2011 NFL Draft: The Top 32 Greatest Second Round Picks of the Super Bowl Era
The first round of the NFL draft gets all the media love. All the mock drafts, all the Kipers, all the McShays, all the hype and all the prime-time ESPN coverage.
But, true NFL fans know the six rounds that follow that make or break teams and general managers' careers.
The NFL is the ultimate meritocracy, where hard work and production are valued over everything else. First-round draft picks cease to be special the day they walk into their first team meeting. No matter if a player was taken with the second pick of the first round or the 25th pick of the seventh round they are all lowly rookies with something to prove.
It is with that in mind that I give you the ultimate second round, the best of the rest, the 32 greatest second-round selections of the Super Bowl era.
Honorable Mention
1 of 34
Matt Light T Purdue 2001 17th (48) to the New England Patriots
Alge Crumpler TE North Carolina 2001 4th (35) to the Atlanta Falcons
Ron Jaworski QB Youngstown State 1973 11th (37) to the LA Rams
Matt Millen LB Penn State 1980 5th (43) to the Oakland Raiders
Jim Haslett LB Indiana (PA) 1979 23rd (51) to the Buffalo Bills
Ken Norton Jr LB UCLA 1988 14th (41) to the Dallas Cowboys
Bob Sanders Safety Iowa 2004 12th (44) to the Indianapolis Colts
Ricky Watters RB Notre Dame 1991 18th (45) to the San Francisco 49ers
Lawyer Miloy DB Washington 1996 6th (36) to the New England Patriots
Anquan Bolden WR Florida State 2003 22nd (54) to the Arizona Cardinals
LaMarr Woodley DE Michigan 2007 4th (46) to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Deion Branch WR Louisville 2002 33rd (65) to the New England Patriots
Ray Rice RB Rutgers 2008 24th (55) to the Baltimore Ravens
Clinton Portis RB Miami 2002 19th (51) to the Denver Broncos
Lofa Tatupu LB USC 2005 13th (45) to the Seattle Seahawks
Icky Woods RB UNLV 1988 4th (31) to the Cincinnati Bengals (For the Bringing the world the Icky Shuffle not his career)
32. Deion Branch
2 of 34
2002 33 (65): WR Louisville to the New England Patriots
Super Bowl XXXIX MVP
Branch is a solid NFL wideout who makes this list by virtue of playing his best game in the biggest moment, under the lights in Super Bowl XXXIX.
31. Randall Cunningham
3 of 34
1985 QB: UNLV 9th (37) to the Philadelphia Eagles
Four-Time Pro Bowler
Four-Time All Pro
1992 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Led Vikings to a 15-1 record in 1998; finished the season with a 106.0 QB Rating.
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30. Cris Collinsworth
4 of 34
1981 WR: Florida 9th (37) to the Cincinnati Bengals
Three-Time Pro Bowler
Four-Time All-Pro
Collinsworth is most well known for his broadcasting career, but he was also a pretty damn good player in his time. The former All-American began his career with three straight Pro Bowl seasons before ankle injuries cut his career short.
29. Mike Alstott
5 of 34
1996 RB: Purdue 5th (35) to the Tampa Bay Bucs
Six-Time Pro Bowler
Four-Time All-Pro
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were in good hands with Alstott for 11 years including the franchise's only Super Bowl season in 2002. For most of his career, the converted college RB perfectly played the Thunder to Warrick Dunn’s Lightning.
29. Wesley Walls
6 of 34
1989 TE: Ole Miss 28th (56) to the San Francisco 49ers
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Four-Time All Pro
Considered one of the best tight ends of the 1990s.
27. Boomer Esiason
7 of 34
1984 QB: Maryland 10th (38) to the Cincinnati Bengals
1988 NFL MVP
Four-Time Pro Bowler
1988 All-Pro
Led the usually hapless Cincinnati Bungles to Super Bowl in 1988.
