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LIST: Top 10 NFL Draft Bargains Ever

submitted by TheDean1
July 30, 2008  |  80 comments  |   Email to a Friend
This is a List of the Top 10 NFL Draft Bargain Players. A Player on this list was drafted as low as the fourteenth round in the 60's and is now in the NFL Hall of Fame. Most were drafted in the 6th round or lower. The list starts with a 6th round pick named

  • 1
    Tom Brady

    Brady has led the NE to 4 Super Bowls and 3 titles since 2001. He set an NFL record 50 touchdown passes in 2007 and a MVP Award. He was drafted in the sixth-round pick in 2000.

  • 2
    Joe Montana

    San Fran. won 4 Super Bowls with Joe Montana at QB in the 1980s and landed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He was drafted in the third-round pick in 1979.

  • 3
    Terrell Davis

    TD rushed for 6,413 yards in his first 4 seasons with the Denver Broncos, helping them to wins in Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII. He was drafted in the sixth-round pick in 1995.

  • 4
    Deacon Jones

    Jones played in 8 Pro Bowls, including 7 straight for the L.A. Rams, as a pass rush specialist. Jones won Defensive Player of the Year honors twice. He was drafted in the 14th-round pick in 1961.

  • 5
    Dan Marino

    Even though the Dolphins took Marino with the 27th overall pick, five other QB's were taken before Dan rewrote the NFL's passing record book. He was drafted in the first-round pick in 1983.

  • 6
    Bo Jackson

    Bo Jackson was the top overall pick in 1986, but didn't sign with the Tampa Bay Bucs. So he was then drafted in the seventh-round as the 183 rd pick in 1987. And was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major sports. In just 3 and a half seasons Bo rushed for 2782 yards, 16 Td's for a WHOPPING 5.4 YPC AVG., 40 catches, 352 yds and 2 TD's. Jacksons #'s are Amazing considering he was the 2 nd stringer behind Marcus Allen. His 221 yds rushing in the game he CRUSHED Brian Bosworth at the goal line, is still a Monday Night Football Record. His career was shortened by a hip injury while being tackled by linebacker Kevin Walker, of the Bengals.

  • 7
    Shannon Sharpe

    In 14 years, Sharpe won 3 Super Bowls. When he retired in 2003, he held 3 records for tight ends in receptions, yards and touchdowns. He was drafted in the seventh-round pick in 1990.

  • 8
    Ray Guy

    The only punter to ever be taken in the first round of the draft, Ray Guy averaged 42.4 yards, never had a punt returned for a TD and only 128 touchbacks in 1,049 punts. 619 punts in a row before one was blocked. 5 kicks over 60 yds and the best hang time ever as a punter. First punter to ever hit the Super Dome's video screen. 3 SB Rings, On NFL's 75 Anniversary's team. Nominated for the HOF in 1994. He was the only punter ever drafted as a first-round pick.

  • 9
    Larry Wilson

    In Larry Wilson's 13-year career with the St. Louis Cardinals, the safety made 8 Pro Bowls and had 52 interceptions paving his way to being enshrined in Canton. He was drafted in the seventh-round pick in 1960.

  • 10
    Roger Staubach

    When Roger Staubach was under center with the Cowboys scored victories in Super Bowls VI and XII. Roger led the NFL in passing 4 times and went to 6 Pro Bowls. He was drafted in the 10th-round pick in 1964.

Don't agree with this list? Write a comment and say what you'd change or add. Or make a new list.
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83 Comments On: "LIST: Top 10 NFL Draft Bargains Ever"

 
 1. tcbailey24 , July 30, 2008  |  Reply
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Nice list, I like the picks of TD and Shannon, of course

1.1. TheDean1 , July 30, 2008  |  Reply
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told you i would have one...I was working on it last night.

2. eagles4ever05 , July 30, 2008  |  Reply
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Were is B-WEST yeah he didnt win a super bowl YET but he was great comin out of the third round which was considered high for him or Maques Colston 7th round great player but maybe they need to retire before makin that list so I amde my case for the best Draft Bargains since 2000 ok me be quite now but rememberthem and I dont forget Asante Samual

2.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Eagles4, it the best ever to be drafted low and have great returns. That said, both B-West and Colston are great draft picks where they were picked up. But if you notice this list has only 1 active player on it, and as good as B-west and Colston are and where they were drafted can you really say that their careers thus far as an active player goes, better than Brady drafted in the 6th round?

