Geno Smith the star quarterback from West Virginia was expecting to hear his name called last night, but things didn’t pane out the way the might of hope. Geno’s name wasn’t called and neither was Manti’ T’eo.
NFL-hopefuls from colleges all across the country vie for a spot on the team of their dreams and cross their fingers that they’ll be picked in the first round.
Unfortunately not everyone can go in the first round, but that’s not to say they’re not a worth-while player and an asset to at team! Many players drafted as late as the seventh round have gone on to win superbowls and for that, we think they deserve a little credit!
Here are 14 dark horses of the NFL draft according to Global Grind.
1. Clinton Portis
Clinton was drafted in the second round of the 2002 NFL draft. He began his career with the Denver Broncos becoming the youngest player to score five touchdowns in a game at just 22 years old and went on to become the starting running back for the Washington Washington Football Team. He played with the Washington Football Team for seven consecutive seasons and to this day is considered one of the best Washington Football Team in history. How’s that for a late-round draft pick?!
2. Joe Montana
After being drafted to the San Francisco 49ers in the 3rd round in 1979, Joe Montana went on to shine with the Kansas City Chiefs where he stayed until his retirement. Montana quickly went from late draft pick to NFL stardom. He was chosen to play in the Pro Bowl eight times, won four super bowls and was chosen by Sports Illustrated as Sportman of The Year in 1990. Even in retirement Montana is remembered as one of the greats of football; in 2000 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and is ranked number four on NFL.com’s Top 100 Players of All Time.
3. Tom Brady
Tom Brady has more than earned his multi-million dollar salary! Since being chosen in the 6th round of draft picks in 2006 Brady has been chosen to play in the Pro Bowl eight times, won three super bowls and been chosen two of those three times as a superbowl MVP. In 2005 Sports Illustrated named him Sportsman of The Year and that’s just the start of the many sports-related awards under his belt.
4.Justin Tuck
Despite having two super bowl rings and being chosen for the Pro Bowl twice, Justin Tuck started his career as a third round draft pick in 2005.
5. Devin Hester
Chicago Bears wide reciever Devin Hester popped onto the scene as a 2nd round draft pick in 2006. To date he has played in the Pro Bowl three times and won an ESPY for being Player of the Year in 2007. And the accomplishments don’t stop there! Hester is currently leading the NFL in both kick and punt return touchdowns with 18 and is ranked 48 on the Top 100 Players of 2012.
6. Brandon Marshall
Four time Pro Bowler Brandon Marshall set the record for most receptions in one game with 21 and was chosen as the pro bowl MVP in 2011. Can you believe he was a fourth round draft pick?!
7. Frank Gore
2012 NFC Champ Frank Gore began his career as a third round draft pick in 2006. He was picked up by the San Fransisco 49ers and remained with them for the duration of his career. He played in the Pro Bowl four times and to this day leads the 49ers in all time rushing touchdowns.
8. Brian Westbrook
Two-time offensive player of the year Brian Westbrook wasn’t always a shining star of the NFL; he was first drafted to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2002 and remained with the team for seven consecutive seasons before a trade to the San Fransisco 49ers. Despite being an underdog, Westbrook holds an NCAA record and played in two pro bowls during his career.
9. Tiki Barber
Though he was chosen late in the draft, New York Giants player Tiki Barber rushed 10,449 yards during his career, played in the pro bowl three times and played in Super bowl XXXV. Proving once again that it makes little difference which round you’re picked in!
10. Ronde Barber
If Ronde Barber isn’t the ultimate NFL draft dark horse, I don’t know who is. He appeared in the Pro Bowl five times, has one super bowl ring and holds two NFL records for most consecutive starts of any NFL corner back and most quarter back sacks of any corner back. But wait! There’s more. He also holds team records with the Buccaneers for most career interceptions and was a leader in the NFL for most interceptions in 2001. How did it take the Bucc’s three rounds to pick this guy?!
11. Donald Driver
Seventh round draft pick Donald Driver lead the Green Bay Packers to a super bowl victory in Super Bowl XLV and holds team records for most receiving yards with 10.137 as well as all time receptions.
12. Joey Porter
Though Joey Porter was shopped around the NFL a bit, spending time on the Miami Dolphins, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Arizona Cardinals the 1999 third round draft pick is a super bowl XL champion, a co-MVP for the Pittsburgh Steelers and a leader in the AFC for most quarterback sacks in 2008.
13. Jason Taylor
Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round in 1997, Jason Taylor is a six-time pro bowl player, two-time AFC defensive plater of the year, NFL defensive player of the year and leader in the NFL for fumble return touchdowns.
14. Michael Strahan
New York Giant, Michael Strahan is a decorated retiree of the NFL. As if seven pro bowls and two super bowls wasn’t enough to brag about, Strahan was an NFC champion in 2000 and 2007, NFL Defensive player of the year in 2001 and was chosen as NFC defensive player of the year twice. And it doesn’t stop there! The NFL baller turned talk show host holds an NFL season recors for the most sacks with 23, a team record with the Giants with an astounding 141 sacks and is ranked 99 on a list of the Top 100 Greatest NFL Players of All Time. Damn!
I guess this just goes to show that there’s more to a player than there rank in the draft. We’re looking forward to tonights draft picks! Which NFL-hopefuls are you most excited to see come up in the NFL this season?
