The Top 25 NFL Draft Picks Since 1995

Love it or hate it, it’s the top 25 since '95.

25) DeMarcus Ware—Entering his fifth season in the league, Ware makes it hard to ignore the incline in success he has had. Last season he almost broke the single season sack record. For a team in a constant flux, he is the one stable point on that defense.

24) Jonathan Ogden—The left tackle out of UCLA helped his team to a Super Bowl win with his size and power. Ogden missed only one game in 12 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, and may be one of the greatest offensive lineman of all time.

23) Mike Alstott—The Buccaneers got all they could have hoped for and more with this pick. Alstott had the triple package in running, blocking, and catching.

22) Julius Peppers—Consider Peppers an older version of DeMarcus Ware. Considered one of the best pass rushers in the game today, Peppers has totaled 70.5 sacks in seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers, can we say consistent?

21) Adrian Peterson—Before the NFL world forms a riot outside my door for keeping him so high, allow me to explain.

Peterson is by far one of, if not the best running back in the league today, but with only two seasons under his belt and a loss in the first round of the playoffs, he will need some more time before he can go ahead of Super Bowl winners, and consistent Pro Bowlers.

20) Terrell Davis—John Elway’s wingman found his way into the end zone often and had the potential to be one of the greatest backs of all time. His lack of longevity forces me to put him as high as he is.

19) Donovan McNabb—Say what you must about the Syracuse alum, but the man can play the game. The Eagles soared at one point making it to four consecutive conference championship games between 2001 and 2004 with McNabb at the helm. He still has some left in the tank, so never count out the Eagles as long as they have No. 5. 

18) Hines Ward—The undersized and undaunted Hines Ward has been the staple of the Pittsburgh Steelers since his draft day in 1998. Ward has helped the Steelers to two Super Bowl championships and has caught over 800 passes in his career. Ward is also an elite blocking receiver, which is remarkable because of his lack of size.

17) Orlando Pace—Although he will now be blocking for the Chicago Bears, Pace held down the offensive line in St. Louis for 12 years. He was the first offensive lineman taken with the first overall pick in almost 30 years, and was one of the main members of the "greatest show on turf."

16) Shaun Alexander—The man once owned the record for most touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a single season and was the MVP of the NFL in 2005.

15) Terrell Owens—For those who think T.O. should be lower on this list, you have valid point. While No. 81 is second all-time in career receiving touchdowns, the man is a headache, nay, a migraine.

Owens was so bad even Jerry Jones had to cut him loose. His lack of a championship ring and a franchise to link him to takes away from his on the field heroics.

14) Tiki Barber—In his short yet productive career, Tiki brought the New York Giants running game to new heights. Barber is one of only three payers to have over 10,000 yards rushing and 5,000 yards receiving.

13) Carson Palmer—While Palmer may have not brought any postseason success to his team, the numbers don’t lie. Over 15,000 yards and more than 100 touchdowns in a little more than four seasons is enough to land him on this list.

12) Troy Polamalu—The man with the best and most feared hair in the league is the perfect combination of a run stopper and pass defender. Polamalu has over 300 solo tackles and 17 interceptions in only six seasons, and is the most important player on the Steelers defense, now that’s saying something.

11) Devin Hester—Maybe the best return man to ever grace the field. With a crisp flow and blinding speed, Hester forces the opponents head coach to sit in on special teams meetings to strategize for his game changing abilities.

10) Ronde Barber—Quite possibly the most complete cornerback to ever play the game. Ronde has revolutionized the position with his ability to blitz the passer, stop the run, and defend the pass.

9) Randy Moss—The man nicknamed the “freak” has had his fair share of freakish catches but can’t seem to get his hands on that elusive Lombardi trophy. Sometimes double teams can’t even seem to contain this monster; the man just cannot be covered.

8) Warren Sapp—The plug in the middle was an unstoppable force on the defensive line. If you think Albert Haynesworth is amazing, double his credibility and then you can get an idea of Mr. Sapp. But don’t be fooled by the 300 pounds, his smooth moves earned him a spot on the hit show "Dancing with the Stars."

7) Ray Lewis—Probably the most feared athlete in all of sports. The stare of Jonathan Papelbon pales in comparison to the sole piercing eyes of Ray Ray.

As captain of one of the most dominant defenses in recent memory, Lewis is a consistent playmaker and was always found in the mix of the play. The ball doesn’t seem to find him; he goes out and seeks the ball. "All my dogs in the house!"

6) Marvin Harrison – Why no one in the league wants to sign a veteran receiver with all the knowledge and skill any one could have in the league is beyond me. Harrison has more than 14,000 career receiving yards and 128 total touchdowns.

In addition to his Super Bowl ring, Marvin also holds the record for most receptions in a single season and is the only player in NFL history to have four consecutive seasons with 100 receptions. His connection to Peyton will be mentioned later on.

5) LaDainian Tomlinson—What more could be said about the man who currently holds the record for most touchdowns and rushing touchdowns in a single season? L.T. is one of the most entertaining and confident runners to watch. If there was ever an all-time fantasy draft, you’d want Tomlinson as your back, trust me.

4) Tony Gonzalez—Perhaps the best tight end of all time. Gonzalez holds all the top tight end receiving records and is currently working at his 130 consecutive games with a reception.

3) Ben Roethlisberger—How does Big Ben get the nod over Marvin, L.T., and Ray Ray? It’s simple, two rings and an entire career ahead of him is your answer. Ben has accomplished so much in so little time that he had to be in the top three.

When people thought injuries would slow him down, he proved everyone wrong and won a second ring. The youngest quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl is an undeniable Hall of Fame athlete in only his sixth year.

2) Peyton Manning—Arguably the smartest quarterback to ever throw a pigskin, Peyton is a flat out winner. His success translates throughout his team, and it shows every week.

Even when Peyton is off he’s still on. At any given moment he can make that perfect pass to turn the game around. As far as personal accomplishments go, Manning and Harrison own the record for most QB/WR hookups in both receptions and touchdowns.

1) Tom Brady—No surprise here. The man slipped every NFL teams radar, and managed to elude the all-knowing, ever-alert Mel Kiper Jr. Nine years later Brady has three Super Bowl rings, two Super Bowl MVP awards, and a supermodel wife, go figure.