Minnesota Vikings: 10 best third-round draft picks of all-time

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Defensive lineman Al Noga of the Minnesota Vikings (right) works against Chicago Bears offensive lineman Keith Van Horne during a game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won the game, 10-6. /

7. Al Noga, DE – 1988

Sometimes, all it takes is a few great seasons to make a name for yourself. That is true for Al Noga, who had a quiet rookie season for the Minnesota Vikings and then exploded onto the scene the following year.

Noga became the team’s starting left defensive end for 15 games in 1989, notching 11.5 sacks and 63 combined tackles. That effort was noted by Minnesota’s staff, and they made him a full-time starter for 1990.

While he never reached double-digit sacks in his career again, he did come close by getting nine in the 1992 NFL season and six in 1990. He also had one career interception which was returned 26 yards for a score.

Noga bounced around a bit following his five seasons in Minnesota, playing for the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts before heading to the Arena Football League to finish his career with the San Jose SaberCats and the Portland Forest Dragons.

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