As the saying goes, hindsight is always crystal clear.
T.J. Houshmandzadeh’s professional journey might have left scouts second-guessing their vision. After just one starting season at Oregon State alongside future All-Pro receiver Chad Johnson, Houshmandzadeh was selected by the Cincinnati Bengals in the seventh round of the 2001 NFL Draft.
That year, 26 receivers were chosen before him, including Johnson. Yet few would rival his eventual career stats: 627 receptions, 44 touchdowns, over 7,000 receiving yards, and a Pro Bowl nod in 2007.
Houshmandzadeh isn’t the only late-round gem from that draft—or the only Oregon State Beaver to shine after being overlooked early. Here are five other Oregon State football alumni who turned late-round picks into impressive NFL careers, from Round 4 onward.
Jerry Wilkinson, 1979 Los Angeles Rams, 4th Round
Defensive lineman Jerry Wilkinson had a short-lived NFL career, but he was part of a milestone Rams team. In 1979, the Rams made their first Super Bowl appearance of the modern era. Wilkinson contributed in the NFC Championship win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played in the Super Bowl XIV loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Standing at 6’9”, injuries eventually took their toll. After stints with Cleveland, San Francisco, and a year in the USFL with the Oakland Invaders, he transitioned to a long career in business.
Derek Anderson, 2005 Baltimore Ravens, 6th Round
Quarterback Derek Anderson never threw a pass for the team that drafted him, yet still carved out a solid NFL career. Waived by the Ravens in September of his rookie year, he was picked up by Cleveland as a third-string option behind Trent Dilfer and Charlie Frye. Anderson debuted on October 22, 2006, against Denver and secured his first win a week later, leading the Browns to an overtime victory over Kansas City. His peak came in 2007 with 29 touchdowns, a 10-6 record, a Pro Bowl selection, and the Pro Football Writers’ Most Improved Player award. Anderson played through 2018, suiting up for the Browns, Cardinals, Panthers, and Bills.
Adam Koets, 2007 New York Giants, 6th Round
Offensive tackle Adam Koets had a brief NFL tenure, but it included a Super Bowl ring. A starter during the Giants’ 2007 playoff run, he helped the team stun the undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII. Though his career was shorter than some, that championship moment stands out.
Jordan Poyer, 2013 Philadelphia Eagles, 7th Round
Halfway through his rookie year in Philadelphia, the former Oregon State All-American cornerback was cut. Claimed by Cleveland, he switched to strong safety and found his footing. In 2017, Poyer signed with the Buffalo Bills on the opening day of free agency, igniting the strongest stretch of his career. His debut season in Buffalo included 94 tackles, five interceptions, and a playoff start in the AFC Wild Card game. Over seven seasons with the Bills, he earned AP First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021. After playing 2024 with the Miami Dolphins, Poyer is now a free agent.
Blake Brandel, 2020 Minnesota Vikings, 6th Round
Offensive lineman Blake Brandel stands out on this list for sticking with one team his entire career. Drafted by the Vikings in 2020, he’s started 22 games across five seasons. Last offseason, Minnesota rewarded his consistency with a three-year, $9.5 million contract extension.
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