Surprising Late-Round Gems that Paid Off Big

29 January 2026

When it comes to professional sports, there’s often a lot of hype around the top picks in any draft. The early rounds are packed with superstar hopefuls, players who’ve already built impressive résumés in college or internationally. But what about the other guys? The ones who slip through the cracks, get overlooked, and are picked up in the later rounds? Sometimes, these late-round picks end up being the biggest game-changers, turning into surprise stars that no one saw coming.

In this article, we're going to look at some of the most surprising late-round gems in sports history who defied all odds and paid off big for their teams. We’ll dig into how these players emerged from the shadows to become legends, analyze what makes a late-round pick successful, and explore why teams sometimes miss out on these hidden gems.

What Defines a Late-Round Gem?

Before we dive into the stories, let's quickly define what we mean by a "late-round gem." In most professional sports drafts, the later rounds are where teams take chances on players who don’t have the same star power or polished skills as the top prospects. These players might be undersized, come from smaller programs, or have injury concerns.

However, a late-round gem is someone who ends up far exceeding expectations, often turning into a key player or even an all-time great. The beauty of it? These players come at a discount. Teams don’t have to invest high draft capital or big contracts to acquire them, but they can sometimes become the cornerstone of a franchise.

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s look at some examples across different sports.

NFL: Tom Brady - The Ultimate Late-Round Steal

Drafted: 6th round, 199th overall (2000 NFL Draft)

You can’t talk about late-round gems in sports without mentioning Tom Brady. He’s practically the poster child for this topic. Brady was drafted in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. At the time, he was seen as a long shot to ever start, let alone become the greatest quarterback of all time.

Brady was famously overlooked, with scouting reports labeling him as "too slow" and "unathletic." The Patriots took a flyer on him, but no one, not even Bill Belichick, could have predicted what was to come. Fast forward to today, and Brady has seven Super Bowl rings, multiple MVP awards, and holds just about every meaningful passing record in NFL history.

So, how did he do it? The answer lies in his relentless work ethic, football IQ, and leadership. Brady turned every slight into fuel, proving that sometimes what’s between the ears is more important than raw physical talent. His story is a reminder that sometimes the biggest stars come from the smallest beginnings.

Why Was He Overlooked?

Brady didn’t have the physical tools that most scouts look for in a top quarterback. His 40-yard dash time was lackluster, and he wasn’t exactly a dual-threat QB. But what the scouts missed was his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure. It goes to show that you can’t measure everything in a combine.

NBA: Manu Ginóbili - A Global Sensation

Drafted: 2nd round, 57th overall (1999 NBA Draft)

In the NBA, second-round picks are often seen as long shots. Enter Manu Ginóbili, drafted 57th overall by the San Antonio Spurs. Many scouts didn’t know what to make of Ginóbili, who was playing in Europe at the time. But the Spurs saw something special, and boy did it pay off.

Ginóbili became a key piece of the Spurs’ dynasty, helping them win four NBA championships. He was a two-time All-Star, Sixth Man of the Year, and an Olympic gold medalist with Argentina. Known for his crafty play, Eurostep, and incredible basketball IQ, Ginóbili changed the game in ways that went far beyond his draft position.

How Did He Slip Through the Cracks?

Ginóbili wasn’t playing in the NBA’s backyard. He was an international player, and at the time, scouting in Europe wasn’t as robust as it is today. He didn't fit the traditional mold of an NBA player, but his unique skill set ultimately made him a trailblazer, proving that teams could find stars outside of the U.S.

MLB: Mike Piazza - The 62nd Round Miracle

Drafted: 62nd round, 1,390th overall (1988 MLB Draft)

Yes, you read that correctly — the 62nd round. Mike Piazza is arguably the best late-round gem in Major League Baseball history. Drafted as a favor to Piazza’s father, who was friends with then-Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda, no one expected much from him. After all, how many players drafted that late even make it to the majors?

Not only did Piazza make it, but he became one of the greatest offensive catchers in MLB history. Over his career, Piazza hit 427 home runs, was a 12-time All-Star, and eventually made it to the Hall of Fame. His combination of power and consistency behind the plate was rare, and he changed the expectations of what a catcher could be.

Why Was He Overlooked?

There were questions about Piazza’s defensive abilities, and he didn’t have the athletic pedigree that scouts often look for. But his bat was undeniable, and once given the chance, he never looked back. His success is a testament to perseverance and taking full advantage of the opportunities given.

NHL: Henrik Zetterberg - The Swedish Sniper

Drafted: 7th round, 210th overall (1999 NHL Draft)

When the Detroit Red Wings took a chance on Henrik Zetterberg in the seventh round of the 1999 NHL Draft, few people paid attention. After all, seventh-round picks rarely pan out. Fast forward a few years, and Zetterberg became one of the most consistent and reliable forwards in the NHL.

Zetterberg helped lead the Red Wings to a Stanley Cup championship in 2008, where he also won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP. Over his career, he tallied over 900 points and was known for his leadership both on and off the ice.

Why Was He Overlooked?

Zetterberg was playing in Sweden, and like Ginóbili in the NBA, international prospects were harder to scout back then. He was also considered undersized and not particularly fast. However, his hockey IQ, work ethic, and ability to rise to the occasion made him one of the biggest steals in NHL draft history.

Why Teams Miss Late-Round Gems

So, why do teams miss on these players? Why do guys like Tom Brady, Manu Ginóbili, and Mike Piazza fall so far in the draft, only to turn into superstars later?

1. Scouting Limitations

Scouts, while experts in their field, are still humans with biases. They tend to focus on obvious traits like size, speed, and athleticism, often undervaluing intangibles like leadership, work ethic, and mental toughness. Many late-round gems possess these overlooked qualities.

2. Development Takes Time

Some players just take longer to develop. A player might not be ready for the big leagues right away but can blossom with the right coaching and experience. Teams that are patient and willing to invest in a player’s growth can reap huge rewards down the line.

3. International and Small-School Bias

Players from smaller schools or international leagues don’t get the same level of exposure as those from top programs. As a result, they can fly under the radar. Teams that invest in global scouting or look beyond the traditional powerhouses often find diamonds in the rough.

4. Underrating Mental Toughness

Athleticism is important, but it’s only part of the equation. Mental toughness, leadership, and the ability to perform under pressure are invaluable traits that don’t show up in a 40-yard dash or vertical leap measurement. Late-round gems often have these qualities in spades.

Conclusion: The Beauty of the Late Round

While the early rounds of any draft will always be filled with glitz and glamour, the late rounds are where the real magic can happen. Late-round gems prove that heart, determination, and intelligence can outweigh raw talent. They remind us that greatness isn’t always obvious and that sometimes, the best things come from the most unexpected places.

So, the next time your favorite team is picking in the later rounds, don’t tune out. That little-known prospect might just be the next Tom Brady or Manu Ginóbili, waiting to take the world by storm.