into a legend and helped define modern quarterbacking.
11. Walter Payton – 1975, 4th Overall
“Sweetness” wasn’t just a nickname, it was a vibe. The Bears got one of the most graceful and beloved players of all time.
10. Dan Marino – 1983, 27th Overall
Five other quarterbacks went before him, and the Dolphins didn’t overthink it. Marino gave Miami a rocket arm and a seat at the table for years.
9. Aaron Rodgers – 2005, 24th Overall
Rodgers had to wait in the green room, but Green Bay didn’t panic. One MVP-caliber career later, it looks like patience really does pay off.
8. Deacon Jones – 1961, 186th Overall
The man who invented the term “sack” was taken in the 14th round. That’s not a typo—just a huge draft day steal.
7. Jerry Rice – 1985, 16th Overall
Bill Walsh saw something the other 15 teams didn’t. Rice ended up being the greatest wide receiver the league has ever seen.
6. Roger Staubach – 1964, 129th Overall
Drafted in the 10th round and delayed by a Navy service commitment, Staubach was worth the wait. He became “Captain America” for the Cowboys and delivered two Super Bowl titles while defining clutch play in the ’70s.
5. Barry Sanders – 1989, 3rd Overall
One of the most electrifying runners in history was somehow the third pick. The Lions may not have won much, but Barry gave fans a reason to watch.
4. Peyton Manning – 1998, 1st Overall
Sometimes the obvious pick is also the smartest one. Peyton brought two Super Bowls, five MVPs, and a whole lot of forehead to the league.
3. Lawrence Taylor – 1981, 2nd Overall
LT didn’t just play linebacker—he reinvented it. The Giants drafted a defensive wrecking ball who changed how offenses operate forever.
Read More: The 20 Most Genius NFL Quarterback Draft Picks, Ranked
2. Joe Montana – 1979, 82nd Overall
A third-rounder with ice in his veins, Montana defined clutch. Four Super Bowls later, it’s clear the 49ers struck gold.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Biggest Steals of the 2025 NFL Draft
1. Tom Brady – 2000, 199th Overall
You knew he was coming. Sixth round, nearly passed over entirely, and still ended up with seven rings and the GOAT title.
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