Super Bowl 2011: Aaron Rodgers and the Top 25 Draft Day Steals in NFL History

The NFL Draft is the place to rebuild a franchise. If you draft well, within the next few years your team should be turned around—or continuing to produce wins if you draft well from year to year. 

Sometimes the players you draft end up being busts. Things just didn't work out and that player never lived up to the hype. Your typical busts occur from the guys taken in the first round. 

If you draft a guy with your first pick you're hoping he can be a someone that can come in and produce right away. Depending on the position, this holds true for most draft picks. 

But it isn't just the first round you need to do well in. Every round and every pick is of equal importance. And from time to time you find the hidden gems in the late rounds. 

Here the top 25 NFL Draft steals. 

25. Marques Colston

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE, WA - JANUARY 08: Marques Colston #12 of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Seattle Seahawks during the 2011 NFC wild-card playoff game at Qwest Field on January 8, 2011 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

2006 Draft: Seventh Round, No. 252 overall, New Orleans Saints 

The 27-year-old from Hofstra was quite the steal in 2006. In his first season, he caught 70 receptions for over 1,000 yards. When healthy all season long Colston is lock to receive over 1,000 yards. 

This seventh-rounder was three picks shy of being Mr. Irrelevant. There were 33 receivers taken in the 2006 draft. Colston was the 32nd wideout drafted that year. 

Naturally it has helped having Drew Brees throwing him the ball, but that still doesn't take away from the fact Colston will go down as one of the biggest steals in the NFL Draft history. 

24. Donald Driver

Chris Graythen/Getty Images

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 15: Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after he made a reception against the Atlanta Falcons during their 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Georgia Dome on January 15, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Packers won 48-21

1999 Draft: Seventh Round, No. 213 overall, Green Bay Packers

Not many believed in the 6'0" receiver from little Alcorn State. But Driver has 698 receptions for just under 10,000 yards. He has never been to a Super Bowl but he finally gets that chance next Sunday. 

Driver's best years were 2004-2009, going six straight years with over 1,000 yards receiving. He has proven that he can play, having been selected to three Pro Bowls. Driver is also the Green Bay Packers' all-time leader in receptions.  

23. Hines Ward

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 23: Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts against the New York Jets during the 2011 AFC Championship game at Heinz Field on January 23, 2011 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

1998 Draft: Third round, No. 92 overall, Steelers

Regarded as one of the league's dirtiest players, Hines Ward was overlooked by a number of teams. He jumped from position to position at Georgia and several teams weren't sure how he would pan out as a receiver. 

And now 13 seasons later Ward is going for his third Super Bowl. Perhaps even another Super Bowl MVP award. Ward has caught 954 receptions for over 11,000 yards. 

This future Hall of Fame wideout was the last pick of the third round. Eleven receivers were taken ahead of him. Only one is of worth and he was the first wideout taken in 1998. That would be Randy Moss.  

22. Matt Hasselbeck

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck #8 of the Seattle Seahawks looks to throw the ball during pregame before taking on the Chicago Bears in the 2011 NFC divisional playoff game at Soldier Field on January 16, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois.

1998 Draft: Sixth Round, No. 187 overall, Green Bay Packers

He was drafted to back up Brett Favre. He was gone after two seasons, then became the starter in Seattle for the next 10 seasons. 

Hasselback has thrown 176 touchdowns and is 421 yards shy of 30,000. Hasselback has been to three Pro Bowls in his career. He led the Seahawks to the Super Bowl after the 2005 season, where they lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

21. Earnest Byner

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

1988: Earnest Byner #44 of the Cleveland Browns carries the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals during a 1988 NFL game. The Browns defeated the Bengals 23-16. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

1984 Draft: 10th round, No. 280 overall, Cleveland Browns 

Very few teams considered the two-time Pro Bowler. He is most famous for "The Fumble" in 1987, costing the Browns AFC Championship game. 

Byner would go on to rush for 8,261 yards. He was also a great receiving back with 512 receptions, catching more than 50 passes in a season four times.

He won a Super Bowl in 1992 with the Washington Redskins. 

