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NFL Draft 2011: Tom Brady and the Top 10 Steals of the 2000s
By Robert Quinn
April 7, 2011
Each year, GM's, Scouts and football fans alike scour the NCAA for the best talent possible. However, there is always a hidden gem that slips through the cracks and becomes a star in the NFL. This slideshow will explore the previous drafts from this decade, and the biggest steals that came as a result.
2000: QB Tom Brady, Round Six, No. 199 Overall
Originally believed to be a competent backup for then-starter Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady is one of the biggest steals in NFL draft history. Brady has won three Super Bowls, passed for 34,744 yards, 261 touchdowns, and 91 interceptions.
2001: WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Round Seven, No. 204 Overall
Coming out of Oregon State University in 2001, T.J. Houshmanzadeh was a no name wide receiver who added little more than a body on the depth chart for the Cincinnati Bengals.
After three seasons with a total of only 60 receptions for a little over 600 yards, T.J posted six straight seasons recording at least 70 receptions and 900 yards, scoring 40 touchdowns, before a subpar 2010 season with the Baltimore Ravens.
Aaron Kampman was selected out of Iowa as an unheralded defensive end with little upside. Nine years later, Kampman has recorded over 300 tackles, 58 sacks, and 12 forced fumbles, in addition to being selected to multiple Pro Bowls.
Talk about bang for your buck!
2003: CB Asante Samuel, Round Four, No. 120 Overall
Coming out of the virtually unknown University of Central Florida in 2003, Samuel was pretty much viewed as a consensus special teamer. Now, he is a Super Bowl champion with almost 350 career tackles, 42 interceptions and is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
2004: DE Jared Allen, Round Four, No. 126 Overall
Jared Allen, leader of the Mullet Militia, is one of the most feared defensive ends in the entire NFL. In his short career, he already has 391 tackles and 83 sacks. He has batted away 39 passes as well.
2005: DE Trent Cole, Round Five, No. 146 Overall
When the Philadelphia Eagles selected Trent Cole, Cincinnati defensive end in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL Draft, no one knew how much of a steal the No. 146 overall selection would become.
In his seven professional seasons, Cole has wreaked havoc on opposing offensive linemen, recording 377 tackles and 57 sacks.
2006: WR Marques Colston, Round Seven, No. 252 Overall
When a player is selected in the seventh round, he is considered lucky to earn a position on special teams coverage or returns. In Marques Colston's case, it means multiple Pro Bowls and huge catches.
In his five professional seasons, Colston has caught at least 70 passes for 1,000 yards four times, scoring 40 touchdowns, and has been a potent weapon in the New Orleans Saints offense.
2007: TE Kevin Boss, Round Five, No. 153 Overall
New York Giants' tight end Kevin Boss has been a consistent chain mover since being selected with the 153rd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. In his four seasons in the National Football league, Boss has caught 119 passes for 1,600 yards, while scoring 18 times and gaining 77 first downs.
2008: RB Jamaal Charles, Round Three, No. 73 Overall
Eight running backs were selected before Jamaal Charles heard his name called in the 2008 NFL Draft, when the Kansas City Chiefs struck gold with their No. 73 overall selection in the third round.
Charles has averaged 6.0 yards per carry over his three year career in the NFL, and has rushed for 2,944 yards in his one-and-a-half seasons as a starter, scoring 12 touchdowns, adding another 112 receptions for 1,037 yards and five touchdowns out of the backfield.
2009: WR Mike Wallace, Round Three, No. 84 Overall
After two seasons in the National Football League, Pittsburgh Steelers' wide receiver, Mike Wallace, has already outplayed his status as a third round draft pick in 2009.
Averaging just over 20 yards per reception, Wallace has caught 99 passes for 2,013 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2009 and 2010. His speed is unmatched, and is a deep threat at any time in any game.