26. Osi Umenyiora
8 of 34
DE Troy State: 24th (56) to the New York Giants
Two-Time Pro Bowler
Two-Time All-Pro
When he is healthy, Umenyiora is one of the best pass rushers in the game. Holds the New York Giants’ record for most sacks in a game with six.
25. DeSean Jackson
9 of 34
2008 WR: Cal 18th (49) to the Philadelphia Eagles
Two-Time Pro Bowler
One-Time All-Pro
Jackson is an improved version of the Bears’ Devin Hester as he is a vastly better WR; fans hold their breath whenever he touches the ball.
24. Maurice Jones-Drew
10 of 34
RB UCLA: 28th (60) to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Two-Time Pro Bowler
Two-Time All-Pro
Mighty Mouse is the catalyst for the Jaguars offense and is on his way to breaking all of Fred Taylor’s team rushing records.
23. Devin Hester
11 of 34
2006 WR: 25th (57) Miami to the Chicago Bears
Three-Time Pro Bowler
Three-Time All-Pro
Three-Time NFL Special Teams POY
Member of NFL’s 2000’s All Decade Team
NFL’s All-Time Leader in Punt Returns for TD
NFL’s All-Time Leader in Kick/Punt Returns for TD
Hester has the power to change the course of a game any time he touches the ball. He is arguably the best special teams player in NFL history.
22. Jim Youngblood
12 of 34
1973 LB: Tennessee Tech 16th (42) to the LA Rams
Six-time All Pro
HOF Finalist
Part of one of the best defenses ever. Contrary to common belief, Jim is not related to former Hall of Fame Rams’ teammate, Jack Youngblood.
21. Ken Stabler
13 of 34
1968 QB: Alabama 25th (52) to the Oakland Raiders
Four-Time Pro Bowler
Two-Time All-Pro Selection
1974 NFL MVP
Member of NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team
Stabler harkens back to a time when Al Davis didn’t suck at drafting.
He led Oakland to their first Super Bowl victory in 1977. Stabler broke Johnny U’s record of fastest QB to win 100 games, now stands in third behind only Joe Montana and Tom Brady.
Retired as the Raiders’ all-time leader in completions, passing yards and touchdown passes. Ranked as one of the biggest Hall of Fame snubs of all time.
20. Chad Ochocinco
14 of 34
2001 WR: Oregon State 5th (36) to the Cincinnati Bengals
Six-Time Pro Bowler
Three-Time All-Pro
Ochocinco is one of the most explosive WRs in the game but unfortunately for Marvin Lewis and Carson Palmer, he is also a all-world Diva. Chad Johnson may have been drafted in the second round but, in his own mind, Ochocinco went first overall.
19. Tiki Barber
15 of 34
1997 RB: Virginia 6th (36) to the New York Giants
Three-Time Pro Bowler
One-Time All-Pro
New York Giants’ All-Time Leading Rusher
Barber makes this list despite his embarrassingly terrible and brief TV career. As a player Barber overcame fumblitus to be the heart and soul of the Giants’ offense from 2000 through his retirement in 2006. Retired one year short of winning the Super Bowl. Retired as the the Giants' all-time rushing leader.
18. Flozell Adams
16 of 34
1998 T: Michigan State 8th (38) to the Dallas Cowboys
Five-Time Pro Bowler
One-Time All-Pro
1997 All-American
The Hotel’s stock fell in the days and weeks leading up to the 1998 draft as it was revealed that he was partially deaf in his right ear. One of the NFL’s most penalized players, but a dominant force in the trenches.
17. Kevin Mawae
17 of 34
1994 C: LSU 7th (36) to the Seattle Seahawks
Seven-Time Pro Bowler
Seven-Time All-Pro
Member of the NFL’s 2000s All-Decade Team
Mawae was one of the toughest men ever to play in the NFL. Started 177 consecutive games in the trenches from 1994-2005. One of the best run blockers in NFL history.
