The Decade's Best NFL Draft Picks by Selection Number, No. 1 to No. 32

1. New York Giants: Eli Manning, QB, Ole Miss (2004) - Palmer's injury-riddled career renders Manning, the top #1 pick of the decade. Manning has impressively guided the Giants to four playoff berths, including a Super Bowl XLII victory, as the game's Most Valuable Player. The Ole Miss product has recorded an exceptional 50-37 regular season record, as New York's starting signal caller. In a quarterback-driven league, Manning emerges as the decade's most accomplished first overall selection.
Honorable Mention - Michael Vick (2001), Carson Palmer (2003), Mario Williams (2007), Jake Long (2008).

2. Carolina Panthers: Julius Peppers, DE, North Carolina (2002) - Peppers' decade of dominance easily garners recognition as the decade's best draft day "runner-up." The 2-time All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler has undoubtedly served as the face of the franchise in Carolina, since 2002. As the decade's most complete defensive end, Peppers led the Panthers' to unprecedented success, including a Super Bowl XXXVIII appearance.
Honorable Mention - Leonard Davis (2001), Ronnie Brown (2005), Reggie Bush (2006), Calvin Johnson (2007).

3. Arizona Cardinals: Larry Fitzgerald (2004) - The No. 3 selection has served its suitors remarkably, including the league's most polished receiver, Larry Fitzgerald. Johnson certainly deserves consideration; however, Fitzgerald has caught 17 more touchdowns, while recording comparable receptions and receiving yard totals in one fewer season. Fitzgerald also holds the edge in team success, after one of the most productive postseason performances in NFL history, amassing 546 receiving yards and seven touchdowns, during the 2008 Playoffs.
Honorable Mention - Chris Samuels (2000), Andre Johnson (2003), Joe Thomas (2007), Matt Ryan (2008).

4. New York Giants: Phillip Rivers, QB, North Carolina State (2004) - Undoubtedly, Rivers ranks as the decade's undisputed finest No. 4 selection. Rivers has commanded the Chargers to AFC West Championships in four consecutive seasons, while compiling an astonishing 46-18 regular season record, as the team's starting quarterback. Rivers ranks No. 3 all-time in passer rating, at an exceptional 95.8 clip.
Honorable Mention - Justin Smith (2001), Cedric Benson (2005), D'Brickashaw Ferguson (2006).

5. San Diego Chargers: LaDanian Tomlinson, RB, TCU (2001) - The league's best rusher of the past decade, merits recognition in runaway fashion. Tomlinson impressively ranks No. 2 all-time in rushing touchdowns and No. 8 in rushing yards. The 3-time All-Pro performer will likely become a first-ballot NFL Hall of Fame inductee.
Honorable Mention - Jamal Lewis (2000), Terence Newman (2003), Sean Taylor (2004).

6. New England Patriots: Richard Seymour, DE, Georgia (2001) - The Patriots' dominant defensive end unquestionably emerges as the decade's most stellar No. 6 selection. The three-time All-Pro performer has led the vaunted Patriots' defense to three Super Bowl Championships.
Honorable Mention - Corey Simon (2000), Kellen Winslow Jr. (2004), Vernon Davis (2006).

7. Minnesota Vikings: Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma (2007) - "AD" indisputably ranks as the decade's most valuable No. 7 selection. The Vikings' 2-time All-Pro back has impressively averaged nearly 1,500 rushing yards and 13+ touchdowns per season, as one of the NFL's most elite rushers.
Honorable Mention - Thomas Jones (2000), Andre Carter (2001), Bryant McKinnie (2002).

8. Dallas Cowboys: Roy Williams, S, Oklahoma (2002) - After examining the decade's No. 8 picks, each of the top contenders claimed early career success, unfortunately derailed by prison (Burress), injury (Gross), or reduced productivity (Hall, Williams). Ultimately, Williams experienced the greatest on-field success of the group, as a five-time Pro Bowl headhunter in Dallas.
Honorable Mention - Plaxico Burress (2000), Jordan Gross (2003), DeAngelo Hall (2004).

9. Chicago Bears: Brian Urlacher, LB, New Mexico (2000) - The Bears' monster in the middle garnered four All-Pro selections, while leading one of the decade's most dominant defenses to a Super Bowl appearance. The unquestioned face of the Bears' franchise (and NFL marketer's dream) garnered six Pro Bowl selections, and may inevitably join Butkus and Singletary in Canton. The five-time All-Pro, Williams, certainly warrants consideration, as well.
Honorable Mention - John Henderson (2002), Kevin Williams (2003).

