So far, in our series on best draft picks per round, we have found some of the top stars in the game. Today, we look at the 3rd Round. Unlike the previous parts of the series, this is the first round where teams and fans expect solid performance from their selections. The following 7 Third Rounders did not disappoint.

Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers, 2005
Gore was the 65th pick, the first of the 3rd round, in the 2005 NFL Draft. As a high-profile High School Recruit, Gore chose The U and immediately contributed to the Hurricanes’ success in the early 2000s. After an outstanding Freshman Year, Gore, who beat out Willis McGahee for the starting RB spot, suffered a torn ACL which kept him out of the 2002 season. He regained his momentum in his senior year and finished his collegiate career with a 7+ Yards per Carry average.

Chris Cooley, TE, Washington Redskins, 2004
Chris Cooley has been an outstanding Tight End since High School. The Utah State product was built to be a Tight End, and performed well in all aspects of the position. In 2003, his final season at Utah State, he led the nation in receptions for Tight Ends. His solid performance was enough to have the Redskins select him 81st overall in the 3rd round of the 2004 NFL Draft. He has gone on to write a successful blog and make the Pro Bowl.

Lance Briggs, LB, Chicago Bears, 2003
Briggs played his college football at Arizona, and put up solid numbers in his career as a Wildcat. Originally from Sacramento, the 6’1” Briggs was selected 68th overall by the Chicago Bears. This instantly created a scary Linebacking Core in Chicago with Briggs on the Strong Side and Brian Urlacher in the middle. Briggs is a three time Pro Bowler and a two time All Pro for the Chicago Bears.

Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys, 2003
Recently, Jason Witten has emerged as one of the league’s premier Tight Ends. Surprisingly however, Witten was recruited by the University of Tennessee as a Defensive End. Due to injury and lack of depth, the Volunteers volunteered Witten to try Tight End. He went on to set school records as a Tight End, and was chosen 69th overall by the Cowboys in 2003. Witten has quietly been selected to the last four Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro Selection in 2007.

Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia Eagles, 2002
One of Chris Berman’s favorite picks, Brian Westbrook was selected 91st overall from Villanova. Concerns about the level of competition in 1-AA didn’t stop the Eagles from taking a shot with Westbrook. As a Villanova Wildcat, Westbrook set the NCAA Record for Most All-Purpose Yards. He continued his dominance across the field in the pros as he has become one of the most versatile Running Backs in the game. Westbrook is a two time Pro Bowl Selection and one of the Eagles’ Most Loved Players.

Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers, 2001
Steve Smith’s rise to the NFL is a great story. He went to Santa Monica Junior College, and successfully completed two years as a standout in athletics and academics. He received a scholarship to the University of Utah and excelled as a Speedy WR for the Utes. His hard work and perseverance earned him an NFL Contract as the Carolina Panthers selected him in the 3rd Round (77th overall) in 2001. Smith has since emerged as a top-tier WR in the league after a breakout season in 2005 in which he led the league in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.

Joey Porter, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1999
It seems as if Joey Porter has been playing in the NFL for a lot more than ten seasons. The Colorado State Ram excelled as a rookie with the Steelers and was a dominant fixture of the Steelers defense for years. Currently playing for the Miami Dolphins, Porter has amassed three Pro Bowl Selections, three All Pro Selections, and a Super Bowl Championship. The Steelers made a great selection at 73 overall in the 3rd Round in 1999.