20. Mark Clayton

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SAN FRANCISCO - DECEMBER 6: Wide receiver Mark Clayton #83 of the Miami Dolphins looks on during game against the San Francisco 49ers on December 6, 1992 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. The 49ers won 27-3. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Get

1983 Draft: Eighth round, No. 223 overall, Miami Dolphins 

The 5'9" receiver was passed on by a number of teams mostly because of his height. In the first round that year, Miami selected Dan Marino. They figured they should draft a wideout to help him, and the two paired up numerous times over the years. 

Clayton is a five-time Pro Bowler who with a career 582 receptions. He did have 8,794 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns. He caught an NFL-record 18 touchdowns in 1984. 

19. Cris Carter

Elsa/Getty Images

25 Nov 2001 : Cris Carter of the Minnesota Vikings talks on the field phone during the game against the Chicago Bears at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Bears won 13-6 . DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Allsport

1987 Supplemental Draft: Fourth Round, Philadelphia Eagles 

Carter had some issues and wound up ineligible in his senior season at Ohio State. He secretly signed with an agent but was later busted. 

Carter only played a couple of seasons with the Eagles before breaking out in Minnesota. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight straight times from 1993 to 2000. He had over 1,100 receptions for a total of 13,899 yards.

Carter also recorded 130 touchdowns in his career and is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team. 

18. Hardy Nickerson

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

17 Nov 1996: Linebacker Hardy Nickerson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Buccaneers won the game, 25-17. Mandatory Credit: Jed Jacobsohn /Allsport

1987 Draft: Fifth round, No. 122 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers 

Another member of the 1990's All-Decade Team, Nickerson had his best years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

The mid to late '90s were great years for Nickerson, who was selected to five Pro Bowls. Nickerson recorded over 1,500 tackles, 21 sacks, and 12 interceptions in his long career. Nickerson started in 200 games in his 16-year career. 

17. Clyde Simmons

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

7 NOV 1993: A CANDID PORTRAIT OF EAGLES DEFENSIVE LINEMAN CLYDE SIMMONS ON THE FIELD BEFORE A GAME AGAINST THE CARDINALS. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn/ALLSPORT

1986 Draft: Ninth round, No. 233 overall, Philadelphia Eagles 

A lot of teams have to regret passing on Simmons. He finished his career with 121.5 sacks, three interceptions and two touchdowns. Those are great numbers for any defensive end. 

He was selected to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back years in 1991 and 1992. Simmons lead the league in '92 with 19 sacks. 

16. Aaron Rodgers

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CHICAGO, IL - JANUARY 23: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers looks to pass against the Chicago Bears in the NFC Championship Game at Soldier Field on January 23, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

2005 Draft: First round, No. 24 overall, Green Bay Packers 

We all know the story. Aaron Rodgers is in the green room sitting, waiting, wishing for his name to be called. He sat there for over half of the first round before being drafted by Green Bay. 

He was the second quarterback taken in the draft. The first was Alex Smith, selected No. 1 overall by the San Francisco 49ers. That surely panned out well.

Nobody knows if Rodgers would've done the same thing, though. But it was a huge steal for Green Bay when he fell to them at No. 24. 

He sat behind Brett Favre learning what it takes to be in the NFL. He got his moment in 2008 and has never looked back. He's going to be one of the greats. 

15. Dan Marino

A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images

Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino competes in a flag-football legends game during 2005 Pro Bowl week in Ko Olina, Honolulu February 11, 2005. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

1983 Draft: First round, No. 27 overall, Miami Dolphins 

Another first-round steal? Yes it is. Dan Marino was the sixth quarterback taken in the first round in 1983. Of the famed quarterback class of 1983, Dan Marino is arguably the best of those six taken. 

John Elway is really his only competition, and Marino has better stats. However, Elway has the Super Bowl rings. Marino finished his career with 420 touchdowns, over 61,000 yards, and a quarterback rating of 86.4. 

He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was the NFL MVP in 1984. He never won a Super Bowl. 

14. Charlie Joiner

Tony Duffy/Getty Images

1984: Wide receiver Charlie Joiner #18 of the San Diego Chargers focuses as he is about to set a NFL receiving record, moving ahead of Charley Taylor as the all-time receiving leader during a game in 1984. (Photo by Tony Duffy/Getty Images)

1969 Draft: Fourth round, No. 93 overall, Houston Oilers

He was originally drafted as a defensive back by Houston. However, it wasn't until he joined the San Diego Chargers that he really hit it big as a receiver. 

