5th Round:
1. CB Richard Sherman, Seahawks (154th pick by the Seahawks in 2011) – Hard to argue against him already being the best cornerback in the NFL. He’s been to 1 Pro Bowl and it’s hard to imagine a scenario where he won’t have numerous more trips. He’s also a reigning Super Bowl champ.
2. DT Kyle Williams, Bills (134th pick by the Bills in 2006) – No one expected him to be dominant in the NFL like he was in college because of his perceived lack of athleticism but the transition for him was smooth and immediate. He’s been to 3 Pro Bowls.
3. LB Trent Cole, Eagles (146th pick by the Eagles in 2005) – The pass-rushing specialist has been to 2 Pro Bowls and has had four double-digit sack seasons in his career.
4. S Kam Chancellor, Seahawks (133rd pick by the Seahawks in 2010) – Another example of a lateround pick by the Seahawks that turned to gold. He’s been to 2 Pro Bowls in his short career.
5. G Carl Nicks, Buccaneers (164th pick by the Saints in 2008) – He was on his way to being the very best guard in the league after 2 Pro Bowls and was rewarded as such financially by the Bucs, who poached him from a division rival. Unfortunately, he’s been dealing with serious foot issues ever since.
6. RB Michael Turner, retired (154th pick by the Charges in 2004) – In his career with the Chargers and Falcons he made 2 Pro Bowls. He was a punishing inside runner that was near impossible to tackle.
7. CB Brandon Carr, Cowboys (140th pick by the Chiefs in 2008) – He’s been to 1 Pro Bowl and has been a solid cover guy for most of his career with two teams.
8. P Thomas Morstead, Saints (164th pick by the Saints in 2009) – He’s also been to 1 Pro Bowl and is one of the very best punters in the league both in terms of net punt yards and leg power. He’s also an automatic touchback on kickoffs and holds the NFL record for most touchbacks in a season.
9. K Josh Scobee, Jaguars (137th pick by the Jaguars in 2004) – He has a 81.1% career field goal rate and has remained with the Jags since the day he was drafted. I’d say it was worth the 5th-round pick. He also holds the record (tied) for most 50 yard + field goals in a game with 3.
10. DE/LB Rob Ninkovich, Patriots (135th pick by the Saints in 2006) – It took him a while to find his place in the league but he’s developed into a critical part of the Patriot defense. He’s had 8 sacks in each of the last two seasons.