NFL

Fans Share Incredible Stories Of NFL Draft Day Steals

Darren - April 28, 2021
NFL

Fans Share Incredible Stories Of NFL Draft Day Steals

Darren - April 28, 2021

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

4. Bruce Irvin

“Bruce Irvin was a huge surprise at 15 and played a key role in that Super Bowl,” ImanShumpertplus observed. Irvin had influential roles in more than one Super Bowl but at least earned one ring. He helped the Patriots overcome the Broncos in 2013 and was an integral presence on the field. However, he became the first player to suffer the indignity of a Super Bowl ejection when the Patriots defeated his Seahawks in 2014.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

“Yeah, not a superstar like a lot of other players being mentioned, but he was a very productive player on our defense and was widely seen as a reach when we drafted him. We haven’t really been able to find a good 3rd LB since he left,” hendrix67 said. Irvin wasn’t the most glamorous player but he was a tremendous athlete and his effectiveness was incredible. Every Super Bowl-winning team needs this.

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3. J.J Watt

“I remember Texans fans getting really p***ed in 2011 “reaching” for JJ Watt. Everybody was so mad we would get an unathletic DE over Prince Amukamara. Gotta say that turned out to be a good “reach” on the Texans part,” RhoAlphaPhii said. Many Texans fans were in tears when Watt finally departed Houston for Arizona in 2021. This was because of his incredible commitment to the team.

Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year broke every meaningful Texans’ record during his time with the franchise. He also led the league in sacks on two occasions. Meanwhile, a quick glance at one of his workouts illustrates that Watt is an incredible animal. His ferocious tackling and superb positional play make him one of the best defensive ends out there.

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2. Kyle Long

“Kyle Long wanted to return to school for one more year to improve his skills and increase his value. but the NCAA turned him down for a medical redshirt and forced him to go pro, too,” Hyperdrunk said. He applied for one more year of eligibility but after the NCAA’s refusal, he ended up playing for the Chicago Bears. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise for the former Oregon star.

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Many fans criticized the Bears’ decision but it turned out to be a good one. “Long was only a starter for like half a season in college, and it was due to an injury. His age was less of a factor than the fact that he was a major unknown with fairly limited tape,” TheManWhoWasNotShort recalled. He became a three-time Pro Bowler during this time in the Windy City so it was an incredible decision.

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1. Ed Reed

“This has to be the winner, Ed Reed is without a doubt the best safety to ever play,” andyzaltzman1 agreed. “Probably the best DB to ever play, and easily one of the best defenders of the last 30 years.” This is not an overstatement by any means. Reed was an incredible athlete and deserves his spot in the Hall of Fame. He is one of Baltimore’s greatest ever players and deserves his place at the top of this list.

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A Super Bowl winner with the Ravens, he was also the Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler and led the league in interceptions. Meanwhile, he is also a massive personality and this endeared him to the fans. Every generation a player comes along who changes the game and Reed was one of these. Quite simply, he was outstanding and a top athlete.

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