Emmanuel Sanders was drafted No. 82 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft out of SMU. 172 regular-season games · 9 seasons as a starter · 63 career approximate value
2010 NFL Draft · Rd 3, Pick 18 · #82 overall
Emmanuel Sanders SMU Draft
Emmanuel Sanders was drafted No. 82 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft out of SMU. 172 regular-season games · 9 seasons as a starter · 63 career approximate value
2× Pro Bowl
- Overall pick
- #82
- Round
- 3
- Draft class
- 2010
- NFL games
- 172
- Years as starter
- 9
- Career AV
- 634th at SMU
- Pro Bowls
- 2
The pick
How Emmanuel Sanders came off the board in 2010.
- Position
- Wide receiver WR
- College
-
SMU
Conference USA at the draft
- Measurables
- 5'11" · 186 lbs
- Hometown
- Bellville, TX
- Pre-draft board
- No. 93 prospect72.0 grade
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
172 regular-season games · 9 seasons as a starter · 63 career approximate value
- Games played
- 172
- Seasons as a starter
- 9
- Career approximate value
- 634th among SMU picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 1117% of career value
- Final season
- 202111 years after the draft
- Accolades
- 2× Pro Bowl
Around pick 82
Who came off the board on either side of Emmanuel Sanders.
Baylor
Arizona
Kentucky
Texas
Other WR picks from SMU
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Emmanuel Sanders in the 2010 NFL Draft
Emmanuel Sanders is a Wide receiver out of SMU selected No. 82 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft. 172 regular-season games · 9 seasons as a starter · 63 career approximate value SMU has produced 55 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Emmanuel Sanders drafted?
Emmanuel Sanders was selected No. 82 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2010 NFL Draft (Rd 3, Pick 18). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2010/emmanuel-sanders.
What college did Emmanuel Sanders play for?
Emmanuel Sanders played college football at SMU in the Conference USA. See every SMU draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/smu-mustangs.
How did Emmanuel Sanders's NFL career turn out?
172 regular-season games · 9 seasons as a starter · 63 career approximate value Accolades: 2× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/2010/emmanuel-sanders.