The Top 10 Biggest Steals in NFL Draft History

The NFL Draft is an eagerly anticipated event that shapes the destiny of countless college football players. When it comes to the buzz that surrounds the NFL draft and NFL betting, enthusiasts often turn to reliable platforms like Boombet. Each year, teams meticulously evaluate talent, hoping to unearth the perfect fit for their rosters. While some players are chosen early and go on to have remarkable careers, others slip through the cracks, only to become incredible steals for the teams that uncover them later in the draft. 

#1 Tom Brady – New England Patriots (2000 Draft)

Tom Brady is arguably the greatest steal in NFL History after dropping to the sixth round in the 2000 draft, the Patriots took the gamble and it paid off in the long run. Few could have foreseen that this unassuming player from the University of Michigan would go on to win multiple Super Bowl titles, earn numerous Pro Bowl selections, and set numerous records. Brady’s impact on the New England Patriots and the NFL at large is unparalleled, solidifying his status as the ultimate draft steal.

#2 Joe Montana – San Francisco 49ers (1979 Draft)

The San Francisco 49ers picked Joe Montana using the 82nd overall pick during the 1979 Draft. Montana would become one of the most accomplished quarterbacks in NFL history, leading the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories and earning three Super Bowl MVP awards. 

#3 Deacon Jones – Los Angeles Rams (1961 Draft)

Deacon Jones, a defensive end from Mississippi Valley State University, fell to the 14th round of the 1961 Draft, where the Los Angeles Rams scooped him up with the 186th overall pick. Jones revolutionized the defensive end position, popularizing the term “sack” and becoming one of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history.

#4 Shannon Sharpe – Denver Broncos (1990 Draft)

Selected in the seventh round with the 192nd overall pick in the 1990 Draft, Shannon Sharpe showcased his exceptional talent as a tight end for the Denver Broncos. He played a pivotal role in the team’s consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1997 and 1998. Sharpe’s combination of speed, athleticism, and pass-catching ability made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. 

#5 Terrell Davis – Denver Broncos (1995 Draft)

Picked as the 196th overall selection in the sixth round of the 1995 Draft, Terrell Davis was an absolute beast during his time in the NFL. He was named the Super Bowl MVP in 1998, went over 2000 yards in a season and won two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos.

#6 Richard Sherman – Seattle Seahawks (2011 Draft)

Richard Sherman was selected in the fifth round with the 154th overall pick in the 2011 Draft. He proved himself throughout his career as a lockdown corner for the Seattle Seahawks and the 49ers later on in his career. Sherman played a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ formidable “Legion of Boom” defense, which propelled the team to consecutive Super Bowl appearances, which included thrashing the Broncos 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII. 

#7 Bart Starr – Green Bay Packers (1956 Draft)

The Green Bay Packers choose to select Bart Starr in the 1965 Draft with their 200th overall pick. Over his career, he led the Packers to an incredible five NFL Championships and two Super Bowl victories. 

#8 Roger Staubach – Dallas Cowboys (1964 Draft)

The Cowboys picked up Roger Staubach, more commonly referred to as Captain America, using the 129th pick during the 1964 NFL Draft. After fulfilling his military commitment, Staubach joined the Dallas Cowboys and became one of the most electrifying quarterbacks in NFL history. He guided the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and was named Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl VI. 

#9 Terrell Owens – San Francisco 49ers (1996 Draft)

The San Francisco 49ers struck gold with Terrell Owens, a wide receiver from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as they picked him in the third round of the 1996 Draft. 

While Owens was arguably considered a diva wide receiver, his play on the field warranted the extra attention around the league. With his exceptional speed, strength, and determination, Owens accumulated over 15,000 receiving yards and 153 touchdowns during his career.

#10 Cris Carter – Philadelphia Eagles (1987 Supplemental Draft)

A 4th round pick by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1987 supplemental draft, Cris Carter saw limited action during his rookie season catching just 5 passes for 84 yards and 2 touchdowns. Carter is one of 14 players in NFL history with 1,000 or more receptions.