I couldn't find any active players for this list drafted lower than Brady with at least one MVP and just one record to go with that MVP, yet alone on a team with 3 titles, So the 4 super Bowls really wasn't the issue for me on this one, But I'm sure if you and do that, I think Brady will be the only one also.

As a side note, I don't know this one but, I'd be willing to say there isn't anyone in the history of the NFL that was picked lower than the 6th round, was a key player for their team, and has 4 Super Bowl Championships. Just another reason I have Brady at #1.

Did I answer your question? B-west and Colston are great players and were bargins in the draft but for the BEST TOP 10 Ever, I couldn't do it.

2.1.1. eagles4ever05 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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I know irealized that after my commment Iwass givin a point

2.1.1.1. TheDean1 , August 01, 2008
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your good by us eaglesever05, see you again soon.

2.2. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Also I think Samuel if healthy will be GREAT in Philly. And I haven't forgotten him, and I'm sure the AFC is glad they don't have to face him for the most part. So now all the NFC teams can have the fun the AFC had with him... They say; It's nice to share, so here you go NFC, have at it, LOL...

3. eagles4ever05 , July 30, 2008  |  Reply
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3.1. TheDean1 , August 01, 2008  |  Reply
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Eagles4, love the pics and video, thanx

4. eagles4ever05 , July 30, 2008  |  Reply
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5. kgoon1590 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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umm, RE: Dan Marino pick, get to 28 seconds on this vid...

6. kgoon1590 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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also how is ray guy on this list? he was a first round pick and a punter - he'd better go to the hall of fame.

6.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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As for your Hall of Fame Statement, I'll bet you can name several players you feel should be in the NFL Hall of Fame that were great players or coaches, and they aren't in. I feel Ray Guy was that important to the Raiders and that kind of player, I will get all kinds of flack on that one but he was that good at his craft.

Here's a little trivia for you and others who'll take the time to read this.

Do you know how many punters and Kickers(full time kickers, Blanda and Thorpe kicked but it wasn't their primary position) there are in the NFL Hall of Fame?


ONE

That ONE is a Kicker, you know who he is?



Jan Stenerud, and he was a kicker in the same era as Ray Guy, KC and Oakland HATED each other in those days, they still do to this day, but not like those days. Jan played from '67-'85. I feel Ray Guy will be like Jan, Ray Guy will be the first punter in the NFL Hall of Fame and he'll be the only one in it as a punter for a long time.

Thats why he's on this list.

6.1.1. webkid30 , August 05, 2008  |  Reply
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But he was a first rounder. It's not like he was a sleeper in the 7th round. For a punter to be on here he should be undrafted. Football players around the world are so pissed at you right now. So friggin pissed.

6.1.1.1. TheDean1 , August 06, 2008
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oh well

6.1.1.2. TheDean1 , August 06, 2008
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lol lol

7. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Kgoon, you just made my case... Ray Guy is the ONLY PUNTER, to EVER be picked in the first round. EVER!

Try this on for size, Say your the owner of your favorite team, what would the fans and media be saying or doing if in the first round you picked a PUNTER, LOL, really. I think we both know the answer to that one.

As for Ray Guy, punters today only wish they could kick like Ray Guy. Teams today only wish they had a Ray Guy on their Roster. The HANG TIME on his punts were timed with a CALENDER not a stop watch, you know what that does for the guys who are going down field to cover those kind of kicks, they get further down field before the guy catches the ball, thus a longer field for the offense to have to march down to score. This then allows your Defense to be more aggressive, overall, better field position for you.

Another point, a 42.4 yard AVERAGE with that kind of hang time is wonderful and to looked back on that you had that on your team for 14 years. With the money they pay players today, if you know of a punter that is that good for that long with that kind of an average, knowing what you know now, the media and fans would still have your ass in a sling if you picked him in the first round, lol. Another reason I have him on this list, there is no one punter in the past or even today, better than Ray Guy.

7.1. Pinkpanthrrr , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Ture...like imagine the press. I can see it, the FO is like, well we really need to beef up our special teams....I know, screw QB this year! Lets get a really awesome punter! What a novel idea! ;) how many fans would be pissed at that pick?

7.1.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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LOL, that was a ballsy pick I'd say.

Hey PINK, go vote at http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/You_pick_em_The_YARDS_TOP_10_NFL_PLAYER_NICKNAMES/298613

we are inviting everyone to come up with the YARDS TOP 10.

thanks and hope to see you there.