The Hall of Fame wideout finished his career with 750 receptions for 12,146 yards and 65 touchdowns.

Joiner was a three-time Pro Bowl selection. 

13. Charles Haley

Al Bello/Getty Images

15 Oct 1995: Defensive lineman Charles Haley of the Dallas Cowboys looks on during a game against the San Diego Chargers at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. The Cowboys won the game, 23-9.

1986 Draft: Fourth Round, No. 96 overall, San Francisco 49ers

Haley was very versatile during his long NFL career. Because of this he was able to excel as a linebacker and defensive end for both the 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys. 

He is a five-time Pro Bowler. He recorded 100.5 career sacks, two interceptions, and eight fumble recoveries. 

Haley is the only guy to win five Super Bowls as a player—two with San Francisco and three with Dallas. 

12. Dan Fouts

Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO -1987: Dan Fouts #14 of the San Diego Chargers looks to pass during a 1987 NFL season game at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California. ( Photo by: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

1973 Draft: Third round, No. 64 overall, San Diego Chargers

Five quarterbacks were taken before him, including Ron Jaworski. All those teams missed out on the Hall of Fame quarterback from Oregon. 

He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. Fouts threw for over 42,000 yards and 252 touchdowns in his career. 

He is a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team. 

11. L.C Greenwood

Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 07: Former members of the Pittsburgh Steelers, L.C. Greenwood (L), Mel Blount, and 'Mean' Joe Greene (R) before a game against the Houston Texans on September 7, 2008 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Ronald Ma

1969 Draft: 10th round, No. 238 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers 

Greenwood obtained his starting role in 1971 and never looked back. He was a member of the Steel Curtain, the name give to the defensive linemen of the Steelers. 

Greenwood helped the Steelers to Super Bowl wins and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. He was also a member of the 1970s All-Decade Team. 

He recorded 73.5 sacks in his career. Playing in a time when sacks were not an official stat, Greenwood's quickness helped him excel at his position. He was one of the league's top defensive ends during his career. 

10. Rodney Harrison

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 03: David Tyree #85 of the New York Giants catches a 32-yard pass from Eli Manning #10 as Rodney Harrison #37 of the New England Patriots attempts to knock it out in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLII on February 3, 2008 at the

1994 Draft: Fifth round, No. 145 overall, San Diego Chargers 

Harrison was one of the league's toughest safeties. If a receiver crossed his path, Harrison was going to light him up. 

He was selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his career in 1998 and 2001. Harrison recorded over 1,200 tackles, 30.5 sacks, and 34 interceptions. One tackle he will never forget came after David Tyree's "The Catch" in Super Bowl XLII against the Giants.

9. Andre Reed

Rick Stewart/Getty Images

31 Aug 1997: Wide receiver Andre Reed of the Buffalo Bills looks on during a game against the Minnesota Vikings at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Vikings won the game, 34-13. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

1985 Draft: Fourth Round, No. 86 overall, Buffalo Bills

Reed went to a small college named Kutztown in Pennsylvania. He is one of the top wideouts in the NFL history. He teamed up with Jim Kelly for many years at Buffalo and together they were quite the tandem. 

Reed recorded 951 receptions for over 13,000 yards and 87 touchdowns. He was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. 

8. Roger Staubach

Elsa/Getty Images

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - FEBRUARY 04: Roger Staubach, former NFL quarterback, speaks to members of the media at a press conference where the new Super Bowl logo is unvieled at the Fort Lauderdale Convention Center as part of media week for Super Bowl XLIV o

1964 Draft: 10th round, No. 129 overall, Dallas Cowboys 

Staubach is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He won two Super Bowls and was selected to the Pro Bowl six times. 

Staubach was a crucial reason Dallas became a household name. He threw for over 22,000 yards and 152 touchdowns in 10 seasons. 

