Top 5 late-round NFL draft picks of all-time

QB Roger Staubach, Dallas (1964)

Staubach throws out the first pitch prior to Game 5 of the 2011 World Series

Following a sterling career and a term of service in the Naval Academy's Supply Corps, Staubach embarked on a career with the Dallas Cowboys, who used a "future" selection in the 10th round of the 1964 draft while he fulfilled his service requirements.

Staubach went on to become one of the first stars of America's Team, sealing his hold on the franchise quarterback role against Craig Morton with an MVP performance in Super Bowl VI, the first of Dallas' five championships. Three more Super Bowl appearances awaited Staubach and the Cowboys (another victory coming in the 12th edition), and he later became the thrower of the original Hail Mary during a 1975 playoff win over Minnesota.

In 2018, Staubach became the first player (alongside former pursuer Alan Page) to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

LB Zach Thomas, Miami (1996)

Thomas seen during an October 2007 game

The NFL Draft process has grown from two days in April to a 24/7 behemoth where one play — either on or off the field — can change the course of the entire draft. Nothing showcases that more than the popularity of the Scouting Combine, which has caused seismic shifts to countless mock drafts.

Thomas, a dominant linebacker out of Texas Tech, was the victim of a subpar combine, with many believing that his NFL ceiling was a special teams contributor. Instead, the fifth-round pick (154th overall) immediately took over the starting role and went on to embark on a dominant 12-year career with the Dolphins, one that saw him reach seven All-Pro teams and the NFL's All-2000s team. Shockingly, he has yet to receive a call from Canton.

C Mike Webster, Pittsburgh (1974)

When asked to name the major contributors to the Pittsburgh Steelers' legendary dynasty of the 1970s, one usually lists names like Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, and Mean Joe Greene. Webster, however, was an indispensable part of the championship runs, serving as the reliable center for a majority of the championship treks. Upon his retirement in 1990, Webster was the final holdover from each of the Steelers' four championship teams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Tragically, however, Webster is perhaps more recognized for his post-playing career. He suffered from several illnesses and often disappeared for weeks at a time before passing away at the age of 50 due to a heart attack. The lineman was posthumously diagnosed with CTE, and his struggles with the disease and mental illness were depicted in the 2015 Will Smith film Concussion.