Nothing sets up an NFL team for success more than a good draft, and nothing makes a good draft better than finding a star in the later rounds. Here are the 10 biggest draft steals since 1994—the first year it was whittled down to the current seven-round format.
10. LB NaVorro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers: 3rd round, 91st overall selection in 2010
Bowman was an All-Pro selection in three of his first four seasons before missing all of 2014 with a torn ACL/MCL. With Patrick Willis’s surprising retirement, the 49ers are hoping the 27-year-old will be fully recovered for the 2015 season.
9. TE Jimmy Graham, New Orleans Saints: 3rd round, 95th overall selection in 2010
Graham already has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons, three Pro Bowl selections, and was an All-Pro in 2013. Although Gronkowski was picked in this draft too (second round), Graham has more career catches (386) and receiving yards (4,752) than the Patriots’ great.
