Not every franchise-altering player comes with a top-five pick and a red carpet welcome. Sometimes, the most game-changing talents come from the later rounds, overlooked by most and doubted by many—until they turn into cornerstones, legends, or outright dynasties.
These steals didn’t just outperform expectations—they helped reshape entire franchises. From hidden gems to future Hall of Famers, these are the 15 NFL draft picks that proved value can show up long after the big names are off the board.
15. Stefon Diggs – 5th Round, 2015
Diggs slid down the board but became one of the most dangerous receivers in football. He gave Minnesota a miracle and helped turn Buffalo into a legit contender.
14. Jason Kelce – 6th Round, 2011
Kelce became the heartbeat of the Eagles’ offensive line for over a decade. That’s a serious upgrade from sixth-rounder to Super Bowl champ and future Hall of Famer.
13. Antonio Brown – 6th Round, 2010
Before things went sideways, Brown was one of the most dominant receivers in the game. Pittsburgh turned a Day 3 flier into a Hall of Fame-level talent for several seasons.
12. Justin Jefferson – 22nd Overall, 2020
He wasn’t precisely a late-round pick, but Jefferson wasn’t even the first receiver taken that year. He quickly proved that every team that passed on him made a mistake.
11. Jahri Evans – 4th Round, 2006
Evans became a pillar on the Saints’ offensive line and helped keep Drew Brees upright for years. Not bad for a guy from a Division II school.
10. Amon-Ra St. Brown – 4th Round, 2021
He entered the league with a chip on his shoulder and hasn’t taken it off since. The Lions got a star playmaker in the fourth round who’s already breaking records.
9. Kam Chancellor – 5th Round, 2010
Chancellor brought the boom to Seattle’s “Legion of Boom.” His physical presence and leadership were essential to the Seahawks’ rise.
8. Terrell Davis – 6th Round, 1995
Davis didn’t just make the team—he carried the Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl wins. He went from overlooked to unstoppable in record time.
7. George Kittle – 5th Round, 2017
Kittle’s toughness, athleticism, and blocking made him a cornerstone in San Francisco. He became one of the league’s most complete tight ends and a fan favorite.
6. Fred Warner – 3rd Round, 2018
Warner flew under the radar during the draft but now anchors one of the NFL’s best defenses. He’s become the gold standard for modern linebackers.
5. Russell Wilson – 3rd Round, 2012
Teams passed on him because of his height, but Wilson quickly made them regret it. He brought Seattle a Super Bowl and became the face of the franchise for nearly a decade.
4. Dak Prescott – 4th Round, 2016
Dallas missed their early QB targets but hit the jackpot with Dak. He took over as a rookie and hasn’t looked back.
3. Richard Sherman – 5th Round, 2011
Sherman was doubted coming out of Stanford, but became the league’s top shutdown corner. His swagger and skill defined an era in Seattle.
2. Travis Kelce – 3rd Round, 2013
Kelce redefined the tight end position and became Patrick Mahomes’ favorite weapon. He’s been a nightmare for defenses and a blessing for fantasy teams ever since.
Read More: The Best 15 Base Stealers in MLB History
1. Tom Brady – 6th Round, 2000
You knew this was coming. Pick 199 turned into the greatest quarterback of all time and completely changed the trajectory of the Patriots—and the entire league.
Read More: 19 NFL First-Round Draft Busts That Nobody Saw Coming
