Alabama Football and NFL Draft: Being drafted late can be overcome
By Ronald Evans
Going back to the 1956 NFL Draft, 12 former Alabama Crimson Tide players, drafted in the fourth round or later have had NFL careers of seven seasons or longer. Six of them, measured by consistent success, can be called legendary NFL players.
Alabama Football NFL Draft Late Round Success
- 1956 NFL Draft – In the 17th round, the Green Bay Packers selected Bart Starr. Starr played 16 NFL seasons and started 157 games. Starr quarterbacked the Packers to wins in the first two Super Bowls. He was the MVP of each game.
- 1979 Draft – In the 9th round, the Los Angeles Rams selected Jeff Rutledge. Though he started only 10 NFL games, Rutledge played 14 NFL seasons for the Rams, New York Giants and Washington. Rutledge played on two Super Bowl-winning teams.
- 1971 Draft – In the 6th round, Tide QB Scott Hunter was chosen by the Green Bay Packers. Hunter played seven seasons for the Packers, Bills, Falcons and Lions. He had 42 NFL starts.
- 1989 Draft – In the 6th round, the New York Giants selected Howard Cross. Cross played tight end for the Giants for 13 seasons.
- 1990 Draft – In the 6th round, the Chicago Bears selected John Mangum. Mangum played defensive back for the Bears for nine seasons.