The NFL Draft is an annual event where NFL teams select eligible college football players to join their teams. Over the years, the draft has produced many memorable moments that have helped shape the league’s history. From top draft picks that have lived up to their hype to surprising picks that have shocked fans, the NFL Draft has always been a source of excitement for football enthusiasts. In this article, we will take a trip down memory lane and explore some of the most iconic moments in NFL Draft history.
The First-Ever NFL Draft
In 1936, the NFL held its first-ever draft. The Philadelphia Eagles, who had the first pick, selected Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger. However, Berwanger chose not to play football and instead went on to become a successful businessman. The first-ever NFL Draft may not have produced any memorable players, but it marked the beginning of a tradition that has continued to this day.
Johnny Unitas’ Draft Day Steal
In 1955, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted quarterback Johnny Unitas in the ninth round. However, the Steelers decided to cut him during training camp, and he was picked up by the Baltimore Colts. Unitas went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning three NFL Championships and a Super Bowl. His draft day steal is still considered one of the biggest steals in NFL Draft history.
The Colts Select Peyton Manning
In 1998, the Indianapolis Colts had the first pick in the draft and selected quarterback Peyton Manning. Manning went on to have a legendary career, winning two Super Bowls, five MVP awards, and setting numerous NFL records. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his selection in the draft marked the beginning of an era of dominance for the Colts.
The San Diego Chargers Draft Eli Manning
In 2004, the San Diego Chargers had the first pick in the draft and selected quarterback Eli Manning. However, Manning did not want to play for the Chargers and demanded a trade. He was eventually traded to the New York Giants, where he won two Super Bowls and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of his generation. The drama surrounding Manning’s draft day is still talked about today.
Tom Brady’s Late-round Selection
In 2000, the New England Patriots selected quarterback Tom Brady in the sixth round of the draft. Brady was not expected to become a star, but he went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He has won seven Super Bowls and numerous MVP awards, and his late-round selection is considered one of the biggest steals in NFL Draft history.
The Houston Texans Select Mario Williams
In 2006, the Houston Texans had the first pick in the draft and shocked everyone by selecting defensive end Mario Williams over quarterback Vince Young and running back Reggie Bush. While Williams had a solid career, he never lived up to the expectations that come with being the first overall pick. The Texans’ selection of Williams is still considered one of the biggest surprises in NFL Draft history.
The Chicago Bears Trade Up for Mitchell Trubisky
In 2017, the Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world by trading up one spot to select quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. The move was widely criticized, and Trubisky has yet to live up to expectations. The Bears’ decision to trade up for Trubisky is still considered one of the biggest mistakes in recent NFL Draft history.
The Dallas Cowboys Select Herschel Walker
In 1989, the Dallas Cowboys traded running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for five players and eight draft picks. The trade is still considered one of the most lopsided in NFL history, as the Cowboys used those picks to draft key players such as Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Alvin Harper. The trade helped the Cowboys build a dynasty in the 1990s, winning three Super Bowls in four years.
The Baltimore Colts Select John Elway
In 1983, the Baltimore Colts had the first pick in the draft and selected quarterback John Elway. However, Elway refused to play for the Colts and threatened to play professional baseball instead. The Colts eventually traded Elway to the Denver Broncos, where he went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning two Super Bowls and setting numerous NFL records. The drama surrounding Elway’s selection in the draft is still talked about today.
The Cleveland Browns Select Jim Brown
In 1957, the Cleveland Browns selected running back Jim Brown in the first round of the draft. Brown went on to have a Hall of Fame career, setting numerous NFL records and winning three NFL Championships. He is considered one of the greatest players of all time, and his selection in the draft marked the beginning of a legendary career.
The Buffalo Bills Draft O.J. Simpson
In 1969, the Buffalo Bills had the first pick in the draft and selected running back O.J. Simpson. Simpson went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning two rushing titles and breaking numerous records. However, his post-football career was marred by controversy, including his infamous murder trial. The selection of Simpson in the draft is still talked about today, as it marked the beginning of a legendary career that was later tainted by scandal.
The New York Jets Select Joe Namath
In 1965, the New York Jets selected quarterback Joe Namath in the first round of the draft. Namath went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning a Super Bowl and setting numerous records. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his selection in the draft marked the beginning of a legendary career.
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The Minnesota Vikings Select Randy Moss
In 1998, the Minnesota Vikings selected wide receiver Randy Moss in the first round of the draft. Moss went on to have a Hall of Fame career, setting numerous records and winning multiple awards. His selection in the draft is still talked about today, as it marked the beginning of a legendary career for one of the greatest wide receivers of all time.
The Pittsburgh Steelers Select Terry Bradshaw
In 1970, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected quarterback Terry Bradshaw in the first round of the draft. Bradshaw went on to have a Hall of Fame career, winning four Super Bowls and setting numerous records. He is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his selection in the draft marked the beginning of a legendary career for the Steelers.
The New Orleans Saints Select Archie Manning
In 1971, the New Orleans Saints selected quarterback Archie Manning in the first round of the draft. Manning went on to have a solid career, but he never lived up to the expectations that come with being a first-round pick. However, his selection in the draft marked the beginning of a legacy in the NFL, as his sons Peyton and Eli would go on to become two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
conclusion
FAQs
1. What is the NFL Draft?
The NFL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible college football players to join their rosters.
2. How many rounds are in the NFL Draft?
There are seven rounds in the NFL Draft, with each team having one pick per round.
3. What is the order of the NFL Draft?
The order of the NFL Draft is determined by the previous season’s records, with the team with the worst record receiving the first pick in the draft.
4. Can a player refuse to play for the team that drafts them?
Yes, a player can refuse to play for the team that drafts them, although this is rare. In most cases, players are excited to be drafted and are eager to start their NFL careers.
5. Who was the biggest draft bust in NFL history?
There have been many draft busts in NFL history, but perhaps the most famous is Ryan Leaf, who was selected second overall in the 1998 draft but had a tumultuous and short-lived NFL career.
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