Go Fourth (or Later) and Prosper
OFFENSE
QB Tom Bradysixth roundPatriots2000
Scouting report said: "Looks frail." Career résumé says: Three Super Bowl rings, two league MVPs.
RB Arian Fosterundrafted2009
Destroyed his rep by clashing with Vols coach Phil Fulmer. Repaired it by averaging 1,421 rushing yards over past three seasons for Houston.
LT Jermon Bushrodfourth roundSaints2007
Six standout years as Drew Brees's blind-side protector earned him a $35 million deal with the Bears last month.
LG Jonathan Goodwinfifth roundJets2002
A washout in New York, he won a Super Bowl ring with the Saints in '10 and helped lead the Niners to the big game last season.
C Matt Birksixth roundVikings1998
Harvard product and perennial Pro Bowler spent 10 seasons with Vikes and four with Ravens, capping career with Super Bowl XLVII win.
RG Doug Freefourth roundCowboys2007
For escorting Dallas rushers downfield and having Tony Romo's back, the 'Boys rewarded Free with a $32 million deal in '11.
RT David Diehlfifth roundGiants2003
The unheralded ex-Illini has played just about every position on the New York line, winning two Super Bowl rings in the process.
WR Wes Welkerundrafted2004
Takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin' off 100-catch seasons, a streak that will likely continue on Peyton's Broncos.
WR Brandon Marshallfourth roundBroncos2006
Off-field problems and struggles with Borderline Personality Disorder, but Jay Cutler has kept him productive.
WR Marques Colstonseventh roundSaints2006
Hofstra product was fourth to last off the board in '06 and is now first alltime among New Orleans WRs.
TE Antonio Gatesundrafted 2003
The NBA called him a tweener, but since the Chargers took a flier on him, he has become an NFL prototype for his position.
DEFENSE
DE Elvis Dumervilfourth roundBroncos2006
Louisville product has 63½ career sacks and would still be in Denver rather than Baltimore if his agent hadn't fumbled a fax.
NT Jay Ratliffseventh roundCowboys2005
Undersized coming out of Auburn, the four-time Pro Bowler has emerged as the linchpin of the Cowboys' D line.
DE Jared Allenfourth roundChiefs2004
Idaho State's finest has averaged nearly 15 sacks a season since joining the Vikes in '08.
OLB James Harrisonundrafted2002
Cut twice by the Steelers before emerging as a devastating force; '08 Defensive Player of the Year and a two-time Super Bowl winner.
ILB Larry Footefourth roundSteelers2002
Michigan man has been a steadying presence on Pittsburgh's D (he also had a short stint in Detroit). At 32, doesn't seem to be slowing.
ILB London Fletcherundrafted 1998
He might be short (5'10"), but his career has been anything but: He's missed one start in last 14 seasons with the Rams, Bills and Redskins.
OLB Jarret Johnsonfourth roundRavens2003
Two-time 'Bama captain had mediocre combine numbers but stuck for nine seasons on a talented Ravens D before move to San Diego in '12.
CB Cortland Finneganseventh roundTitans2006
Draft slight served as motivation: 17 career picks, an All-Pro nod in '08 and a $50 million move to the Rams in '12.
CB Asante Samuelfourth roundPatriots2003
At his peak, the four-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl winner was the NFL's best on-ball defender. With the Falcons, not as much.
SS Kam Chancellorfifth roundSeahawks2010
Three position changes at Virginia Tech turned off scouts, but a '12 Pro Bowl invite shows he has found his niche in the Pac Northwest.
FS Dashon Goldsonfourth round49ers2007
Went from lightly regarded out of Washington to a '12 All-Pro and one of this off-season's most sought-after free agents.
SPECIAL TEAMS
P Shane Lechlerfifth roundRaiders2000
Seven-time Pro Bowler and the NFL's alltime leader in yards per punt (100-plus punts).
PR-KR Josh Cribbsundrafted2005
The best returner not named Hester had eight career TD returns; currently a free agent.
K Adam Vinatieriundrafted1996
Most clutch kicker in NFL history has four Super Bowl rings and is still booting it at 40.
PHOTO
SIMON BRUTY/SPORTS ILLUSTRATED (MARSHALL)
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RICH GABRIELSON/ICON SMI (ALLEN)
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MARK COWAN/UPI/LANDOV (VINATIERI)