Stephen Paea is a New Zealand–born former American football defensive tackle. He played college football for Oregon State University, and was recognized as a consensus All-American. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and has also played for the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, and Dallas Cowboys.
Paea with the Washington Redskins in 2015
Paea (left) in a game vs. Louisville in 2010.
Paea with the Bears in 2014
The 2011 NFL draft was the 76th installment of the annual NFL draft, where the franchises of the National Football League select newly eligible football players. Like the 2010 draft, the 2011 draft was held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, New York, over three days: this year, the first round took place on Thursday, April 28, 2011; the second and third rounds took place on Friday, April 29; with the final four rounds on Saturday, April 30, 2011. The Carolina Panthers, who had the worst record for the 2010 NFL season at 2–14, had the right to the first selection in the draft, where they selected Auburn University quarterback Cam Newton, who was the 2010 Heisman Trophy winner. The 2011 draft is regarded as one of the most talented draft classes in NFL history, as 12 of the first 16 players have been selected to at least one Pro Bowl.
The 2015 MVP Cam Newton was drafted first overall by the Carolina Panthers.
Super Bowl 50 MVP Von Miller, who also led all players in sacks during the 2010s, was drafted second
Julio Jones has led the league in receiving yards twice and was selected to 7 Pro Bowls.
Drafted in the fifth round, Richard Sherman was an integral member of the Seattle Seahawks' "Legion of Boom" secondary that contributed to their Super Bowl XLVIII victory