NFL Draft: Top Ten Picks at Number 11 since 2000

Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the game against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Patrick Willis, LB, San Francisco 49ers (2007)

October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi
October 5, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers inside linebacker Patrick Willis (52) during player introductions before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Levi /

Patrick Willis retired after the 2014 season despite still being one of the better linebackers in the league. Willis made an immediate impact for the Niners earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and also headed to Honolulu for the Pro Bowl. Those Pro Bowl selections would just be routine for Willis, who would go to seven straight while being named to six straight All-Pros. Willis amassed almost 1,000 tackles in his career, twice leading the league in that category. He was a cornerstone for Vic Fangio’s Niners defense for several years.