More and more, the best linebackers in the league seem to be the ones drafted in the second and third rounds. That fact was evident again when the Seattle Seahawks gave linebacker Lofa Tatupu a $42 million contract extension that'll keep him with the team through 2015. It also prevents Tatupu from becoming a free agent after the 2009 season, locking a core part of their defense up into the next decade.

Tatupu was taken in the second round of the 2005 draft, and was the sixth linebacker taken in his class. Yet, in each of his first three seasons, he's been a Pro Bowler and become a regular name in terms of playmaking linebackers.

"He has gone way over what anyone could expect from a guy who has played in the league as long as he has," said Seahawks head coach Holmgren.

Tatupu had 109 tackles, 1 sack, 4 interceptions, and 3 forced fumbles this past season.

"I think I’ve exceeded a lot of people’s expectations, but not my own," said Tatupa.