Finding a future star in the first round of the NFL draft is key to every team's roster-building success, but front office executives, coaches and scouts really love when they can land a premier talent in the later rounds. Look around the league today, and many of the best players waited until at least Day 2 of draft weekend to hear their names.
We set out to find the NFL's top draft steals of the past decade. Draft analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid each ranked their personal top 75, which we combined to form a final top 50 list. We had a few rules when considering players:
First-rounders weren't included, even if they were taken late on Day 1. Undrafted free agents were also excluded since the list would skew in that direction.
To qualify, a player must have been drafted at least 15 spots -- roughly half a round -- later than he should have been, and that's just the floor for the exercise.
There aren't any 2023 draft picks here -- they haven't even played a game yet! Only players drafted between 2013 and 2022 were eligible for our ranking.
Who ranks among the best value picks in recent years? Which teams tend to find top talent further down the board? And which pass-catcher ended up as the No. 1 draft steal of the past 10 years?
1. Travis Kelce, TE
Drafted: No. 63 in 2013 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Career stats: 814 receptions for 10,344 yards and 69 TDs in 10 seasons
When his career is over, we might be talking about Kelce as the greatest tight end of all time. After all, he has already proven himself as a dynamic, reliable No. 1 receiving option on a Super Bowl-winning team, and he has numbers to stack up with the best of the best. That's pretty good for a late-Round 2 pick who slipped in the draft because of a suspension at Cincinnati. Kelce's all-around game and presence as the Chiefs' No. 1 target put him right at the top of the list here. -- Miller
2. Tyreek Hill, WR
Drafted: No. 165 in 2016 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Career stats: 598 receptions for 8,340 yards and 63 TDs in seven seasons
Hill played both running back and receiver in college and showcased an explosive skill set. But he slid in the 2016 draft after he was arrested and accused of punching and choking his pregnant girlfriend. Oklahoma State dismissed him, and he wasn't even invited to the combine after heading to West Alabama. Many scouts thought he might go undrafted, but Kansas City ultimately took him in the fifth round. On the field, Hill scored 12 times as a rookie with the Chiefs and eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in Year 2. Now with the Dolphins, Hill continues to stress opponent defenses from any formational alignment. He can alter the outcome of a game in a single play. -- Reid
3. Davante Adams, WR
Drafted: No. 53 in 2014 (Green Bay Packers)
Career stats: 769 receptions for 9,637 yards and 87 TDs in nine seasons
Since entering the NFL from Fresno State, Adams has been a constant in the conversation for the league's best receiver. He has proven that great route-running and sticky hands are a winning recipe year in and year out, including in 2022 after being traded to the Raiders. In his first season without Aaron Rodgers, Adams caught 100 passes for 1,516 yards and 14 scores. NFL teams initially passed on Adams because of speed concerns, but that hasn't been an issue in the pros. -- Miller
4. Cooper Kupp, WR
Drafted: No. 69 in 2017 (Los Angeles Rams)
Career stats: 508 receptions for 6,329 yards and 46 TDs in six seasons
After running a 4.62-second 40-yard dash, many evaluators questioned whether Kupp had the speed necessary to survive long-term in the NFL. But the third-rounder quickly outplayed his draft slot and took on an expanded role during his third season. One of the best route runners in the league, Kupp has a natural feel and understanding of how to get open, no matter the coverage. A huge 2021 season (145 catches for 1,947 yards and 16 touchdowns) led him to AP Offensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl LVI MVP honors. -- Reid
5. Derrick Henry, RB
Drafted: No. 45 in 2016 (Tennessee Titans)
Career stats: 1,750 rushes for 8,335 yards and 78 TDs in seven seasons
Henry entered the NFL at a time when the big every-down back was a dying breed. He proved to be an exception, punishing defenses that continually trend smaller each year and rushing for over 2,000 yards in 2020. It remains to be seen if Henry's legacy will include changing the NFL long-term and keeping big backs en vogue, but as the most feared running back since Jerome Bettis, he has certainly changed the league during an epic seven-year run. -- Miller
