The NFL has seen numerous draft steals over the years, with players selected in later rounds often outperforming those chosen earlier. Among the top 10 draft steals of all time are players like Purdy, the first "Mr. Irrelevant" to win a playoff game as a rookie, and Colston, a seventh-round pick known for his standout seasons with the Saints. Kelce, drafted 191st overall in 2011, has since garnered numerous accolades, including seven Pro Bowl appearances and a Super Bowl championship.
Other notable draft steals include Montana, a fourth-round pick who went on to win four Super Bowls, and Dent, who excelled as a pass rusher and earned a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Davis, a sixth-round pick in 1995, had an exceptional three-year run with the Broncos, culminating in a league-leading 2,008 rushing yards in 1998. Sharpe, a seventh-round selection, became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history, while Houston, a ninth-round pick, earned 12 Pro Bowl selections during his career. Lastly, Starr, a 17th-round pick, led the Packers to multiple championships and was named Super Bowl MVP twice.
One standout active player who is poised to join the ranks of the NFL's greatest draft steals is the quarterback with seven Super Bowl wins, numerous MVP awards, and multiple records to his name. Having retired recently, he is expected to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer when eligible in 2028.