With The First Pick
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NFL Draft: Top 5 players selected with compensatory picks

By Maxwell Ogden

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins acknowledges the crowd after being introduced before the start of the Eagles and New York Giants game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 30, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 30: Former Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins acknowledges the crowd after being introduced before the start of the Eagles and New York Giants game at Lincoln Financial Field on September 30, 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
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CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH – JANUARY 02: Wide receiver Hines Ward #86 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches a touchdown pass against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on January 2, 2011 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) /

4. Hines Ward

The Pittsburgh Steelers would not have won two of their championships without wide receiver Hines Ward. Not only was Ward one of the most productive players in NFL history, but he was a leader in the locker room who helped establish the culture.

Had the Steelers not received a compensatory pick in the third round of the 1998 NFL Draft, they may not have been able to build what they did in the 2000s.

Ward has two Super Bowl rings and a Super Bowl MVP award to validate his inclusion on this list. He recorded 11 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown during that unforgettable performance—a performance that was the epitome of his contributions as a player.

His game-to-game production varied, but when the Steelers needed a big play on a big stage, Ward was the player who consistently stepped up.

In terms of postseason production, Ward finished No. 4 in receptions and receiving touchdowns, and No. 6 in receiving yards—in NFL history. He finished his regular season career with 1,000 career receptions, 12,083 receiving yards, and 85 touchdowns.

Hines was a three-time Second-Team All-Pro, a four-time Pro Bowler, and a compensatory pick. In other words: These choices can be incredibly rewarding.

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