6. Dak Prescott, QB
Drafted: No. 135 in 2016 (Dallas Cowboys)
Career stats: 24,943 passing yards with 166 TDs and 65 INTs (352 rushes for 1,642 yards and 26 TDs) in seven seasons
Questions about accuracy and footwork surrounded Prescott when he was coming out of Mississippi State, but very few midround signal-callers have made an immediate impact like Prescott did with the Cowboys. After a preseason injury to then-starter Tony Romo, Prescott claimed the job as a rookie and never looked back. The fourth-rounder was Dallas' first rookie starting quarterback since Quincy Carter in 2001, and he won Offensive Rookie of the Year along with helping the franchise secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC. -- Reid
7. Stefon Diggs, WR
Drafted: No. 146 in 2015 (Minnesota Vikings)
Career stats: 703 receptions for 8,812 yards and 59 TDs in eight seasons
Diggs came to Maryland as a highly touted recruit, but he struggled to break out as a Terrapin and battled injuries that pushed him down to Round 5 in the 2015 draft. But first with the Vikings and now with the Bills, Diggs has been that promising player as a pro. An explosive, dynamic threat with the ball in his hands, Diggs is an All-Pro-caliber receiver and a true WR1. He has never had fewer than 720 receiving yards in a season, is coming off his fifth-straight 1,000-yard campaign and led the NFL with 1,535 yards in 2020. -- Miller
8. George Kittle, TE
Drafted: No. 146 in 2017 (San Francisco 49ers)
Career stats: 395 receptions for 5,254 yards and 31 TDs in six seasons
Kittle is one of the best fifth-round picks and most versatile tight ends in NFL history. He was primarily known as a blocker coming out of Iowa. There wasn't much of a receiving sample size, yet it only took him two seasons to establish himself as a premiere offensive talent; he broke out for 88 catches, 1,377 receiving yards and 5 TDs in 2018. A staple of the Kyle Shanahan offensive attack, Kittle is not only a overwhelming presence in the run game but also the type of pass-catcher who can line up anywhere prior to the snap. -- Reid
Matt Miller breaks down the impressive number of wide receivers and tight ends among NFL draft steals over the past decade.
9. Fred Warner, LB
Drafted: No. 70 in 2018 (San Francisco 49ers)
Career stats: 633 tackles, 6.5 sacks and 4 interceptions in five seasons
Warner entered the NFL as a lightly heralded prospect from BYU who ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash at 230 pounds. He ultimately was the ninth linebacker drafted in the 2018 class. Warner quickly outplayed that third-round draft spot and has arguably been the NFL's most consistent linebacker since arriving in San Francisco. He hasn't missed a start in five years and is a two-time first-team All-Pro. -- Miller
10. Jalen Hurts, QB
Drafted: No. 53 in 2020 (Philadelphia Eagles)
Career stats: 7,906 passing yards with 44 TDs and 19 INTs (367 rushes for 1,898 yards and 26 TDs) in three seasons
Despite success at both Alabama and Oklahoma, Hurts' pro outlook was questioned in 2020 -- specifically his ball location and ability to take the next step as a passer. He was originally drafted to back up Carson Wentz -- who had signed lucrative four-year extension only a year earlier -- but quickly became the QB of the future for the Eagles. Hurts' development reached unforeseen levels in Philly, and he led the Eagles to the Super Bowl in a breakout third season. -- Reid
11. David Bakhtiari, OT
Drafted: No. 109 in 2013 (Green Bay Packers)
Career stats: 130 starts, 94.6% pass block win rate and 77.7% run block win rate in 10 seasons
As the ninth offensive tackle drafted in the 2013 NFL draft, Bakhtiari was slotted to backup longtime starter Bryan Bulaga. But Bulaga tore an ACL in training camp, and the Day 3 pick was thrust into the starting lineup and never left it. Since the 2013 season, he has been a five-time All-Pro, a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the league's most consistent left tackles. -- Miller
12. Chris Jones, DT
Drafted: No. 37 in 2016 (Kansas City Chiefs)
Career stats: 244 tackles, 65 sacks, 2 interceptions and 12 forced fumbles in seven seasons
