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Antonio Brown and Tom Brady top list of late-round NFL Draft picks

Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after defeating the Atlanta Falcons
Image: Tom Brady selection in the sixth round proved to be monumental for the New England Patriots. Which other late round players have had special influences?

First-round Draft picks tend to take most of the attention, but which late-round selections really paid off?

While the pressure of the first round can be daunting, franchises can turn their fortunes around by unearthing stars buried deep into the final days.

NFL Draft Recap!
NFL Draft Recap!

Relive all the biggest moves from round one of the 2017 NFL Draft!

Quarterback Dak Prescott proved his worth last year when, after being selected in the fourth round as back up to Tony Romo, was thrown into the spotlight following an injury to the starting QB. Prescott excelled, leading the Dallas Cowboys back to the play-offs, winning Rookie of the Year in the process.

But which other players have come from the latter rounds to make an impact? Sky Sports casts its eye over some recent examples.

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 15:  Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks talks with Line Judge Tom Symonette after a play against the Los Angeles
Image: Richard Sherman has been a controversial, yet effective member of the Seattle Seahawks

Richard Sherman - Seattle Seahawks 2011 - Fifth Round (155th overall)

One of the most effective defensive backs since his arrival in 2011, Sherman was forced to wait until the fifth round before his name was called.

Playing with a chip on his shoulder, Sherman's combative style has made him one of the most divisive characters in the league, but few would disagree that he's been effective.

A fundamental member of the Seahawks' 'Legion of Boom' defensive unit, Sherman helped the team to Super Bowl glory in 2014.

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Listen as New England Patriots players Tom Brady and Julian Edelman are mic'd up against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI

Julian Edelman - New England Patriots 2009 - Seventh Round (232rd)

Undersized, from a small college and with just three touchdowns in 2016, Edelman proves that the NFL is more than just numbers.

As Tom Brady's favourite receiver, Edelman has been a consistent playmaker for the Patriots, helping them to two Vince Lombardi trophies during his tenure.

There is no better example of this than Super Bowl LI, where Edelman's spectacular catch kept New England's comeback hopes alive.

FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 13: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots is tackled after making a catch by Earl Thomas #29 and Kam Chancellor #31 of the
Image: Kam Chancellor is the 'soul of the Seahawks', according to head coach Pete Carroll

Kam Chancellor - Seattle Seahawks 2010 - Fifth Round (133rd)

Another member of the 'Legion', Chancellor signed for the 'Hawks a year before Sherman in one of the franchise's best Draft classes to date.

Alongside Earl Thomas and Russell Okung, Seattle began a rebuild which has seen them develop into a perennial play-off contender.

It is not just Chancellor's athleticism and never-say-die attitude that made him a great addition to the team, but head coach Pete Carroll believes that the safety is the soul of the team, and is key to maintaining a harmonious, while fiercely competitive locker room.

PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 08:  Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers scores a touchdown after catching a pass from Ben Roethlisberger #7 against the
Image: Antonio Brown emerged from the sixth round of the 2010 Draft to become a supreme talent for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Antonio Brown - Pittsburgh Steelers - 2010 Sixth Round (195th)

Widely regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, Brown is continually productive, even if he doesn't see the targets.

Having assembled one of the best offences in the NFL, head coach Mike Tomlin will often go to running back Le'Veon Bell instead of passing the ball out to Brown.

However, the eighth year WR still recorded double-digit touchdowns in his last three seasons, and over 1,000 yards in each of his last four.

Here how Tom Brady, Julian Edelman and the New England Patriots made history, in their own on-field words
Image: Tom Brady and Julian Edeleman, both late-round picks, have formed a special bond for the Patriots

Tom Brady - New England Patriots - 2000 Sixth Round (199th)

Whenever he does decide to retire, five-time Super Bowl winner Brady will be first ballot Hall of Famer, and the fact that he wasn't picked until the sixth round just adds to the legend of his greatness.

The story goes that, on their very first meeting, a 22-year old Brady told team owner Robert Kraft that he was the best decision the Patriots ever made.

Eighteen years, seven Super Bowls and a generation of dominance later, Kraft might be inclined to agree.

To see the best of the action from round one, click the video above. Sky Sports is the home of the NFL Draft - rounds two and three continue on Sky Sports 2, from 12am on Saturday April 29.

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