Discussion

For Sharpe, the waiting was the hardest part

Eighteen years after the fact, Shannon Sharpe still embraces his draft sleeper status and remains proud that he overcame long odds to become an elite tight end, writes Bill Williamson.

Originally Published: April 18, 2008
By Bill Williamson | ESPN.com

Should it be a surprise Shannon Sharpe awoke on draft day in 1990 thinking he would be a first-round pick?

When the first round -- which featured forgettable names such as Blair Thomas (No. 2), Andre Ware (No. 7) and Chris Singleton (No. 8) -- had elapsed, Sharpe, wearing bravado like $100 cologne even back then, was convinced he wouldn't slip past the third round. Then, the next five rounds came and went and the draft, which was 12 rounds in those days, took a break for the night ...

Read full story

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

You are fully responsible for the content you post. Content that includes profanity, personal attacks or antisocial behavior (such as "spamming" or "trolling"), or other inappropriate content or material will be removed. We reserve the right to block any user who violates our terms of use, including removing all content posted by that user.

RANKING NFL DRAFT STEALS

Davis

Terrell Davis was selected by the Broncos in the sixth round of the '95 draft with little to no expectations. He finished his career with four 1,000-yard seasons and two Super Bowls titles. Below are ESPN.com's top 50 NFL draft steals. In Part 1, ESPN.com ranked draft busts.

• Top 50 draft steals: 1-15 | 16-30 | 31-50
• Kiper: 10 guys who surprised me Insider
• Williamson: Waiting was hard for Sharpe
• Walker: Byner use 'Fumble' as coaching tool
• Mosley: Wright a respected ex-player, voice
• Sando: Houston keeps football, life in perspective
• Zoom Gallery: Notable steals
• SportsNation: Rank the top 10 steals
• Hashmarks: Draft steals for the ages, pre-1967
• Watch: Marcellus Wiley analysis

• Draft Central


FROM BRADY TO WESTBROOK


1. Tom Brady, Patriots (2000)
2. Joe Montana, 49ers (1979)
3. Steve Largent, Oilers (1976)
4. Shannon Sharpe, Broncos (1990)
5. Ken Houston, Oilers (1967)

6. Terrell, Davis, Broncos (1995)
7. Andre Reed, Bills (1985)
8. L.C. Greenwood, Steelers (1969)
9. Charles Haley, 49ers (1986)
10.Rodney Harrison, Chargers (1994)

11. Charlie Joiner, Oilers (1969)
12. Art Shell, Raiders (1968)
13. Dan Fouts, Chargers (1973)
14. Richard Dent, Bears (1983)
15. Zach Thomas, Dolphins (1996)

16. John Stallworth, Steelers (1974)
17. Rayfield Wright, Cowboys (1992)
18. Harry Carson, Giants (1976)
19. Dwight Clark, 49ers (1979)
20. Seth Joyner, Eagles (1986)

21. Mark Clayton, Dolphins (1983)
22. Mike Webster, Steelers (1974)
23. Harold Carmichael, Eagles (1971)
24. Earnest Byner, Browns (1984)
25. John Taylor, 49ers (1986)

26. Clyde Simmons, Eagles (1979)
27. Hardy Nickerson, Steelers (1987)
28. Matt Hasselbeck, Packers (1998)
29. Jamal Anderson, Falcons (1994)
30. Karl Mecklenburg, Broncos (1983)

31. Bob Kuechenberg, Eagles (1969)
32. Mark Schlereth, Redskins (1989)
33. Hines Ward, Steelers (1998)
34. Mark Bavaro, Giants (1985)
35. Keenan McCardell, Redskins (1991)

36. Trent Green, Chargers (1993)
37. Greg Lloyd, Steelers (1987)
38. Marc Bulger, Saints (2000)
39. Tyrone Braxton, Broncos (1987)
40. Ahman Green, Seahawks (1998)

41. Larry Brown, Cowboys (1991)
42. Brian Sipe, Browns (1972)
43. La'Roi Glover, Raiders (1996)
44. Jesse Sapolu, 49ers (1983)
45. Leon Lett, Cowboys (1991)

46. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals (2001)
47. Troy Brown, Patriots (1993)
48. Aaron Kampman, Packers (2002)
49. Joe Horn, Chiefs (1996)
50. Brian Westbrook, Eagles (2002)

RANKING NFL DRAFT BUSTS


In the first of a special two-part report on the draft, ESPN.com's ranked the top 50 draft busts.

• Top 50 draft busts: 1-15 | 16-30 | 31-50
• Kiper: 10 guys I can't believe failed Insider
• Walker: Shuler enjoying second stint in D.C.
• Mosley: Leaf now at peace with NFL failure
• Yasinskas: No room for football for Westbrook
• Zoom Gallery: Notable busts
• SportsNation: Rank the top 10 busts
• Watch: Marcellus Wiley analysis

MORE NFL HEADLINES

HOTTEST CONVERSATIONS

ESPN Community »