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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PHILADELPHIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Dawkins #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates recovering a fumble and the sack of Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half on September 21, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 15-6.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA – SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Dawkins #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates recovering a fumble and the sack of Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half on September 21, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles won 15-6.(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images) /

3. Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins was one of the most feared and respected players in the NFL during his unbelievable 15-year career. His resumé lines up against some of the greatest safeties in history, and his influence was profound.

Selected with a compensatory pick in the second round of the 1996 NFL Draft, Dawkins is now a member of the exclusive Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dawkins finished his career with insane production: 895 tackles, 26.0 sacks, 37 interceptions, 98 passes defended, . He was the 10th player in NFL history to eclipse at least 20 sacks and 20 interceptions, and helped set the stage for the dynamic safeties of today.

Dawkins’ combination of production, leadership, and influence him to be named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade First Team with fellow safety Ed Reed.

Dawkins received five First-Team All-Pro selections and a Second Team nod, which is a testament to his greatness. Add nine Pro Bowl appearances and the fact that the Philadelphia Eagles retired his No. 20 jersey, and he’s the very definition of an NFL Draft steal.

Dawkins is the prototype for the modern NFL at the safety position. He’s also proof that a franchise can find an elite player with a compensatory choice.

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