29. Fran Tarkenton
Team:Minnesota Vikings
Year: 1961
College: Georgia
Why we picked Tarkenton: Tarkenton -- known for wild, exciting, zig-zagging scrambles that made for great footage for NFL Films' highlight reels -- beat out another Hall of Fame player from his era, former 49ers linebacker Dave Wilcox, who was likely on the wrong end of Tarkenton's escape artistry on a number of occasions. Tarkenton -- a 1986 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee -- was more than just a seasoned scrambler, at the time of his retirement Tarkenton held the career passing records for attempts (6,467), completions (3,686), yards (47,003) and touchdowns (342).
Others considered:Nick Mangold, Dave Wilcox
Last five No. 29 picks:Phillip Dorsett (2015, Colts), Dominique Easley (2014, Patriots), Cordarrelle Patterson (2013, Vikings), Harrison Smith (2012, Vikings), Gabe Carimi (2011, Bears)
Who owns No. 29 pick this year?Cardinals
Twitter vote for best No. 29 pick of past 20 years:
30. Sam Huff
Why we picked Huff: Huff -- a 1992 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee -- helped lift the profile of pro football while playing in New York for Giants teams that played in six NFL title games in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Huff was the first NFL player to grace the cover of Time magazine, and was the subject of a television special "The Violent World of Sam Huff."
Others considered: Heath Miller, Reggie Wayne
Last five No. 30 picks:Damarious Randall (2015, Packers), Jimmie Ward (2014, 49ers), Alec Ogletree (2013, Rams), A.J. Jenkins (2012, 49ers), Muhammad Wilkerson (2011, Jets)
Who owns No. 30 pick this year?Panthers
Twitter vote for best No. 30 pick of past 20 years:
31. Tommy McDonald
Team:Philadelphia Eagles
Year: 1957
College: Oklahoma
Why we picked McDonald: McDonald -- a 1998 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee -- was selected over another Hall of Famer, Curley Culp. McDonald was a member of the Eagles' last championship team, which defeated the Packers in the 1960 NFL title game, delivering legendary coach Vince Lombardi his only playoff defeat. In college, McDonald played under coach Bud Wilkinson and never played in a losing game at Oklahoma.
Others considered:Curley Culp
Last five No. 31 picks:Stephone Anthony (2015, Saints), Bradley Roby (2014, Broncos), Travis Frederick (2013, Cowboys), Doug Martin (2012, Buccaneers), Cameron Hayward (2011, Steelers)
Who owns No. 31 pick this year?Broncos
Twitter vote for best No. 31 pick of past 20 years:
32. Drew Brees
Team:San Diego Chargers
Year: 2001
College: Purdue
Why we picked Brees: The quality of the Brees pick can be easily assessed by the sum of a famous trade the Chargers made before the 2001 draft. Possessing the No. 1 overall selection, the Chargers traded out of that slot and the selection then went to the Falcons, who promptly took Michael Vick. The Chargers then went on to fill two major needs, drafting RB LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 6 overall and then Brees 26 spots later. The Chargers would become a dominant team in the AFC West for years to come.
Others considered:Bob St. Clair
Last five No. 32 picks:Malcom Brown (2015, Patriots), Teddy Bridgewater (2014, Vikings), Matt Elam (2013, Ravens), David Wilson (2012, Giants), Derek Sherrod (2011, Packers)
Who owns No. 32 pick this year?Browns
Twitter vote for best No. 32 pick of past 20 years:
Follow Jim Reineking on Twitter @jimreineking.
