The NFL Draft is a breeding ground for future stars, and while first-round picks often grab the headlines, the second round has consistently provided teams with some of the most iconic players in football history.
Here’s a look at 15 of the best second-round picks of all time, players who not only exceeded expectations but also left an indelible mark on the game.
Larry Allen
The Dallas Cowboys struck gold with Larry Allen, who became one of the most dominant offensive linemen ever. An 11-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion, Allen’s strength and technique made him nearly unstoppable.
Thurman Thomas
The Buffalo Bills snagged a future Hall of Fame running back in Thurman Thomas. A key piece of the Bills’ four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, Thomas earned MVP honors in 1991 and ranks among the NFL’s all-time greats in all-purpose yards.
Jack Ham
A cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Steel Curtain defense, Jack Ham was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a six-time All-Pro. His ability to cover, tackle, and create turnovers helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in the 1970s.
Rob Gronkowski
Drafted by the New England Patriots, “Gronk” revolutionized the tight end position. A four-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, Gronkowski’s combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability made him a matchup nightmare.
Derrick Henry
The Tennessee Titans found a generational talent in Derrick Henry. A two-time NFL rushing champion and 2020 Offensive Player of the Year, Henry’s blend of power and speed makes him one of the most feared running backs in the game.
Dwight Stephenson
The Miami Dolphins selected Dwight Stephenson, who became one of the greatest centers in NFL history. A five-time Pro Bowler, Stephenson’s leadership and skill anchored the Dolphins’ offensive line during their dominant 1980s run.
Isaac Bruce
Isaac Bruce, a key piece of the “Greatest Show on Turf” St. Louis Rams, was one of the most reliable wide receivers in NFL history. A Super Bowl champion and a Hall of Famer, Bruce ranks among the all-time leaders in receiving yards.
Brian Dawkins
The Philadelphia Eagles landed a defensive powerhouse in Brian Dawkins. Known for his ferocity and leadership, the nine-time Pro Bowler earned a place in the Hall of Fame and remains a beloved figure in Philadelphia.
Drew Brees
Selected by the San Diego Chargers, Drew Brees revitalized his career with the New Orleans Saints. Brees retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards and completions and delivered a Super Bowl victory to New Orleans.
Lance Alworth
Drafted in the AFL’s second round by the San Diego Chargers, Lance Alworth was the first AFL player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known as “Bambi” for his graceful style, Alworth was a seven-time All-AFL selection.
Dan Dierdorf
The St. Louis Cardinals selected Dan Dierdorf, who became one of the premier offensive tackles of his era. A six-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Dierdorf was a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ offensive line.
Brett Favre
Drafted by the Atlanta Falcons before being traded to the Green Bay Packers, Brett Favre became one of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history. A three-time MVP and Super Bowl champion, Favre’s ironman streak of 297 consecutive starts is legendary.
Read More: Top 14 Best Seventh-Round NFL Draft Picks of All Time
LeRoy Butler
LeRoy Butler, drafted by the Green Bay Packers, revolutionized the safety position and invented the Lambeau Leap. A four-time All-Pro, Butler was instrumental in the Packers’ Super Bowl XXXI victory and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
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Anquan Boldin
Anquan Boldin made an immediate impact as a rookie with the Arizona Cardinals, setting records and earning Offensive Rookie of the Year. A Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler, Boldin’s toughness and clutch performances defined his career.
Read More: The 30 Best Draft Picks in the History of the NFL
Michael Strahan
The New York Giants landed one of the league’s most dominant defensive ends in Michael Strahan. His single-season sack record (22.5) and leadership during the Giants’ Super Bowl XLII upset of the Patriots cement his legacy.
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