7.2. kgoon1590 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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but because he's a first round pick, that makes him not a bargain. even if he's the greatest punter ever to be, you'd take him over brady/marino/manning if you could draft all the best players ever?

it's not a draft BARGAIN to take a PUNTER in the FIRST ROUND. i don't care how good of a punter he is. i'm not saying he wasn't worth it, but i wouldn't call it a bargain by any means.

7.2.1. TheDean1 , August 01, 2008  |  Reply
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touche, good point, I stand corrected.

10. sfergu9285 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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What about Jerry Rice? 16th pick in 1st round in 1983. Greatest receiver of all time.

10.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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That is true, and he won rings too. I was comparing him to Sharpe, not as a over all player 'cause I'd choose Rice over Sharpe all day... However, for BEST BARGAIN or BANG for MY BUCK, I chose Sharpe over Rice 'cause he has the rings, the rec., catches, TD's, blocking in the run game as well as down field, the catching skills, etc. Now I know they are for a TE over a WR.

But to get a Sharpe today in the the 7th round with his #'s and skills would be hugh today, don't you think? I'd take Sharpe. Now mind you, I don't think a WR with RICE, #'s and skills today would even come close to slipping to the 7 th round. Hence why I took Sharpe as a TOP 10 Bargain.

Did I answer your question?

11. miamibeer , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Bo Jackson? HOw about pro-bowler T.J. Houshmandzada 7th rounder

11.1. Pinkpanthrrr , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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good 1

11.1.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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This is for Miamibeer and Pinkpan, You bet TJ was a steal. And should have had some consideration for this list, however, I still contest that a RB is more valuable to a team than a WR. Besides, I had him on my receivers list with Sharpe, Rice and others, and when it came down to it, I took Sharpe for reasons I ,entioned here in and earlier comment. But he is a good choice.

I chose BO, primarily, 'cause all his stats came in less than 4 seasons as a second stringer. And to hold a 5.4 yards per carry is HUGH. Hell with that kind of Avg. who'd even need TJ, LOL, hell 2 carries and I have a first down. So I feel with his 5.4 Avg and second string #'s, 183 rd pick in the 7th round, and the first true 2 sport player.

I would have LOVED to see him in a full career and can only imagine his #'s, Whewww. I know that's off the topic and TJ should have had more consideration, I just couldn't see him on a top 10 list of BARGAINS over Sharpe or BO, nor a WR over a RB. But thats just me.

11.1.1.1. Pinkpanthrrr , July 31, 2008
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And he had all those great commercials...Bo knows yo mamma!

11.1.1.2. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008
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LOL and your too, pink, LOL...

11.1.1.3. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008
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One of my favorites...

14. CrazyFerris , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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What about Curtis Martin??

14.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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What about Curtis?

14.2. eagles4ever05 , August 01, 2008  |  Reply
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How bout them Cowboys

15. CrazyFerris , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Curtis Martin???

15.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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Ok, LOL, again? What about Curtis? Who are you saying he should be replacing off this list, and why? He was a very good back and solid, you could count on him to show up and play. His Stats are also among the BEST with

3,518 career rushing attempts (3rd all-time)
14,101 career rushing yards (4th all-time)
17,430 career yards from scrimmage (7th all-time)
90 career rushing touchdowns (12th all-time)
100 career rushing/receiving touchdowns (19th all-time)

Martin rushed for over 1,000 yards in his first 10 professional seasons, only done by Barry Sanders before that. His 100+ career touchdown is up there with an elite group of only 16 players to do that. Martin, I think is currently 4th on the all-time rushing list, and he is only the 4th running back in NFL history, behind Emmitt Smith, Walter Payton, and Barry Sanders, to pass the 14,000-yard rushing mark.

He was drafted in the 3rd round.

FOR THE RECORD: This is how I started to compile this list.... I defined what a bargain was, I defined it as anyone selected in the 6 th round or higher, that was for the most part, I did fall back on 3 picks on this list outside that with a 3 rd rounder with Montana and 2- 1 st rounders will Marino and Ray Guy. My reasons for Ray Guy are mentioned in a previous comment just above this one.... So I then before finalizing this list, asked myself, self, LOL.... Would I pick any one else between rounds 1 and 3 with better results, championships, and the makings for a stronger list than my 2 picks of Dan Marino and Joe Montana... I couldn't... Thats why I have the list before all you BARKERS, to see if there is anyone else you feel could replace on this list and make it stronger and more STRONGER LIST of BARGAIN PLAYERS.