16. Issac Bruce
18 of 34
1994 WR: Memphis 4th (33) to the LA Rams
Four-Time Pro Bowler
One-Time All-Pro
Third NFL All-Time Receiving Yards
Bruce was the consummate pro and a key member of Mike Martz’s “Best Show on Turf” offense. Caught the game-winning touchdown pass in Super Bowl XXXIV.
15. Andre Tippett
19 of 34
1982 LB: Iowa 14th (41) to the New England Patriots
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Four-Time All-Pro
Member of NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team
HOF 2008
Tippett was a quarterback’s worst nightmare. He holds the Patriots’ team record for sacks with 100. Recorded 18.5 sacks (third-most among LBs in NFL history) while helping to lead the Pats to the Super Bowl in 1985.
14. Dave Casper
20 of 34
1974 TE: Notre Dame 19th (45) to the Oakland Raiders
Member of NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team
HOF 2002
Casper is most famous for his role in the “Ghost to the Post” play in the 1977 Divisional Playoff round. Casper made an amazing, over-the-shoulder catch which led to the game-tying field goal and paved the way for a Raiders' overtime victory and eventual Super Bowl title.
13. Rickey Jackson
21 of 34
1981 LB Pitt 23rd (51) to the New Orleans Saints
Six-Time Pro Bowler
Six-Time All-Pro
HOF 2010
Jackson was a member of the Saints’ "Dome Patrol" LB Corps, which NFL network ranked as the best of all time. He holds most of the Saints’ defensive records including sacks, sacks in a game, fumble recoveries and games played. Jackson was third on the NFL’s All-time sacks list when he retired.
12. Chris Spielman
22 of 34
1988 LB: Ohio State 2nd (29) to the Detroit Lions
1987 Lombardi Award Winner
Four-Time Pro Bowler
Three-Time All-Pro
2009 College Football HOF
The Lions found magic in a bottle when they drafted college football’s best LB with their second-round pick in the 1988 draft. Spielman led the formidable Lions’ defense to four playoff appearances in the mid-90’s.
11. Lem Barney
23 of 34
1967 Jackson State: DB 8th (34) to the Detroit Lions
Seven-Time Pro Bowler
Seven-Time All-Pro
1967 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Member of NFL’s 1960’s All-Decade Team
HOF 1992
In 1999 Sporting News ranked Barney as the 97th-best football player of all time. Barney’s 56 career interceptions ranked third all time at the time of his retirement in 1977.
Barney sang back up in Marvin Gaye’s classic, “What’s Goin’ On.”
10. Dan Dierdorf
24 of 34
1971 OT: Michigan 17th (43) to the Arizona Cardinals
Six-Time Pro Bowler
Six-Time All-Pro
Member of NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
College Football HOF
NFL HOF 1996
Dierdorf was one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history and was a key member of the Cardinals' 1975 O-Line who only gave up eight sacks all year. Dierdorf followed that up by not giving up a sack for two consecutive seasons (1976-1977).
9. Dwight Stephenson
25 of 34
1980 C Alabama 20th (48) to the Miami Dolphins
Five-time Pro Bowler
Five-time All-Pro
Member of NFL’s 1980’s All-Decade Team
Many remember Stephenson as the greatest center of all time. He paved the way for Dan Marino’s success as he anchored a Dolphins' offensive line that gave up the fewest sacks in the NFL for six consecutive seasons from 1982-1987.
8. Willie Lanier
26 of 34
1967 LB: Morgan State 24th (50) to the Kansas City Chiefs
Eight-Time Pro Bowler
Eight-Time All Pro
Selected to NFL’s 75 Anniversary All-Time Team
HOF 1986
Lanier was the defensive leader of the Chiefs' 1969 Super Bowl winning team. He was nicknamed “Contact” by his teammates for his aggressive style of play.