7. Shannon Sharpe

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

BALTIMORE - OCTOBER 26: Tight end Shannon Sharpe #84 of the Denver Broncos smiles during the NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on October 26, 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland. The Ravens defeated the Broncos won 26-6. (Photo By Grant

1990 Draft: Seventh Round, No. 192 overall, Denver Broncos

Shannon Sharpe is one of the best, if not the best, tight ends in NFL history. He was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and won three Super Bowls in his career. 

He is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team. Sharpe caught 815 passes for 10,060 yards and 63 touchdowns. 

6. Zach Thomas

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

MIAMI, FL - OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Zach Thomas #54 of the Miami Dolphins lines up against the New England Patriots at Dolphin Stadium on October 21, 2007 in Miami, Florida. The Pats won 49 - 28. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

1996 Draft: Fifth round, No. 154 overall, Miami Dolphins 

At 5'11", 228, many teams felt Thomas was too undersized to be a NFL linebacker. Well he bulked up and went on to record over 1,700 tackles. 

Thomas is a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team and was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls. Several teams wish they had drafted Thomas. 

5. Terrell Davis

Elsa/Getty Images

16 Dec 2001 : Terrell Davis of the Denver Broncos cradles the ball during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won 26-23. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Elsa/Allsport

1995 Draft: Sixth Round, No. 196 overall, Denver Broncos 

Davis' career was cut short due to injuries but that didn't stop him from putting up great numbers. He rushed for over 7,000 yards and 60 touchdowns. Davis averaged 4.6 yards per carry, which is all you can ask of your running back. Four yards every play will eventually get you the first down. 

Davis is a member of the 1990s All-Decade Team. He is a two-time Super Bowl champ and a three time pro bowl selection. Davis was also the 1998 NFL MVP. He was a huge success for Denver and the extra push John Elway needed to finally win a Super Bowl. 

4. Johnny Unitas

Scott Halleran/Getty Images

BALTIMORE - SEPTEMBER 15: Detail of an onfield tribute to Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas #19 of the Baltimore Colts with his signature black high tops in a glass case during halftime of the NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Balti

1955 Draft: Ninth round, No. 102 overall, Pittsburgh Steelers 

He was cut by the Steelers but lucky for him, and the Colts, Baltimore gave him a second chance. He went on to be one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. 

Unitas threw for over 40,000 yards and 290 touchdowns. He was a member of the 1960s All-Decade Team and a 10-time Pro Bowl selection. He won the NFL MVP award four times and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979. 

3. Steve Largent

Getty Images/Getty Images

20 Nov 1988: Wide receiver Steve Largent of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The Chiefs won the game, 27-24.

1976 Draft: Fourth round, No. 117 overall, Houston Oilers 

Largent was traded to the expansion Seattle Seahawks during the preseason of 1976. He then spent 13 seasons with the Seahawks catching most things thrown his way. He wasn't particularly fast but he had great hands. 

Largent caught 819 receptions for over 13,000 yards. He is one of seven players in league history to have 100 or more touchdown receptions.  

2. Joe Montana

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

9 Jan 1993: Quarterback Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass during pre game warmups before the start of the 49ers 20-13 victory over the Washington Redskins in an NFC Divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park in San Francisco,

1979 Draft: Third round, No. 82 overall, San Francisco 49ers 

Montana is arguably one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. He threw for over 40,000 yards and 273 touchdowns. He may not have broken or set stat records, but he did win. 

Montana is a four-time Super Bowl champ and three-time Super Bowl MVP. He won two NFL MVP awards. He was also selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. 

He is a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team as well as the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. 

1. Tom Brady

Al Bello/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 16: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks to pass during their 2011 AFC divisional playoff game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on January 16, 2011 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Al Bello/G

2000 Draft: Sixth round, No. 199 overall, New England Patriots 

They were merely looking for a cheap backup quarterback. After all, that's what most quarterbacks taken in the sixth round end up being. Instead they found the future of their franchise and the leader of a dynasty. 

Brady has already thrown for over 34,000 yards and 261 touchdowns. He is a three-time Super Bowl champ and was the MVP in two of them. He has been selected to six Pro Bowls and was named the Sportsman of the Year in 2005. Brady is also a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team. 

Brady will eventually be regarded as the best quarterback to ever play in the NFL. Not bad for a guy taken in the sixth round.