6 biggest NFL draft steals from second and third rounds: Why you need to know these names

The NFL Draft is full of surprises, and while first-round picks get most of the attention, some of the league’s biggest stars were discovered in the second and third rounds. These overlooked gems often outperform their draft positions, becoming key contributors—or even superstars—for their teams.

If you’re an NFL fan, these are the names you need to know. Here are the six biggest draft steals from the second and third rounds in recent memory—players who proved that talent can be found beyond the first round.

1. DK Metcalf (WR) – Seattle Seahawks (2019, Round 2, Pick 64)

Why He’s a Steal:
DK Metcalf was a physical freak coming out of Ole Miss, but concerns about his route-running and agility caused him to slide to the last pick of the second round. The Seahawks took a chance, and it paid off massively.

Immediate Impact: 900+ yards and 7 TDs as a rookie.
Elite Performer: Back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2020 and 2021.
Dominant Force: Combines size (6’4”, 230 lbs) with 4.33 speed, making him nearly unstoppable.

Metcalf is now one of the NFL’s most feared receivers, proving that his draft slide was a huge mistake by other teams.

2. Travis Kelce (TE) – Kansas City Chiefs (2013, Round 3, Pick 63)

Why He’s a Steal:
Travis Kelce is arguably the greatest tight end of all time, yet he lasted until the third round due to off-field concerns and a college suspension. The Chiefs took a risk, and it transformed their franchise.

Record-Breaking Career: Eight straight 1,000-yard seasons (NFL record for TEs).
Patrick Mahomes’ Safety Net: Key piece in two Super Bowl wins.
Unstoppable Mismatch: Too big for DBs, too fast for linebackers.

Kelce is a future Hall of Famer and the ultimate example of a mid-round steal.

3. Lamar Jackson (QB) – Baltimore Ravens (2018, Round 1, Pick 32 / Effectively Round 2)

Why He’s a Steal:
Though technically the last pick of the first round, Lamar Jackson’s draft position (after five QBs went ahead of him) makes him one of the biggest steals in recent memory. Teams doubted his passing ability, but the Ravens bet on his upside.

2019 NFL MVP: Only the second unanimous MVP in history.
Revolutionary Dual-Threat: Holds the QB rushing record (1,206 yards in 2019).
Franchise Savior: Turned the Ravens into perennial contenders.

Jackson proved that elite athleticism and improving passing skills can make a superstar—even if scouts didn’t see it at first.

4. Cooper Kupp (WR) – Los Angeles Rams (2017, Round 3, Pick 69)

Why He’s a Steal:
Coming from a small school (Eastern Washington), Cooper Kupp was seen as a slot-only receiver with limited upside. The Rams snagged him in the third round, and he became one of the most dominant receivers in football.

Triple Crown Winner (2021): Led NFL in receptions, yards, and TDs.
Super Bowl MVP: Key piece in the Rams’ 2021 championship run.
Route-Running Genius: Arguably the best technician in the game.

Kupp’s rise from small-school prospect to NFL superstar is one of the best draft stories ever.

5. Fred Warner (LB) – San Francisco 49ers (2018, Round 3, Pick 70)

Why He’s a Steal:
Fred Warner was a productive but undersized linebacker from BYU. Many doubted his NFL readiness, but the 49ers saw his potential. Now, he’s the best off-ball linebacker in football.

Defensive Leader: Heart of the 49ers’ elite defense.
All-Pro & Pro Bowler: Consistently among the league’s top tacklers.
Coverage Specialist: Rare LB who can shut down TEs and RBs.

Warner is proof that instincts and IQ can outweigh size concerns.

6. Chris Jones (DT) – Kansas City Chiefs (2016, Round 2, Pick 37)

Why He’s a Steal:
Jones was a first-round talent who fell due to inconsistent college tape. The Chiefs grabbed him in the second round, and he’s since become one of the NFL’s most dominant interior defenders.

Elite Pass Rusher: Rare DT with double-digit sack potential.
Two-Time Super Bowl Champ: Disruptive force in Chiefs’ dynasty.
Game-Wrecker: Can single-handedly take over games (see: Super Bowl LVII).

Jones is now a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate—far outperforming his draft slot.

Why These Names Matter

The NFL Draft is not just about the first round. Some of the league’s best players were overlooked, only to become legends. Teams that find these steals gain massive value, allowing them to build contenders without always relying on top picks.

For fans, knowing these names is crucial because:
✅ They shape the league (Kelce, Jackson, Jones).
✅ They prove scouting isn’t perfect (Metcalf, Kupp, Warner).
✅ They show that development matters more than draft hype.

The next time your team picks in the second or third round, don’t overlook them—they might just be the next superstar in disguise.