10. Baltimore Ravens: Terrell Suggs, LB, ArizonaState (2003) - Suggs headlines a relatively lackluster class of No. 10 picks. The potent pass rusher merited three Pro Bowl selections, while totaling 57.5 sacks, during seven seasons in Baltimore.
Honorable Mention - Levi Jones (2002), Dunta Robinson (2004), Jerod Mayo (2008).

11. Indianapolis Colts: Dwight Freeney, DE, Syracuse (2002) - The No. 11 pick surprisingly emerges as the most successful draft position of the decade (along with No. 24, see below). Roethlisberger has guided the Steelers to a pair of Super Bowl victories, while Ware and Willis currently rank amongst the NFL's top five defensive players. However, the draft decade's most decorated pass rusher deserves recognition as the top No. 11 selection, for now. Freeney has compiled double-digit sack totals in six different NFL seasons.
Honorable Mention - Ben Roethlisberger (2004), DeMarcus Ware (2005), Patrick Willis (2007).

12. Denver Broncos: Ryan Clady OT, BoiseState (2008) - Arguably, Clady already ranks as the NFL's best offensive tackle. Clady's success should continue as a perennial All-Pro, while Merriman's struggles have continued the past two years, after amassing an unbelievable 39.5 sacks in three Pro Bowl seasons.
Honorable Mention- Shaun Ellis (2000), Jonathan Vilma (2004), Shawne Merriman (2005), Haloti Ngata (2006), Knowshon Moreno (2009).

13. New York Jets: John Abraham, DE, South Carolina (2000) - Abraham leads players drafted during the past decade in sacks with an impressive 89.5. The three-time Pro Bowler recorded double-digit sack totals in five different NFL seasons, while leading the Jets and Falcons to four combined playoff berths.
Honorable Mention - Marcus Stroud (2001), Lee Evans (2004), Jammal Brown (2005), Brian Orakpo (2009).

14. New York Jets: Darrelle Revis, CB, Pittsburgh (2007) - Regardless of actual awards, Revis emerged as the NFL's most valuable defender in 2009, leading the Jets' No. 1 defense to a surprising AFC Championship berth. Remarkably, the two-time Pro Bowler repeatedly renders the NFL's most elite receivers obsolete, to distance himself from the decade's No. 14 "runner-up," Harris.
Honorable Mention - Bubba Franks (2000), Jeremy Shockey (2002), Tommie Harris (2004).

15. Tennessee Titans: Albert Haynesworth, DT, Tennessee (2002) - The two-time All-Pro merits selection as the decade's top No. 15 selection. Haynesworth performed as the NFL's most dominant defensive tackle in 2007 and 2008.
Honorable Mention - Deltha O'Neal (2000), Brian Cushing (2009).

16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Polamalu, S, USC (2003) - The Steelers' five-time Pro Bowler easily merits inclusion as the top No. 16 selection. Polamalu has led one of the decade's most vaunted defenses to a pair of Super Bowl victories, and undoubtedly ranks amongst the top safeties of the decade (along with Ed Reed and Bob Sanders).
Honorable Mention - Julian Peterson (2000), Santana Moss (2001), Shawn Andrews (2004), Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008).

17. Seattle Seahawks: Steve Hutchinson, G, Michigan (2001) - Hutchinson wins in a landslide versus a lackluster array of No. 17 selections, headlined by Chad Greenway, D.J. Williams, and Sebastian Janikowski. Hutchinson ranks as the decade's most dominant guard, garnering All-Pro honors in an impressive five different seasons.

18. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco, QB, Delaware (2008) - Flacco has emerged as an upper-echelon NFL quarterback, leading the Ravens to consecutive playoff berths. Flacco has guided Baltimore to a combined 20-12 regular season record in two seasons.
Honorable Mention - Chad Pennington, (2000), Will Smith (2004), Leon Hall (2007).

19. Seattle Seahawks: Shaun Alexander, RB, Alabama (2000) - The former NFL MVP remains a certified draft steal for the Seahawks. The three-time Pro Bowler amassed 100 rushing touchdowns during the decade, including 27 scores and a subsequent Super Bowl appearance in 2005.
Honorable Mention - Casey Hampton, DT, Texas.

20. Green Bay Packers: Javon Walker, WR, Florida State (2002) - Walker performed as one of the league's elite receivers in 2004, however, the former Seminole has only garnered 1,000+ yards one other season. From 2003 to 2006, Walker impressively recorded 29 touchdowns to upstage the respectable careers of Spears and Ross.
Honorable Mention - Marcus Spears (2005), Aaron Ross (2007).

21. New England Patriots: Vince Wilfork, NT, Miami (2004) - The two-time Pro Bowler has dominated the middle for the Patriots' defense, since starting as a rookie in '04. Wilfork helped win XXXIX and remains one of the NFL's most elite run-stoppers.
Honorable Mention - Nate Clements (2001).

