With the 2024 NFL Draft nearly here, no time is better than now to look at some of the best second-round NFL Draft picks of all time. Many league greats have come out of Round 2 during the history of the event, so with that in mind let’s take a look at the 10 best ever.
10. Anquan Boldin
Before Larry Fitzgerald built a name for himself as the greatest wide receiver in Arizona Cardinals history, long-time teammate Anquan Boldin was putting together a solid resume as the franchise’s top receiver in the early 2000s. During the decade he would earn Pro Bowl honors three times and posted seven 1,000+ yard seasons during a very good under-the-radar 14-year career after being the 54th pick overall in 2003.
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9. Derrick Henry
For almost all of his first eight years in the league, Derrick Henry has been the face and heart of the Tennessee Titans offense. The four-time Pro Bowler and 45th pick overall in 2016 is a beloved player in team history and his 2,027 yards in 2020 put him in a category among the greats of all time. That is why he is one of the greatest second-round NFL Draft picks of all time.
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8. Calais Campbell
Sixteen-year NFL veteran, and 50th overall pick in 2008, Calais Campbell is well known for his talents as a locker room leader. However, he earned such a stature with some impressive seasons in the league. The six-time Pro Bowler has racked up over 100 sacks during his career and has been a model of pass-rushing consistency.
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7. LeSean McCoy
LeSean McCoy will go down as not only one of the best and most well-rounded running backs in Philadelphia Eagles history but also in Buffalo Bills lore. The 53rd overall pick in 2009 was a dual threat and that racked up Pro Bowl trips on six occasions — three a piece for each franchise.
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6. Michael Strahan
No one realized when the New York Giants made Michael Strahan the 40th overall pick in 1993 that he would become one of the greatest defensive players of all time for a franchise that has many greats on that side of the ball. But during his 15-year run, he earned Pro Bowl honors seven times, was key in the team’s last two Super Bowl wins, and is still tied for the single-season sack record of 22.5.
5. Davante Adams
Green Bay Packers and Las Vegas Raiders veteran Davante Adams is the greatest wide receiver to be drafted in the second round. The 53rd pick in 2014 has had an outstanding career and he is far from finished. Over his 10 years in the league, he has gone to the Pro Bowl six times and has twice posted 1,500+ yards.
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4. Rob Gronkowski
The New England Patriots landed a steal in 2014 when they made Rob Gronkowski the 42nd overall pick. Despite injuries slowing down his output in several seasons, he was still a huge part of the franchise’s legendary dynasty and also helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their most recent championship.
“Gronk” is sixth all-time in receiving yards for a tight end and pulled in the third most touchdowns ever for a player in his position. That is why he is one of the best second-round NFL Draft picks ever.
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3. Brett Favre
Green Bay Packers icon Brett Favre is a legitimate NFL legend. While he has some unenviable records, his fire, toughness, and one-of-a-kind arm made him a beloved player and one of the best of his era. The 11-time Pro Bowler is also a three-time MVP and took the Pack to a pair of Super Bowls (winning one) during the 1990s.
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2. Mike Singletary
Mike Singletary is one of the greatest players in Chicago Bears history. The iconic defensive player was taken with the 38th overall pick in 1981 and would go on to put together a fantastic career that would include 10 straight Pro Bowls and All-Pro honors on seven occasions. Not only is he one of the best defensive players of his era, his among the best to take the field over the last 50 years.
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1. Drew Brees
Few thought that when the San Diego Chargers drafted Drew Brees with the 32nd overall pick in 2001 he would have such a legendary career. However, after a few good years in San Diego, he would go on to become the greatest player to wear a New Orleans Saints uniform during his 15 years in Louisiana.
Brees is a 13-time Pro Bowler who is second all-time for passing yards and touchdowns and sixth best ever in passer rating. Plus he brought the franchise their one and only Super Bowl trophy.
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