We all know about Tom Brady. The 2000 NFL draft produced arguably the greatest quarterback in league history. Not gonna rehash that, you've all gotten your fill of #199, 6th round draft pick, etc. So, this is besides TB12. Further, this is not about the big names in the draft who ended up being busts, or just never quite lived up to expectations (looking at you, LaVar Arrington). Also not including players who had decent careers, even good careers, but didn't quite hit that "superstar" level.
Round 1, Pick #5: RB Jamal Lewis. Simply put, Lewis is the best running back in Baltimore Ravens history, amassing over 12,000 total yards from scrimmage, and 62 career TDs. He isn't on the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but was a member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade team. Round 1, Pick #9: LB Brian Urlacher. The Chicago Bears drafted him, he ended up being one of their best draft picks ever. So far, as of this year, Brian Urlacher is the only member of the 2000 NFL Draft class to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Fun Fact: For a long time in Madden, after my first move in a new Franchise was to trade for Drew Brees, my 2nd move was usually trading for Brian Urlacher to lead my defense...Chicago Bear or not, this Lions fan has crazy respect for Brian Urlacher. Dude could play. Round 1, Pick #17: K Sebastian Janikowski. Now, I remember how the Oakland Raiders were outright mocked for taking a kicker in the 1st round. It was something you JUST DIDN'T DO. What a wasted pick, everybody said. What happened? The Oakland Raiders got a player who would be on the team for 17 years, one of the best long-range kickers ever, and let's be honest...if the HOF selection committee wasn't completely biased against kickers, would be inducted into the HOF as part of the class of 2024. It was an unconventional pick to be sure, but the Oakland Raiders absolutely got this pick right. Round 5, Pick #142: P Shane Lechler. I can't believe I am including a punter in this list...But, for the first 12 years of Lechler's career, him and Janikowski were by far the best K/P tandem in the entire league. With just two picks in this draft, The Oakland Raiders special teamers who would spend a combined 31 years with the team. Not bad...But back to Lechler...7 pro bowls. 6 1st team All-Pros, 3 2nd team All-Pros, 4x punting yards leader, and made the 2000s, 2010s, and 100th Anniversary All-NFL teams...not bad for a punter taken in the 5th round... Round 5, PIck #153: WR Dante Hall. While his career only lasted 8 years, let's be honest here...it was a damn fun 8 years, wasn't it??? 2 pro bowls, 2 all-pro selections, and he made the 2000s NFL All-Decade team twice...1st team as a punt returner, and 2nd team as a kick returner, on his way to amassing over 12,000 return yards and 12 return TDs in his career...Other than Devin Hester, during the 2000s, Dante Hall was the most feared KR/PR in the entire NFL.
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