Jones became a key part of the Chiefs' defense during his superb third season, as an active and disruptive interior presence. He posted 15.5 sacks that season and has recorded at least 7.5 every year since. With a towering 6-foot-6 build, strong hands and a relentless hunger to make life difficult for opposing passers, Jones has positioned himself as one of the best interior defenders in the league despite lasting until the second round back in 2016. -- Reid
13. Alvin Kamara, RB
Drafted: No. 65 in 2017 (New Orleans Saints)
Career stats: 1,135 rushes for 5,135 yards and 49 TDs in six seasons
After bouncing around in college -- Alabama to Hutchinson Community College to Tennessee -- Kamara slipped to the third round where the Saints made him part of one of the NFL's greatest draft classes ever. Kamara quickly made his mark, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year, earning a Pro Bowl invite and receiving second-team All-Pro honors. Injuries have slowed down Kamara's production, but he remains one of the game's best dual-threat running backs. -- Miller
14. Deebo Samuel, WR
Drafted: No. 36 in 2019 (San Francisco 49ers)
Career stats: 223 receptions for 3,230 yards and 12 TDs (123 rushes for 782 yards and 14 TDs) in four seasons
Samuel was the most versatile prospect of a talented 2019 receiver class, but he was a late bloomer during the pre-draft process. He battled injuries throughout his four-year career at South Carolina, but a dominant senior season -- including a standout showing at the Senior Bowl -- helped his stock tremendously. As a pro, Samuel has posted a 1,400-yard season and rushed for 6.4 yards per carry, occasionally lining up in the backfield. -- Reid
15. Terron Armstead, OT
Drafted: No. 75 in 2013 (New Orleans Saints)
Career stats: 106 starts, 86.6% pass block win rate and 73.4% run block win rate in 10 seasons
Becoming a longtime starter at left tackle despite getting picked in the third round helps get you on a draft-steals list, and Armstead has been rock-solid since becoming a starter late in his rookie season. He quickly erased concerns about play power and level of experience coming out of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Now a four-time Pro Bowl selection, Armstead has easily outpaced his draft position. -- Miller
16. Tyrann Mathieu, S
Drafted: No. 69 in 2013 (Arizona Cardinals)
Career stats: 696 tackles, 11 sacks, 29 interceptions, 89 pass breakups and 3 TDs in 10 seasons
A highly decorated prospect out of LSU, Mathieu slipped to the third round of the 2013 draft because of repeat violations of the Tigers' substance abuse policy, which resulted in him being dismissed from the team in 2012. But as a pro? Mathieu was a great addition for the Cardinals in the third round and later became a key part of the Chiefs' Super Bowl-winning defense in 2019. -- Reid
17. Keenan Allen, WR
Drafted: No. 76 in 2013 (Los Angeles Chargers)
Career stats: 796 receptions for 9,287 yards and 52 TDs in 10 seasons
Allen left Cal with the team record for receptions in a career, but NFL scouts were concerned about his lack of speed and a PCL injury he suffered late in his junior season. That pushed the talented route runner to the third round. Since entering the league, he has been unstoppable, as a five-time Pro Bowler with over 700 career catches. -- Miller
18. Jordan Mailata, OT
Drafted: No. 233 in 2018 (Philadelphia Eagles)
Career stats: 40 starts, 86.1% pass block win rate and 79.8% run block win rate in five seasons
One of the most unique developmental stories in NFL history, Mailata was strictly a rugby player before the Eagles took him in the seventh round of the 2018 draft. Many wondered how he would adjust to playing football, and many teams had him graded as a priority free agent. Mailata then dealt with major injuries during his first two seasons, and it wasn't until the 2020 season that he began to show that he could potentially be Philly's left tackle of the future. The franchise signed him to a four-year, $64 million extension, and the 6-foot-8, 365-pound player has proven to be worth every penny. -- Reid
19. A.J. Brown, WR
Drafted: No. 51 in 2019 (Tennessee Titans)
Career stats: 273 receptions for 4,491 yards and 35 TDs in four seasons
Brown was the fourth receiver picked in the 2019 class. His size (6-foot-1, 226 pounds), speed and intense power as a route runner allowed him to step right into the Titans' offense and put up over 1,000 yards. In his four years in the pros, Brown has had over 850 yards in every season and has emerged as one of the NFL's best yards-after-catch receivers. -- Miller
Matt Bowen explains how A.J. Brown's route deployment inside the Philadelphia Eagles offense makes him a valuable receiver in fantasy football.
