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NFL Draft: 5 biggest steals in the last 10 years #3-#1
#3 - Cooper Kupp, Round 3, Pick 69, 2017
Cooper Kupp's 2021 season was something every NFL player would be proud of, regardless of their stature, making his third-round selection by the Los Angeles Rams in 2017 all the more remarkable.
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Kupp was initially named the fourth wide receiver on the Rams' depth chart but managed 869 yards in his rookie season. After going for 1,000 yards in 2019, Kupp's stock rose, but it wasn't until the arrival of Matthew Stafford in 2021 that he reached his potential.
He became the first wideout since Steve Smith in 2005 to win the triple crown. He accumulated the most receptions (145), receiving yards (1,947), and touchdowns (16) to take home the AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year honors.
His historic season continued as the playoffs rolled around. Kupp caught six more touchdowns, including two in the Super Bowl, as the Rams won the title game. Kupp was named the Super Bowl MVP.
#2 - Tyreek Hill, Round 5, Pick 165, 2016
Tyreek Hill was dealing with a domestic abuse case when the 2016 NFL Draft came around. Many analysts expected him to go undrafted, despite his speed being on display as he took part in the 4x100m relay for the United States in the World Junior Championships in 2012.
After the Kansas City Chiefs took a punt on him in the fifth round, Hill was named the fourth wide receiver on the depth chart and the starting kick and punt returner. In his rookie year, he led the league with three kicks returned for touchdowns and racked up 593 receiving yards.
Hill went for 1,000 yards in his sophomore year in 2017, but it wasn't until the arrival of Patrick Mahomes that he took his game to the next level. Since Mahomes became the starter for the Chiefs in 2018, Hill has had 4,854 receiving yards, along with 43 receiving touchdowns.
After establishing himself as one of the best wide receivers in football, Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in 2022, signing a $120 million extension, including $72.2 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid wideout in NFL history.
#1 - Russell Wilson, Round 3, Pick 75, 2012
Russell Wilson was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in round three of the 2012 NFL Draft and was supposed to sit behind newly acquired quarterback Matt Flynn. Instead, Wilson beat Flynn in training camp and became arguably the best Seahawks player in franchise history.
In just his second year in 2013, Wilson led the Seahawks to Super Bowl success, helping his team trounce Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos 43-8. Seattle also made the Super Bowl the following year but lost out to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.
During his time with the Seahawks, Wilson made nine Pro Bowls and set numerous franchise records, including most passing yards (29,734) and passing touchdowns (227).
Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos in 2022, bringing his illustrious career in Seattle to an end. But he will undoubtedly go down as one of the most significant NFL Draft steals of all time.
