The 5 greatest Notre Dame football NFL Draft “hidden gems” since 2000

The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching and beyond just Joe Alt, Notre Dame has plenty of potential late-round picks that could turn into stars. Maybe Sam Hartman, Cam Hart, or Audric Estime will be the next "hidden gem."

Detroit Lions linebacker Alex Anzalone tackles L.A. Rams running back Kyren Williams / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

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. Justin Tuck, DE. 31. Justin Tuck. . player. 2005. Round: 3 Pick: 74. Justin Tuck, DE. 1

Justin Tuck was a third-round selection, so he still went on Day 2 of the 2005 NFL Draft, but for the player he turned into, he qualifies for hidden gem status. Nearly every team in the league passed on Tuck at least twice before the Giants finally pulled the trigger at No. 74 overall.

Lining up opposite Michael Strahan, Tuck became a two-time Pro-Bowler and two-time All-Pro. He posted four double-digit sacks seasons and finished his 11-year career with 66.5 sacks, 102 tackles for loss, and two Super Bowl rings.

Tuck became an iconic figure in New York Giants history for his role in the team’s two Super Bowl runs in 2008 and 2012, and is easily one of the team’s greatest third-round picks.

Next. 10 greatest NFL careers in Notre Dame football history. 10 greatest NFL careers in Notre Dame football history. dark

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