20. Le'Veon Bell, RB
Drafted: No. 48 in 2013 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Career stats: 1,595 rushes for 6,554 yards and 42 TDs in nine seasons
The first rookie to lead the Steelers in rushing since 1989, Bell provided a major boost in both the passing and run games right out of the gate. His notable "slow to/fast through" running style was somewhat new to the NFL; Bell could come to nearly a complete stop and then suddenly explode up the field. It helped him become a three-time All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowler during his six seasons in Pittsburgh. -- Reid
21. Kevin Byard, S
Drafted: No. 64 in 2016 (Tennessee Titans)
Career stats: 608 tackles, 4 sacks, 27 interceptions, 63 pass breakups and 2 TDs in seven seasons
Byard made an immediate impact in the NFL, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in his second season. His perceived lack of speed and the fact that he played against a lower level of competition at Middle Tennessee pushed him down the draft board, but he quickly erased any concerns. Byard hasn't missed a start in six years and has 27 interceptions in that time. -- Miller
22. Shaquille Leonard, LB
Drafted: No. 36 in 2018 (Indianapolis Colts)
Career stats: 549 tackles, 15 sacks, 17 forced fumbles, 12 interceptions and 1 TD in five seasons
Leonard had some injuries in the lead-up to the 2018 draft, and some scouts wondered about his level of competition at South Carolina State. But he has far exceeded expectations. The highest drafted FCS prospect that year, he wasted little in making his presence felt. He led the league in tackles (163) during his rookie season on his way to winning AP Defensive Rookie of the Year. A four-time All-Pro selection during his five-year career with the Colts, he is the centerpiece of the franchise's defense. -- Reid
23. Darius Slay, CB
Drafted: No. 36 in 2013 (Detroit Lions)
Career stats: 507 tackles, 26 interceptions, 133 pass breakups and 4 TDs in 10 seasons
"Big Play" Slay is a five-time Pro Bowler who became a starter as a rookie, grabbing 26 interceptions over his storied career. Eight of those came in an impressive 2017 campaign. He was the fifth cornerback drafted in 2013, but he has certainly outplayed those selected ahead of him. -- Miller
24. Derek Carr, QB
Drafted: No. 36 in 2014 (Las Vegas Raiders)
Career stats: 35,222 passing yards, 217 TDs and 99 INTs in nine seasons
The fourth QB selected in the 2014 class, Carr slipped to the second round. He was dinged by evaluators who devalued the Fresno State offense (known to give a boost in passing stats) and put weight in the fact that he didn't face a highly ranked defense during his senior season. Even so, Carr started right away as a rookie and went on to set franchise records in passing yards (35,222) and passing touchdowns (217). -- Reid
25. Nick Chubb, RB
Drafted: No. 35 in 2018 (Cleveland Browns)
Career stats: 1,210 rushes for 6,341 yards and 48 TDs in five seasons
Chubb didn't let a nasty knee injury in his sophomore year at Georgia sideline his career, nor did he let being the fourth running back drafted in 2018 slow him down. Chubb has four straight 1,000-yard seasons and was just four yards short of the mark as a rookie. The four-time Pro Bowler has helped turn the Browns from perennial losers into playoff contenders. -- Miller
26. Grady Jarrett, DT
Drafted: No. 137 in 2015 (Atlanta Falcons)
Career stats: 420 tackles and 32.5 sacks in eight seasons
Jarrett's pre-draft scouting report included the word "undersized," as he lacked length and strength at the point of attack at 6-foot and 305 pounds. Aaron Donald blazed a trail for undersized interior defenders, but Jarrett also helped prove that smaller interior prospects can make a big NFL impact. His 17.5% pass rush win rate since 2017 ranks third among interior players, and he landed a big three-year extension in 2022 worth over $50 million. -- Reid
27. Maxx Crosby, DE
Drafted: No. 106 in 2019 (Las Vegas Raiders)
Career stats: 229 tackles, 37.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles in four seasons
