20-year perspective: Vikings' sixth round pick

TODAY'S LOOK BACK: The 184th overall pick.

Looking back on previous NFL drafts for a better understanding of the crapshoot nature of this business is oh so much easier and more fun to do than pretending to know how the next wave of draft picks will perform. Thursday, we looked back through the past 20 drafts for some perspective on who was taken and who was still on the board with the seventh-round draft pick that the Vikings have this year (223). Today, we move up to the sixth round to so the same with the 184th overall pick.

Pro Bowlers picked No. 184 since 1994: None.

Have the Vikings picked No. 184 since 1994?: Yes. In 2004, they took South Carolina safety Deandre' Eiland. He never played for the Vikings or in the NFL.

Ouch 1: In 2000, the Chargers took linebacker Shannon Taylor. He played 40 games for three teams over four seasons. Fifteen spots lower, at 199, the Patriots selected Tom Brady.

Ouch 2: In 1998, the Buccaneers took cornerback Shevin Smith. He lasted 19 games over two years. Three spots lower, the Packers took quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Ouch 3: In 1995, the Saints took receiver Lee DeRamus. He lasted 23 games over two years. Twelve spots later, the Broncos selected running back Terrell Davis, one of seven members of the NFL's 2,000-yard rushing club.

2013: The Pick: TE Mychal Rivera, Raiders. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: No one has emerged. Plus, Rivera, who had 38 catches and four touchdowns as a rookie, is one of the rare good draft picks of the Raiders.

2012: The Pick: CB Isaiah Frey, Bears. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: LB Danny Trevathan, Broncos, No. 188.

2011: The Pick: DT David Carter, Cardinals. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: C Jason Kelce, Eagles, No. 191.

2010: The Pick: LB Adrian Tracy, Giants. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: WR Antonio Brown, Steelers, No. 195.

2009: The Pick: TE Bear Pascoe, 49ers. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: CB Jason McCourty, Titans, No. 203.

2007: The Pick: FS John Wendling, Bills. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: K Mason Crosby, Packers, No. 193.

2006: The Pick: WR Adam Jennings, Falcons. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: G Charlie Johnson, Colts, No. 199.

2005: The Pick: DE Bill Swancutt, Lions. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: G Chris Myers, Broncos, No. 200.

2004: The Pick: S Deandre Eiland, Vikings. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: P Andy Lee, 49ers, No. 188.

2003: The Pick: G Scott Tercero, Rams. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: LB Cato June, Colts, No. 198.

2001: The Pick: DT Chris Cooper, Raiders. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Bengals, No. 204.

2000: The Pick: LB Shannon Taylor, Chargers. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: QB Tom Brady, Patriots, No. 199.

1999: The Pick: S Rashard Cook, Bears. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: No one of note, but WR Donald Driver, Packers, No. 213.

1998: The Pick: CB Shevin Smith, Buccaneers. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: QB Matt Hasselbeck, Packers, No. 187.

1997: The Pick: RB Damion Shelton, Jaguars. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: NT Grady Jackson, Raiders, No. 193.

1995: The Pick: WR Lee DeRamus, Saints. Could Have Had Between Picks 185-204: RB Terrell Davis, Broncos, No. 196.