Posted March 30, 2011 @ 2:29 p.m. ET
Overview: The fact that all 10 players picked with the No. 29 selection over the past 10 years remain in the league shows just how valuable the spot can be. Packers DT Ryan Pickett, who was drafted all the way back in '01, started in Super Bowl XLV. PFW found that the 29th pick, held by the Bears in 2011, has been very good to the teams with the selection:
2010: Jets select Boise State CB Kyle Wilson
Wilson started the first three games of his NFL career, recording 14 tackles as the Jets got off to a 2-1 start. He made just three more starts the rest of the way, but likely will compete for a starting job in 2011 if Antonio Cromartie, who is due to become a free agent, does not return.
2009: Giants select North Carolina WR Hakeem Nicks
After a solid rookie season, Nicks broke through in 2010 with 79 receptions for 1,052 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 13 games. On the field, he resembles Hall of Famer Michael Irvin and likely will become the Giants' top target for years to come.
2008: 49ers select North Carolina DE Kentwan Balmer
Balmer never played a major role in San Francisco during his first two seasons and was traded to the Seahawks for a sixth-round pick after falling out of favor with head coach Mike Singletary. He started 11 games in Seattle last year, tallying 43 tackles.
2007: Ravens select Auburn OG Ben Grubbs
Grubbs made his first career start for the Ravens in Week Five of the '07 season and has held on to his spot ever since. The 27-year-old is both strong and athletic, and he has become one of the NFL's more underrated guards.
2006: Jets select Ohio State C Nick Mangold
The three-time Pro Bowler has held his own in the middle of the Jets' O-line since Day One. Mangold has never missed a start in his five-year career and was rewarded with a lucrative contract extension last year.
2005: Colts select Michigan DB Marlin Jackson
Jackson showed the potential to be a productive NFL corner but has struggled to stay on the field. He played in just 11 games for the Colts from 2008-09 and missed all of last season with a torn ACL after signing with the Eagles.
2004: Falcons select Ohio State WR Michael Jenkins
Jenkins has been a steady and productive receiver over his seven-year NFL career, reeling in at least 436 yards and 36 receptions in each of the past six seasons. Jenkins' best year came in '08, when he produced 50-777-3. He's a solid No. 2 option to Pro Bowler Roddy White.
2003: Packers select Oregon State MLB Nick Barnett
The speedy Barnett recorded 105 or more tackles in each of his first five seasons in making himself a key part of the Green Bay defense. However, he has finished two of the past three seasons on injured reserve and the team adequately replaced him last season after he went down with a wrist injury in Week Four.
2002: Bears select Boston College OT Marc Colombo
After failing to impress in Chicago, Colombo has revamped his career with the Cowboys since arriving in Dallas in ’05. He has become a regular starter at right tackle, starting every game in which he has played since 2006.
2001: Rams select Ohio State DT Ryan Pickett
Pickett has been a serviceable defensive tackle over the past 10 years. Splitting his career between the Rams and Packers (five years apiece), Pickett has made 9½ sacks. He started in Super Bowl XLV and made two tackles in Green Bay's win.
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