This offseason, we’re diving deep into the NFL draft, examining position by position to pinpoint the best values of the millennium—where teams truly got the most return on their draft investments.
While higher draft picks still hold weight in our analysis, this exercise leans heavily on those gems unearthed deeper in the draft. In particular, we’re highlighting players who not only exceeded their draft status but also contributed significantly to their teams over the years. And let’s be honest, you can’t ignore the longevity factor—the players who remained productive over time often outweigh the brief flashes of brilliance.
Wide receiver is a tough position to assess for this sort of evaluation. With an abundance of talent and impressive production to consider, I focused on lower picks who drastically outperformed expectations, especially when stacked against elite counterparts from their draft class.
Drafted: Round 3 (No. 74 overall), 2001
The 2001 draft gave us some legendary names, and while there are three Hall of Famers already from that class, one player stands out—Steve Smith. Even though he was the 11th receiver selected, Smith’s career numbers put him in elite company, rivaling first-round picks like Reggie Wayne. In fact, he outstripped every other receiver from that class with regards to receiving yards, falling only behind Larry Fitzgerald, the third overall pick in 2004.
Smith’s toughness is legendary; he rebounded from a broken leg in 2004 and a serious Achilles injury in 2015 to have stellar seasons. When it comes to the playoffs, he turned into a postseason menace, racking up over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in just 11 games. He was also a dual threat, not only excelling as a receiver but also making his mark on special teams, earning All-Pro honors as a rookie and amassing six return touchdowns during his first three seasons. It’s clear that Smith isn’t just a great player; he’s a top value pick in Carolina Panthers history.
Drafted: Round 5 (No. 165 overall), 2016
Next on our list is Tyreek Hill, who certainly had a rocky start. After facing serious off-field issues that led to his dismissal from Oklahoma State, Hill found himself at West Alabama before entering the 2016 draft. The Chiefs took a gamble on Hill, and he rewarded their faith with phenomenal performances as a receiver, returner, and runner. His exceptional skills were pivotal in bringing the Chiefs their first Super Bowl title in 50 years at the end of the 2019 season.
Following six stellar seasons in Kansas City, where he consistently dazzled, Hill was traded to Miami. In his new home, he continued to shine, notching back-to-back 1,700-yard seasons. The Chiefs strategically leveraged the Hill trade, using the resulting picks to strengthen their roster, including adding cornerback Trent McDuffie, one of the league’s top talents, which helped sustain their competitiveness in the NFL.
Drafted: Round 7 (No. 252 overall), 2006
When it comes to seventh-round gems, it’s hard to ignore the cases for Julian Edelman and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, both of whom had impressive careers. Yet, the edge goes to Marques Colston. Impressively, Colston never made a Pro Bowl, but he consistently delivered, hitting the 1,000-yard mark in six of his first seven seasons with the New Orleans Saints. His contributions were vital during the team’s Super Bowl XLIV run, establishing him as a key figure in the franchise’s history.
Colston may not have received the same recognition as some of his contemporaries, but he was the Saints’ leading receiver in five different seasons and played an integral role in Sean Payton’s high-octane offenses over a decade-long career all spent in New Orleans.
As we continue to explore the NFL draft’s treasure troves, these wide receivers exemplify how a keen eye for talent can yield incredible returns well beyond early-round selections. The impact of these players resonates within their franchises, showcasing the true essence of what it means to find value in the draft.
