5 best late round gems in NFL Draft history

The NFL Draft is an annual opportunity for teams to improve both the present and future of their rosters. Hidden gems in the later rounds of the draft are rare, but can change the entire direction of the franchise's future.

Here are five of the best players in NFL history who were selected in the late rounds of the draft.

5 hidden gems from the late rounds of the NFL Draft

#1 - Tom Brady, New England Patriots (2000)

New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady

Tom Brady is the ultimate success story for unheralded prospects. He was selected with the 199th overall pick in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots.

He went on to become the greatest quarterback in NFL history, winning seven Super Bowls, five Super Bowl MVP awards and three NFL MVP awards.

Add in the fact that he became the all-time leader in most statistical passing categories and it's baffling that he fell so far in the draft.

#2 - Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos (1995)

Denver Broncos running back Terrell Davis

Terrell Davis was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 196th pick in the 6th round of the 1995 Draft.

He went on to be named the 1998 NFL MVP and was also awarded with two Offensive Player of the Year awards. He is one of only eight players in NFL history to record a 2,000 yard rushing season.

#3 - Shannon Sharpe, Denver Broncos (1990)

Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe

Shannon Sharpe was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 192nd pick in the 7th round of the 1990 Draft.

He accumulated more than ten thousand receiving yards in his career. Sharpe was also selected to eight Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls on his way to the Hall of Fame.

#4 - Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys (1964)

Hall of Fame quarterback Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach was the driving force behind the Dallas Cowboys dynasty in the 1970s, during which the team won two Super Bowls. Staubach was named the MVP of their 1972 Super Bowl victory.

Staubach ended his legendary career with a total of 22,700 passing and recorded 153 touchdowns as well.

He was selected by the Cowboys with the 129th pick in the 10th round of the 1964 NFL Draft.

#5 - Richard Sherman, Seattle Seahawks (2011)

Seattle Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman

Richard Sherman is one of the best defensive backs of his generation. He was a key piece of the great Legion of Boom defense for the Seattle Seahawks. Sherman helped lead Seattle to a Super Bowl victory in 2014.

He was selected by the Seahawks with the 154th pick in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft.