We are at the midway point on our series of Best Draft Picks Per Round. Today, we are moving up the ladder and looking at 4th Round Selections. As we move closer to Day One of the draft, the picks become more valuable and the risks become greater. The fourth round has produced notable stars that have made a big impact for their NFL Teams.

Elvis Dumervil, DE, Denver Broncos, 2006
This is probably my favorite draft pick of all time. According to the every draft "expert," Elvis Dumervil was too small to succeed in the NFL. At only 5'11", 255, he was undersized to be a D-End. Dumervil was absolutely dominant at Louisville, setting records in his final two seasons. One of which, the all-time record for most sacks in a game, came in 2005 when he had 6 sacks against Kentucky. He is the Big East all time single season sack record holder. He won the Bronco Nagurski Award and This was the pick of the draft, and I wish it was more publicized. The so-called experts really screwed up on this one, and it was so obvious. Dumervil fought for playing time, and eventually got into the defensive rotation in Denver. Last year, he put up 12.5 sacks, putting him among the league leaders.

David Garrard, QB, Jacksonville Jaguars, 2002
This time we have a QB who stuck with his position throughout College. David Garrard starred at East Carolina University as a four year starter. His large frame and amazing mobility allowed Garrard to lead the Pirates to three big seasons starting with his Sophomore year. Since his sophomore year, Garrard was the Starting QB for the Pirates each game until he graduated. Looking towards the future after the great (and ridiculously underrated) Mark Brunell, the Jaguars selected David Garrard in the 4th round. He didn't immediately get this chance as the Jags drafted Byron Leftwich 7th overall the following year. Garrard eventually won the love of Jacksonville Fans and the starting spot in 2007 as the Jaguars released Leftwich and gave Garrard control. After an 11-5 season and the first playoff victory for Jacksonville in almost ten years, the Jaguars rewarded Garrard with a $60 Million Contract Extension.

Marion Barber III, RB, Dallas Cowboys, 2005
Marion Barber was an accomplished RB from the University of Minnesota. During his time as a Golden Gopher, Barber shared time and carries with Laurence Maroney. The two put up great numbers together, and Barber was awared the MVP in the Music City Bowl in 2004. In 2005, the Dallas Cowboys, who the year before drafted rookie sensation Julius Jones, took another RB with Barber in the 4th round. After a poor training camp, Barber got his chance due to injuries. Jones and Barber eventually went on to split carries until this past season when the Cowboys released Jones and rewarded Barber wtih a $45 Million Contract.

Kerry Rhodes, SF, New York Jets, 2005
Originally recruited by Louisville as a Quarterback, Rhodes was moved to safety in his freshman year. He immediately blossommed at his new position and became one of the stars of the Cardinals' Defense. He consistently put up solid numbers throughout his collegiate career and was named to the first-team All Conference USA Team. The Jets selected him 123rd overall in the 4th round. Rhodes had a strong training camp and won the starting Strong Safety Spot. He went on to a great rookie season, and continued to improve in his 2nd year, barely missing the Pro Bowl.

Jared Allen, DE, Kansas City Chiefs, 2004
The Los Gatos, California native originally chose Rodeo over Football. Fortunately for Allen, he gave up chasing steer and started chasing Quarterbacks. Allen went to Idaho State University and was a four year starter. He recorded solid numbers and was named to the All Big Sky Team four times. The Chiefs chose Allen in the 4th round, 126th overall. The 6'6", 270 pounder immediately excelled in the NFL, and became on of the leagues top D-Ends. Allen, who was originally home schooled, gave his Mom a shoutout on Sunday Night Football by saying "Home School, thanks Mom" in his introduction.

Asante Samuel, CB, New England Patriots, 2003
Another QB turned Defensive Back, Samuel played his college ball at Central Florida. In High School, Samuel was an "every-position player," starting at QB, DB, Kicker, Punter, and Kick Returner. After putting up solid numbers at UCF, the Patriots selected him with their 4th round pick. His first two years were pretty successful going 2 for 2 in Super Bowls. His solid play in his 2nd year earned him the starting CB spot for the Patriots in Super Bowl 39.

Rudi Johnson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals, 2001
Rudi Johnson played college football at Auburn University. Although he shared the backfield, he still set an Auburn Tigers Single Season Record with 324 carries. The Bengals selected him as a backup for Corey Dillon. Johnson sat on the bench for most of his first two years while learning from Dillon. Once Dillon left for the Patriots, Rudi immediately took the spotlight and rushed for close to 1500 yards in his first season as a starter. He was named to the AFC Pro Bowl team in 2004 and is a big part to the turnaround in Cincinnati.