Crosby had just one offer to play college football out of high school and signed with Eastern Michigan, where he was a two-time first-team All-MAC performer. A one-game suspension in college, a frame that scouts thought lacked power and a missing suddenness element to his game caused Crosby to slip to the fourth round, but he turned in a 10-sack debut season as a rookie and has been among the most productive ends in the league since the Raiders turned in his card. -- Miller
28. Mark Andrews, TE
Drafted: No. 86 in 2018 (Baltimore Ravens)
Career stats: 336 receptions for 4,313 yards and 34 TDs in five seasons
A third-rounder, Andrews was the fourth tight end selected in 2018. He had been projected to be a second-round pick, but it's worth noting his stock was affected by the uncertainty about his playing as a Type 1 diabetic. There haven't been any issues, and Andrews has become a star at his position; he caught over 100 balls in 2021 for 1,361 yards and nine trips to the end zone. -- Reid
29. Terry McLaurin, WR
Drafted: No. 76 in 2019 (Washington Commanders)
Career stats: 299 receptions for 4,281 yards and 21 touchdowns in four seasons
Scary Terry has been terrorizing NFC East cornerbacks since falling to the Commanders at No. 76 overall based on concerns about a lack of production and whether the Ohio State scheme created his openings. Yet McLaurin has eclipsed over 900 yards in each of his four seasons while becoming a top-tier deep threat for Washington. -- Miller
30. Danielle Hunter, DE
Drafted: No. 88 in 2015 (Minnesota Vikings)
Career stats: 372 tackles, 71 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 2 TDs in eight seasons
Hunter had just 4.5 total sacks during his three-year LSU career, as his production did not match his high-level traits. But things clicked in the pros, as he became the youngest player in NFL history to record 50 sacks. Hunter is a menace off of the edge and is considered a top-10 player at the position. -- Reid
31. Matthew Judon, DE
Drafted: No. 146 in 2016 (Baltimore Ravens)
Career stats: 353 tackles, 62.5 sacks and 9 forced fumbles in seven seasons
A fifth-round pick lasting seven years in the NFL is a remarkable story by itself, but becoming one of the premier pass-rushers in the league makes you a true draft steal. Judon's talent was evident in college, but a meniscus injury and the fact he played at a small school (Grand Valley State) created concerns. The Ravens stole him, and he has now put together four Pro Bowl seasons and recorded over 60 career sacks. His 15.5 sacks in 2022 tied for fourth in the league. -- Miller
32. Michael Thomas, WR
Drafted: No. 47 in 2016 (New Orleans Saints)
Career stats: 526 receptions for 6,121 yards and 35 TDs in seven seasons
Some questioned whether Thomas could expand his route tree in the NFL, but the Ohio State product silenced those critics immediately. He recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first four seasons, including when he posted a league-high 1,725 yards on 149 receptions in 2019. When healthy, Thomas proved to be a dynamic underneath and red zone threat with plenty of catch-and-run ability. His struggles to stay on the field prevented him from being much higher on this list. -- Reid
33. Justin Simmons, S
Drafted: No. 98 in 2016 (Denver Broncos)
Career stats: 522 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 27 interceptions, 58 pass breakups and 1 TD in seven seasons
A 4.53-second run in the 40-yard dash dropped the sudden, explosive Simmons to the end of Round 3, where the Broncos made the wise decision to end his wait. Simmons was the seventh safety drafted in 2016 but has been a seven-year starter with three second-team All-Pro selections to his credit. Finding him at No. 98 overall -- and keeping him in town -- has been a brilliant move for the Broncos. He has at least five interceptions in each of the past three seasons. -- Miller
34. DK Metcalf, WR
Drafted: No. 64 in 2019 (Seattle Seahawks)
Career stats: 306 receptions for 4,218 yards and 35 TDs in four seasons
Metcalf sent the NFL world into a frenzy after he ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at 6-foot-3, 228 pounds at the 2019 combine. But a poor 7.38 three-cone drill time and some long-term health questions after a season-ending neck injury during his final year at Ole Miss pushed him to the final pick of the second round. Metcalf has already set Seattle's single-season record for receiving yards (1,303 in 2020) and hasn't missed a single game during his career. -- Reid
