Russ, T.O., Montana & more: The best third-round picks in NFL history

Kelce converted from quarterback to tight end in college and was selected in the third round by the Chiefs out of Cincinnati. After a knee injury in his rookie season, Kelce has gone on to develop into the league's best tight end with seven consecutive 1,000 yard receiving seasons and 10 Pro Bowls over 12 seasons.

Wilson had a terrific year at Wisconsin before he was drafted in 2012 by Seattle. The former minor league baseball player proved his ability on the gridiron, beating out Matt Flynn for the starting job in his first training camp and ascending to an elite level immediately. He's made 10 Pro Bowls and won one Super Bowl in his first 13 seasons.

Yanda emerged from Iowa to have a career that's likely Hall of Fame worthy, making eight Pro Bowls in 13 seasons with the Ravens. He retired following the 2019 season.

Gore overcame a serious knee injury at Miami to have an outstanding NFL career. He made five Pro Bowls in 16 seasons, with nine 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Gore rankes third all time in rushing.

Witten's career consistency has been nearly unmatched over 16 seasons in Dallas. He's made 11 Pro Bowls and missed only one game during his career, in his rookie season. The Tennessee alum retired to join the "Monday Night Football" broadcast booth in 2018, but came out of retirement to play two more seasons. 

Alongside Brian Urlacher, Briggs helped anchor many great Bears defenses during his 12-year career. The linebacker out of Arizona made seven Pro Bowls and recorded more than 100 tackles eight times.

An undersized wideout out of Utah, Smith was an elite player for much of his career. He made five Pro Bowls with Carolina and finished his career with Baltimore.

A ferocious pass rusher out of Colorado State, Porter recorded 98 sacks over 13 seasons in the NFL. He also made four Pro Bowls during his career.

An all-around great wide receiver out of Georgia, Ward made four Pro Bowls during his 14-year career in Pittsburgh. He reached 1,000 yards receiving six times.

Barber played his college ball at Virginia, along with his twin brother, Tiki, before he was drafted by the Bucs in 1997. He spent his entire 16-year career in Tampa Bay, making five Pro Bowls and recording 47 career interceptions.

Taylor was a steal for the Dolphins out of Akron, making six Pro Bowls and winning the 2006 Defensive Player of the Year Award over 15 seasons. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame after recording 139.5 sacks for his career.

Owens made an instant impact after he was drafted out of Chattanooga, and he was one of the top wideouts of his era with six Pro Bowls in 15 seasons. The Hall of Famer currently ranks third all time in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

Martin was one of the most consistent running backs in the NFL during his 11-year career, with 10 consecutive 1,000 yard seasons and five Pro Bowls. The Pitt alum was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2012.

Lynch had an accomplished career with nine Pro Bowl appearances in 15 seasons. Since finishing his playing career, the Stanford alum has dabbled in broadcasting and is now the GM of the San Francisco 49ers.

Shields made 12 Pro Bowls in 14 seasons with the Chiefs, quite a return on investment for the third-round pick out of Nebraska. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Williams played 14 NFL seasons, making eight Pro Bowls between the Cardinals and Rams. He earned the Hall of Fame honor in 2014.

Grimm won three Super Bowls with Washington during his Hall of Fame career. The Pittsburgh alum made four Pro Bowls during his career and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010. Following his playing career, Grimm worked as an NFL assistant coach.

Perhaps the most well-known third-round pick in history, Montana went on to quarterback a dynasty in San Francisco after he was drafted out of Notre Dame in 1979. Montana won four Super Bowls and two MVP Awards and was an eight-time Pro Bowler.

Slater spent 20 seasons with the Rams after he was drafted out of Jackson State, making seven Pro Bowl appearances during his Hall of Fame career. He played 259 games over his career.

Fouts regularly produced gaudy stats in the Chargers offense during his 15-year career, and the Oregon alum was eventually inducted into the Hall of Fame. His accomplishments included six Pro Bowls and the 1982 Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Anderson played 16 seasons in Cincinnati after he was drafted out of Augustana College. He led the NFL in passing yards twice, made four Pro Bowls and was the league MVP in 1981.

Blount had a Hall of Fame career in 15 seasons with the Steelers, making five Pro Bowls and winning four Super Bowls with the team. The Southern alum also won 1975 Defensive Player of the Year.

Shell anchored the Raiders offensive line at left tackle during his 15-year career, making eight Pro Bowls en route to his Hall of Fame induction. The Maryland-Eastern Shore alum also had two stints as the Raiders head coach.

Bethea was selected out of North Carolina A&T in 1968 and spent his entire 16-year career with the Oilers. He made eight Pro Bowls as one of the league's top pass rushers and an eventual Hall of Famer.

Sanders played 10 seasons at tight end for the Lions, making seven Pro Bowls during his career. The Minnesota alum made the Hall of Fame in 2007.

Wilcox was a seven-time Pro Bowler for the 49ers and a great find out of Oregon. He had his Hall of Fame induction in 2000.

Tarkenton was taken in the third round out of Georgia in 1961 and went on to play 18 seasons with the Vikings. The quarterback made nine Pro Bowls and won the MVP in 1975.

Nitschke did his fair share of winning in the NFL, with five NFL championships and two Super Bowls over 15 seasons with the Packers. The Illinois alum was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1978.

McDonald was an offensive force in 12 seasons, with 8,410 career receiving yards and 84 touchdowns. He made six Pro Bowls during his Hall of Fame career after playing his college ball at Oklahoma.

Lary played 12 seasons with the Lions, making nine Pro Bowls and winning three NFL championships. His career was honored as Hall of Fame worthy in 1979.