Uncovering the Hidden Gems: How Late Draft Picks Like Tom Brady and Brock Purdy Make an Impact in the NFL

Late-round draft picks making a big impact in the NFL is not a new phenomenon. From Tom Brady to George Kittle, there have been several players who have defied the odds and become stars in the league despite being overlooked in the draft.

The latest player to join this list is Brock Purdy, the quarterback selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 262nd and final pick of the 2022 draft. In just his second season, Purdy led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, emulating the success of Brady, who retired last year as a record seven-time Super Bowl winner.

But why were these future stars overlooked for so long? According to former Patriots director of player personnel Scott Pioli, it comes down to a combination of factors. In Brady’s case, the Patriots had other players they felt were equally as good at their positions and could help the team more immediately. However, they couldn’t ignore Brady’s value when he was still available late in the sixth round.

Similarly, the 49ers saw potential in Purdy despite concerns about his athleticism. Former 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley emphasizes the importance of mental toughness and character in making the jump from college to the NFL, qualities that Purdy possesses.

As the NFL draft approaches, Pioli and Staley advise teams to prioritize players who understand the importance of routine and consistency, like Kittle did when he was a rookie. These intangibles, along with the right timing and opportunity, can make all the difference in a player’s development and success in the league.

So as teams prepare to make their picks in this year’s draft, they would do well to remember the lessons learned from players like Brady, Kittle, and Purdy – sometimes the best talent can be found in the most unexpected places.