Curtis Martin (third) over Montana, can't do it, but Martin was a great back.
TJ over eithier one of Marino, Montana, or even Sharpe as a better bargain, I couldn't do it. And he is a GREAT WR and is only going to get better, with or without Chad.

Did this clear up your questions? Sorry I didn't write this first so everyone would have known, my bad...

17. Reds1214 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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See ... I liek your list but... a first rounder is supposed to produce good numbers... you could throw doug flutie on that list as well as kurt warner... thurman thomas was a second round pick!!..cchad johnson wa s a second round pick... Wes welker was even undrafted... To led the league in receptions... he also had 11 receptions in the superbowl which tied a record.

17.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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please read comment # 15.1, and then ask yourself that question and please tell us if you still feel the same way? ok?

Welker was considered BIG TIME for this list, did you know that Wes, is one of just two players to ever have converted a field goal, converted an extra point, recorded a tackle, and fielded a punt and kick off return all in the same game. Yup, and the funny thing is, he did against New England, LOL.... It was in October of 2004, when he was with Miami. And being undrafted was a HUGH point too... So being in the league since 2004, and for the most point as a special teamer at first, so I compared him to BO Jackson, 'cause BO only played three and a half seasons and was only a second stringer. And then the only other two were as I said before were Marino, Montana and Sharpe, If you were going to put WES on this list which one of those 3 would you replace him with?

20. dustinj13 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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how about Marques Colston!!!!! he's a beast out of Hofstra!!! He will led the leageu soon.

20.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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please read comment 15.1, and ask your self that question, I think your right, he will be a very big WR in the next up and coming years.

22. MONSTER , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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EMMITT SMITH !!!!! WESTBROOK SHOULD BE ON EVERY LIST POSSIBLE IN THE EYES OF PHILLY FANS

22.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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LOL, look I know this is primarily a Philly site and Philly fans on here are VERY PASSIONATE about their teams, but NO LIST will ever have just Philly players on it unless its a Philly's list put out by Philly people.

But your right, these guys were and are ANIMALS. But this list is the BEST BARGAIN PLAYERS and I only had room for 10. If you could please read comment 15.1, you'll see how I chose this list. Primarily its a list of players drafted in the 6 th round or higher that are considered by the NFL as BARGAIN PLAYERS.

Westbrook was a third round pick, So I compared him with 3 rd round pick Montana, who is the better bargain, using stats, rings, records, etc... As great as Westbrook is, he's not a better bargain than Montana, sorry..

Emmitt, triva time here for all you BARKERS, did you know that, Emmitt Smith is the only running back to ever have won a Super Bowl championship, the NFL Most Valuable Player award, the NFL rushing crown, and the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player award all in the same season, he did it in 1993. And he was a first round pick, I think, 17 th give or take.... My first Rounder at a key positional player is Dan Marino, first rounder and the 27 th pick. Who is the Better BARGAIN,

Well BARKERS, FOR THIS LIST OF TOP 10 BEST NFL BARGAIN PLAYERS, who do we think is a BETTER BARGAIN...... First rounder Emmitt Smith or First Rounder Dan Marino?

As you can see I picked Dan Marino, what say you, BARKERS of the YARD?

VERY GOOD COMMENT MONSTER!!!!!!!

23. Wildcat1977 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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You are forgetting Bart Starr in the 15th round!!!

23.1. TheDean1 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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HOLY SHIT, YOUR RIGHT................ Never even thought of him, craap, what a bone head I am, LOL.......

Ok so who do we cut out of this list if we put Bart up there? Marino or Montana? I'd have to go with Dan...What do you guys think?

23.1.1. mitressehc , August 01, 2008  |  Reply
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I was just about to give you the nod on puttiong Marino on the list then you want to take him off! Montana was great, but he had so many weapons to work with. My man Dan had NADA! Nothing. Zip. Yeah he was a first rounder but he was doin it by himself. Montana had alot of help.

23.1.1.1. TheDean1 , August 01, 2008
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Dont disagree with you, but as I asked guys in here before, if you add someone to a top 10 list, someone else has to go, So I ask if Marino stays the that other has to go, but does that make the overall list a better and stronger list over all by doing that move?

So I ask guys to plead their case for there pick and stats isn't always a good reason as you noted here in your comment. You know what I'm saying?

23.3. berlin77 , July 31, 2008  |  Reply
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17th round pick in '56

23.3.1.