Washington Redskins: 15 best draft day steals of all-time

When you think of a draft-day steal, you probably don’t think of a first-round pick. That title is reserved for gems in the rough. Players overlooked, and players unheralded. But one Redskins first-round pick provided enough value for his draft slot to be included on this list, as a draft-day steal: Cornerback Darrell Green.

It helps that Green was the very last pick in the first round. The Redskins selected him at No. 28, after having won the Super Bowl the previous year. It looks good to go in the first round, but in truth, 27 teams passed on Green. And in a crop of six first-round Pro Football Hall of Famers, Green has a résumé that matches up well with the rest of them.

Green played for two full decades, and in each of his 20 years, he suited up in burgundy and gold. If you’re looking for the definition of excellence and longevity, Green fits the bill. Over his 20-year career, he logged 54 interceptions and 1,201 total tackles, earning Pro Bowl honors seven times and making the First-Team All-Pro in 1991.

Green was consistently reliable, lasting far longer than any defensive back should. His speed set him apart, even in his old age. When he finally left the game after the 2002 season, at the age of 42, some thought he could have played even longer. Yes, Green was a first-round pick. But he provided a value beyond even that.