35. Dalvin Cook, RB
Drafted: No. 41 in 2017 (Minnesota Vikings)
Career stats: 1,282 rushes for 5,993 yards and 47 TDs in six seasons
There was no doubting Cook's talent coming out of Florida State -- he averaged north of 1,700 rushing yards over his final two years there -- but he had some off-field legal issues and shoulder injuries in college. He then tore the ACL in his left knee as a rookie in 2017 but has now put together four straight 1,000-yard seasons. When healthy, he has been among the game's best backs. -- Miller
36. Elgton Jenkins, G
Drafted: No. 44 in 2019 (Green Bay Packers)
Career stats: 53 starts, 93.4% pass block win rate and 74.9% run block win rate in four seasons
Jenkins was arguably the most versatile blocker in the 2019 class, and he became a starter during his second season in the pros. His ability to play all five spots up front has carried over into the NFL, as he has recorded starts at center, guard and tackle during his four-year career. Jenkins is a key part of the Packers' line and earned a four-year, $68 million extension in December. -- Reid
37. Wyatt Teller, G
Drafted: No. 166 in 2018 (Buffalo Bills)
Career stats: 59 starts, 93% pass block win rate and 67.8% run block win rate in five seasons
Teller slipped to the fifth round of the 2018 draft after scouts saw a drop in play from his junior year to senior season. Selected by the Bills, Teller started seven games as a rookie before being traded to the Browns, with whom his career took off. A two-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Teller is now one of the best guards in football. -- Miller
38. Trevon Diggs, CB
Drafted: No. 51 in 2020 (Dallas Cowboys)
Career stats: 169 tackles, 17 interceptions, 49 pass breakups and 2 TDs in three seasons
A former receiver, Diggs was still relatively new to the cornerback position during his time at Alabama. His talent was evident, but his technique needed work. But those reliable hands and instincts turned Diggs into a second-round star for the Dallas secondary. He knows how to create turnovers, and that was on full display during a breakout 2021 season. Diggs posted a franchise record-tying 11 interceptions. -- Reid
Mike Tannenbaum breaks down why the Cowboys could go to Philadelphia and win a playoff game.
39. Tyler Lockett, WR
Drafted: No. 69 in 2015 (Seattle Seahawks)
Career stats: 533 receptions for 7,100 yards and 54 TDs in eight seasons
A lack of size (5-10) had scouts thinking Lockett would be nothing more than a slot receiver and return man, but he has become so much more as a foundational player for the Seahawks. The speedy Lockett has been a top-tier deep threat while also contributing on special teams and opening eyes around the league to the benefit of an inside receiver. He now has four straight 1,000-yard seasons and five straight years with at least eight TD catches. -- Miller
40. Orlando Brown Jr., OT
Drafted: No. 83 in 2018 (Baltimore Ravens)
Career stats: 75 starts, 90.1% pass block win rate and 77.3% run block win rate in five seasons
A disastrous combine performance that included a 5.85-second 40-yard dash time and 19.5-inch vertical jump meant Brown would be a significant outlier if he went on to have success in the NFL. But the 6-8 tackle landed in a perfect spot and became a reliable bookend for the Ravens before getting traded to the Chiefs (and then signing with the Bengals this offseason). -- Reid
41. Javon Hargrave, DT
Drafted: No. 89 in 2016 (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Career stats: 329 tackles, 37.5 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries in seven seasons
Hargrave was knocked hard in the NFL draft process for short arms, small hands and an FCS level of competition at South Carolina State. But he has emerged as one of the premier defensive tackles in the game, adding 11 sacks and 30 pressures to his résumé in 2022 alone. Hargave just cashed in with an $84 million contract with the 49ers, further solidifying his status as a legendary draft steal. -- Miller
42. Quandre Diggs, S
Drafted: No. 200 in 2015 (Detroit Lions)
Career stats: 480 tackles, 23 interceptions and 51 pass breakups in eight seasons
