Top 10 No. 20 overall picks in NFL Draft history

Teams who hold the No. 20 overall pick in the NFL Draft are often left in a very weird space. They made the playoffs, but were promptly disposed in the first round, showing they are not close to competing for a championship. The No. 20 pick could bring in reinforcements for a title run.

While most blue-chip prospects don't normally last until the No. 20 pick, there are a few future Pro Bowlers and Hall of Fame players who managed to slip down the rankings. Going to the right scheme and culture helped these players distance themselves from the rest of the pack.

These 10 players, many of which have eventually ended up in the Hall of Fame, are the best No. 20 overall draft picks in NFL history. Will anyone picking in the next few years land someone who will eventually put themselves in the same rarified air these legendary players have reached?

Top 10 No. 20 Draft Picks in NFL Draft History

Honorable Mentions:

Don Shinnick, Baltimore Colts (1957)
Mark May, Washington Redskins (1981)
Haywood Jeffires, Houston Oilers (1987)
Tim Bowens, Miami Dolphins (1994)
Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints (2014)

10. Dale Carter, Kansas City Chiefs (1992)

While Carter is remembered for his ill-fated free agency blunder with the Broncos, his seven years with the Chiefs established him as one of the most aggressive cornerbacks of the 1990s. Carter intercepted 21 passes in seven years with Kansas City, becoming an integral part of Marty Schottenheimer's best 90s teams.

The former Tennessee star ended his Chiefs tenure with four Pro Bowls, two Second-Team All-Pro nods, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year on his mantlepiece. The end of Carter's career was so rocky it robbed him of a higher spot on his list, but his prime in Kansas City made him a tremendous cover corner.

Dale Carter was a quality No. 20 pick in the NFL Draft

9. Bill Brown, Chicago Bears (1961)

The Bears made one of the biggest draft blunders in franchise history when they let the Illinois star go after just one season. The Vikings quickly picked Brown up, and he became the starting fullback for Fran Tarkenton's glory days. Brown was one of the more underrated backs of the 1960s.

Before Adrian Peterson came around, Brown had almost all of Minnesota's rushing records. Brown's final career tally included over 9,000 yards from scrimmage (5,838 rushing) with 75 touchdowns (52 rushing). Brown, who played until he was 36, finished with four Pro Bowls and a pair of second-team All-Pro nods.