22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida (2009) - The decade was unkind to No. 22 selections, prior to the electric duo of Harvin and Jones. Harvin emerged as the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2009, after recording eight total touchdowns and ranking No. 7 in all-purpose yards, with 2,081.
Honorable Mention - Felix Jones (2008).

23. New Orleans Saints: Deuce McCallister, RB, Ole Miss (2001) - McCallister and McGahee have recorded nearly identical career totals. However, McCallister's 2002 and 2003 seasons trump any season by McGahee. The Saints' hard-nosed rusher ranked No. 4 with 1,641 rushing yards in 2003, while totaling 16 touchdowns in 2002.
Honorable Mention - Willis McGahee (2003), Davin Joseph (2006), Michael Oher (2009).

24. Baltimore Ravens: Ed Reed, S, Miami (2002) - The decade's cast of No. 24 picks remains simply stunning, collectively meriting 13 Pro Bowl selections. Rodgers or Johnson may eventually surpass Reed as head of the class, but the decade's best all-around safety remains the clubhouse leader. The four-time All-Pro performer leads all active players selected during the 2000s in interceptions, with 46 (No. 2 Asante Samuel, 35) and interceptions for touchdowns, with 6.
Honorable Mention: Dallas Clark (2003), Steven Jackson (2004), Aaron Rodgers (2005), Johnathan Joseph (2006), Brandon Meriweather (2007), Chris Johnson (2008).

25. Carolina Panthers: Jon Beason, LB Miami (2007) - Beason already ranks amongst the most productive linebackers in the NFL. The All-Pro tackling machine has remarkably recorded 135+ total tackles in each of his first three NFL seasons.
Honorable Mention - Charles Grant (2002), Santonio Holmes (2006), Mike Jenkins (2008).

26. Philadelphia Eagles: Lito Sheppard CB (2002) - Sheppard warrants top honors of the No. 26 selections, although rising stars Spencer and Matthews may ultimately provide stiff competition. The All-Pro cornerback has contributed to five conference championship appearances with the Eagles and Jets, including a Super Bowl XXXIX berth.
Honorable Mention - Anthony Spencer (2007), Clay Matthews (2009).

27. Kansas City Chiefs: Larry Johnson, RB, PennState (2003) - In spite of persistent on and off-the-field issues in Kansas City, Johnson compiled historically great seasons in 2005 and 2006. During the two Pro Bowl seasons, Johnson astonishingly amassed 4,292 yards from scrimmage and 40 total touchdowns.
Honorable Mention - Roddy White (2005), DeAngelo Williams (2006)

28. Carolina Panthers: Chris Gamble, CB, Ohio State (2004) - The No. 28 class remains a relatively lackluster group, with Gamble proving the most productive performer, thus far. As a six-year starter in Carolina, Gamble has recorded 24 interceptions and 415 total tackles.
Honorable Mention - Jerramy Stevens (2002), Luis Castillo (2005), Joe Staley (2007).

29. New York Jets: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State (2006) - Mangold leads a solid group of steady performers at No. 29, as the AFC's top center. Mangold captained the Jets' vaunted rushing attack to a No. 1 ranking in 2009.
Honorable Mention - Nick Barnett (2003), Ben Grubbs (2007), Hakeem Nicks (2009).

30. Indianapolis Colts: Reggie Wayne, WR, Miami (2001) - Wayne tops the decade's No. 30 selections, as one of the most productive receivers of the past decade. Wayne trails only Chad Ochocinco in receptions and receiving yards, and ranks No. 1 in receiving touchdowns, by players chosen in the 2000s. In 2009, the four-time Pro Bowler recorded a sixth consecutive 1,000+ yard season.
Honorable Mention - Keith Bulluck (2000), Heath Miller (2005), Joseph Addai (2006).

31. Oakland Raiders: Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, California (2003) - Asomugha's dominance continues in Oakland. NFL quarterbacks wisely choose to throw away from the shutdown cornerback at alarming rates, as illustrated by consecutive Pro Bowl bids, in spite of two total interceptions.
Honorable Mention - Todd Heap (2001), Mike Patterson (2005), Chris Wells (2009).

32. San Diego Chargers: Drew Brees, QB, Purdue (2001) - Although Brees' No. 32 pick was technically in the second round in 2001; the 2009 Super Bowl MVP easily merits selection, as the decade's top No. 32 performer. The four-time Pro Bowler impressively passed for 4,300+ yards for the fourth consecutive season in 2009, while amassing 34 passing touchdowns for the second straight year.
Honorable Mention - Ben Watson (2004), Logan Mankins (2005), Matthias Kiwanuka (2006), Anthony Gonzalez (2007).

References: All statistics and draft results as reflected on NFL.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com.