A sixth-round pick in 2015, Diggs became a starter by the middle of his rookie season in a nickel role. Today, he plays a variety of roles in Seattle, and he has recorded at least three interceptions in each of the past four seasons. -- Reid
43. Joe Thuney, G
Drafted: No. 78 in 2016 (New England Patriots)
Career stats: 112 starts, 95.9% pass block win rate and 71.1% run block win rate in seven seasons
A tackle at NC State, Thuney was seen by NFL scouts as too short-armed and too slow to play the position in the pros. He kicked inside to guard for the Patriots and has been a top-tier starter ever since making the move. Thuney is a three-time Super Bowl champion and a two-time second-team All-Pro. -- Miller
44. DeMarcus Lawrence, DE
Drafted: No. 34 in 2014 (Dallas Cowboys)
Career stats: 386 tackles, 54.5 sacks and 19 forced fumbles in nine seasons
After just two seasons at Boise State, Lawrence landed in the second round and served as a reserve in his rookie year. He took over a full-time starting role in Year 2 and became a consistent presence off the edge for Dallas. Lawrence is a strong and explosive edge rusher who has a knack for generating pressure. He had six sacks and 41 pressures in 2022. -- Reid
45. Budda Baker, S
Drafted: No. 36 in 2017 (Arizona Cardinals)
Career stats: 632 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 7 interceptions and 37 pass breakups in six seasons
Baker wasn't selected earlier in the 2017 draft because teams were concerned he lacked the size (5-10, 195 pounds) to be a front-line starter or play every down as a safety. Yet he has helped usher in the nickelback era in the NFL with his versatility and expert playmaking skills. Baker is a three-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler. -- Miller
46. Corey Linsley, C
Drafted: No. 161 in 2014 (Green Bay Packers)
Career stats: 129 starts, 94.7% pass block win rate and 70% run block win rate in nine seasons
After being selected in the fifth round, Linsley was quickly forced into action after the Packers suffered injuries early in the 2015 season. He became Green Bay's mainstay at center and held that spot for the next seven seasons before signing a lucrative free agent deal with the Chargers. Linsley has only been attributed six sacks allowed over the past three seasons. -- Reid
47. Trey Hendrickson, DE
Drafted: No. 103 in 2017 (New Orleans Saints)
Career stats: 131 tackles, 42 sacks and 9 forced fumbles in six seasons
Hendrickson was seen as a backup prospect because of short arms and inconsistent production. But in New Orleans, he developed into a three-down 4-3 defensive end after playing sparingly his first three seasons. Hendrickson came alive in 2020 and has 35.5 sacks since that time. -- Miller
48. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR
Drafted: No. 112 in 2021 (Detroit Lions)
Career stats: 196 receptions for 2,073 yards and 11 TDs in two seasons
St. Brown followed up a 912-yard rookie season by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards and becoming the No. 1 option in Detroit in Year 2. Not bad for a fourth-rounder. Working primarily out of the slot, the USC product is an electric pass-catcher who is a key building block for an ascending roster. -- Reid
49. Brian O'Neill, OT
Drafted: No. 62 in 2018 (Minnesota Vikings)
Career stats: 75 starts, 91% pass block win rate and 75.6% run block win rate in five seasons
O'Neill was a work in progress coming out of Pitt with good foot speed but poor play power and lower-body technique. The Vikings gave him the tools to develop, and he has emerged as one of the top right tackles in the league since becoming a starter midway through his rookie season. -- Miller
50. Tee Higgins, WR
Drafted: No. 33 in 2020 (Cincinnati Bengals)
Career stats: 215 receptions for 3,028 yards and 19 TDs in three seasons
Following a prolific career at Clemson, Higgins was the seventh wide receiver selected in 2020. He is a lean but aggressive wideout at the catch point, and he can make acrobatic catches look routine. Higgins has become a major part of an elite receiver trio for Joe Burrow and has been remarkably consistent. -- Reid
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Ryan Jensen, C
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