How much do third-round NFL Draft picks make in the NFL? Exploring salary tiers for prospects

With the 2023 NFL draft a mere couple of weeks away, it's time to explore one of the most commonly asked questions, how much do third-round draft picks make in the NFL?

At the time of writing, a third-round NFL pick can make salaries range from $818,073 to $899,198 per year on their first NFL contract. Day two selections in the third round will all receive four-year contracts.

The earliest pick in the third round can secure a four-year, $4.94 million contract, including a $1.15 million signing bonus. Day two ends with 10 compensatory picks that can land a four-year, $4.49 million contract with a $832,292 signing bonus.

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Who are the top three third round NFL Draft picks of the past decade?

To be drafted in the NFL Draft, you have to be among the best at the college level. Hence, a third-round selection in the draft is not something to scoff about.

Here are three of the best third-round draft picks of the past decade. We will be ranking from third to the best.

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3. Frank Gore, RB, San Francisco 49ers || 2005 NFL Draft

Frank Gore had an incredible NFL career, despite suffering a knee injury that could have ruined his NFL spell in infancy. The San Francisco legend made five Pro Bowls in 16 seasons, with nine 1,000-yard rushing seasons. Through 2019, Gore ranked third all-time in rushing.

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2. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks || 2012 NFL Draft

Let Russ Cook! Russell Wilson came into the NFL after a fantastic year at Wisconsin before he was drafted in 2012 by the Seattle Seahawks. Dangeruss beat out Matt Flynn for the starting job in his first training camp and immediately ascended to an elite level.

Wilson has made nine Pro Bowls and won one Super Bowl (2013 season) in his NFL career thus far. He held almost every significant passing record for the Seahawks before he left in 2021. Russ might not be cooking in Denver, but you might be uncharitable to say he has had anything less than a phenomenal NFL career.

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1. Travis Kelce, TE, Kansas City Chiefs || 2013 NFL Draft

He is the most outstanding tight end of his generation after Rob Gronkowski. Travis Kelce converted from quarterback to tight end in college and was selected in the third round by the Chiefs out of Cincinnati.

After a knee injury in his rookie season, Kelce has developed into the league's best tight end with numerous 1,000-yard receiving seasons and perennial Pro Bowl selections. Killer Trav stays through to his nickname, playing more like a big receiver than a stereotypical tight end.

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What is the 2023 NFL third-round Draft Order?

Here is the draft order for the 2023 third round.

64. Chicago Bears

65. Houston Texans

66. Arizona Cardinals

67. Denver Broncos (from Indianapolis)

68. Denver Broncos

69. Los Angeles Rams

70. Las Vegas Raiders

71. New Orleans Saints

72. Tennessee Titans

73. Houston Texans (from Cleveland)

74. Cleveland Browns (from New York Jets)

75. Atlanta Falcons

76. New England (from Carolina)

77. Los Angeles Rams (from Miami through New England)

78. Green Bay Packers

79. Indianapolis Colts (from Washington)

80. Pittsburgh Steelers

81. Detroit Lions

82. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

83. Seattle Seahawks

84. Miami Dolphins

85. Los Angeles Chargers

86. Baltimore Ravens

87. Minnesota Vikings

88. Jacksonville Jaguars

89. New York Giants

90. Dallas Cowboys

91. Buffalo Bills

92. Cincinnati Bengals

93. Carolina Panthers (from San Francisco)

94. Philadelphia Eagles

95. Kansas City Chiefs

96. Arizona Cardinals*

97. Washington Commanders*

98. Cleveland Browns**

99. San Francisco 49ers**

100. Las Vegas Raiders (from Kansas City through N.Y. Giants)**

101. San Francisco 49ers**

102. San Francisco 49ers**

Kindly note that:

* denotes a Compensatory selection while ** denotes a special compensatory selection