The NFL Draft is upon us this week, and we’re expecting a few surprises. It’s not uncommon to see a projected top-5 prospect drop out of the 1st round.
Also, it’s not surprising to see the #1 overall pick to be someone other than the consensus favorite.
With that being said, lets take a look at some of the biggest draft surprises of recent memory.
2006 Texans selected Mario William!
Coming into the 2006 NFL Draft, it was a widely assumed done deal that USC star and Heisman Trophy winning running back Reggie Bush would be the #1 pick.
There were rumors that Texas Longhorn quarterback Vince Young would be the surprise #1 overall pick. However, when the time came at the podium it was Mario Williams of NC State that got the call.
2005 Aaron Rodgers drops to 24th
Many analysts had Rodgers projected to go #1 overall, but he ended up falling to the 24th pick. The signal caller out of Cal University was the last one in the green room in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Ultimately, Rodgers would back up another hall of fame quarterback in Brett Favre. Rodgers would eventually take over after Favre retired the first time in 2008.
Fast forward to now, Rodgers is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks ever in the NFL.
1998 The Vikings got Moss
Although this draft happened before the 2000s, the Randy Moss fall from top-10 pick to 21st is ground breaking. Moss, one of the greatest receivers ever, fell due to old news as a high school student.
Fortunately for the Vikings, they were able to team Moss up with quarterback Dante Culpepper to create one of the greatest offenses ever.
Now, Randy Moss last name is synonymous with a player get caught on. #YouGotMoss.
2004 Eli Manning refuses to play
The Manning name made headlines when #1 overall pick Eli Manning refused to play for the San Diego Chargers. Eli, the younger brother of Peyton Manning, surprised everyone.
After some deliberation, the New Your Giants and Chargers agreed to trade their quarterback selections. The Giants got Eli and the Chargers receiver Phillip Rivers.
Ultimately, both teams ended up with two of the best quarterbacks in their respective franchises history.
2010 The Jaguars select Tyson Alualu at #10
The biggest head scratcher came with the No. 10 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft. The Jaguars selected a projected late 2nd round pick at number 10.
Although versatile, the selection was a reach considering the players who came after. Players like Jason Pierre-Paul, Earl Thomas, and Maurkice Pouncey.