7. Thurman Thomas
27 of 34
1988 Oklahoma State RB 13th (40) to the Buffalo Bills
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Five-Time All-Pro
1991 NFL MVP
1992 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
Three-Time AFC Rushing Champion
2007 Pro Football HOF
Thomas proved to be the best of the best in 1988’s stacked second round. One of only three Oklahoma State Cowboys with his number retired. Slipped to the second round because of questions surrounding a knee injury he suffered his senior year in Stillwater. Led the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls.
6. Jack Ham
28 of 34
Jack Ham 1971 8 (34) LB Penn State to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Eight-Time Pro Bowler
Eight-Time All-Pro
Member of NFL’s 1970’s All Decade Team
Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
HOF 1988
Ham played alongside Jack Lambert in Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain defense. He beat out Lawrence Taylor for an LB spot on the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Ham is one of only eight players to record 20 interceptions and 20 sacks in his career.
5. Howie Long
29 of 34
1981 DT: Villanova 20th (48) to the Oakland Raiders
Eight-Time Pro Bowler
Five-Time All-Pro
1985 NFL Co-Defensive Player of the Year
HOF 2010
Long was the anchor of the Raiders' defense throughout the 1980's.
4. Darren Sharper
30 of 34
1997 DB: William & Mary 30th (60) to the Green Bay Packers
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Six-Time All-Pro
Member of the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade Team
Led the NFL in Interceptions in 2000
Sixth on the All-Time interceptions list
Sharper has been a dominant DB for the last 10 years. His leadership helped the usually questionable Saints defense do just enough to win Super Bowl XLIV.
3. Jack Lambert
31 of 34
1974 LB Kent State 20th (46) to the Pittsburgh Steelers
Nine-Time All-Pro
1976 Defensive Player of the Year
Sports List Ranks him as the toughest football player of all time
1990 HOF
Lambert is famous for his gap-tooth snarl and was a key part of the Steel Curtain defenses which won four Super Bowls in the 1970s. One of the best, most feared players in Steelers' history.
2. Drew Brees
32 of 34
2001 QB: Purdue 1st (32) to the San Diego Chargers
Five-Time Pro Bowler
Three-Time All-Pro
Two-Time NFC MVP
2010 AP Male Athlete of the Year
2004 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
Super Bowl XLIV MVP
Like Lil’ Wayne, Drew Brees put New Orleans on his back in 2010 and delivered the Dirty Dirty their first professional sports championship. Brees left Purdue as the Big Ten’s All-Time leader in attempts, completions, passing yards, total yards and touchdowns.
His draft stock dropped due to concerns about his size and perceived lack of arm strength. Never gained the trust and respect of San Diego’s front office and was dealt to the Saints after the Chargers drafted Phillip Rivers as his replacement. Had his first All-Pro season in 2006, his first with the Saints.
1A. Mike Singletary
33 of 34
1981 LB: Baylor (38) to the Chicago Bears
10 Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons in the NFL.
Eight-time All-Pro
Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
No. 56 on Sporting News’ Top 100 NFL Players of All Time
1998 HOF
Samurai Mike may have flamed out as a coach, but he was a helluva player. Singletary was the unquestioned leader of the Bears’ Monsters of the Midway defense in the mid-80’s. Nicknamed the “Minster of Defense,” a title he would later pass on to fellow adorned minister, Reggie White.
1. Brett Favre
34 of 34
1991 QB: Southern Miss 6th (33) to the Atlanta Falcons
11-Time Pro Bowler
Six-Time Al Pro
Three-Time NFL MVP
Three-Time NFC Player of the Year
Member of NFL’s 1990s All-Decade team
Pretty Much Every NFL Passing Record
First Ballot Hall of Famer
The Gunslinger was the third QB off the board in the 1991 draft following busts, Dan McGwire and Todd Marinovich. All sexting jokes aside, Favre is one of the most charismatic players in NFL history and arguably the best QB ever to play the game. Led the Packers to their first Super Bowl since Lombardi.
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