Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NFLPA president Eric Winston speaks during a press conference at Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
13. Eric Winston – Offensive Tackle, Miami; 2006 3rd round 66th overall selection
Picking the right player in the third round is vital to a team’s long-term success. It’s still early enough to get solid production, but not late enough to take huge risks.
Offensive tackle Eric Winston was taken by Houston during the third round of the NFL Draft, and is an excellent example of what type of player a team is hoping for with such a selection.
Sure, Winston never made a pro-bowl and wasn’t often thought of as one of the best offensive lineman in the league, but he was a solid player from the time he arrived in Houston. After recording 7 starts as a rookie, Winston went on to start all 16 games the next five seasons for the Texans.
He continued to start the following two seasons, as he was suited up all 16 games in Kansas City and then in Arizona before becoming am experienced backup for the Cincinnati Bengals the past two seasons.
Not the flashiest pick, but the decision to draft Winston was a wise one that helped Houston during some of their best offensive seasons to date.
Next: A day-one starter from the first round