Who Claimed the Title of the First NFL Draft Pick- A Look Back at the History-Making Moment
Who went first in the NFL draft has always been a topic of great interest among football enthusiasts. The NFL draft is a highly anticipated event where teams select the best available players to bolster their rosters. Each year, fans eagerly await to see which player will be the first overall pick, a decision that can shape the future of a franchise. In this article, we will delve into the history of the NFL draft and highlight some of the notable first overall picks throughout the years.
The first NFL draft took place in 1936, and since then, it has become a cornerstone of the league. The draft is divided into several rounds, with each team having the opportunity to select a player. The team with the worst record in the previous season is given the first pick, and the order is determined by a reverse order of the previous season’s standings.
One of the most memorable first overall picks in NFL history was in 1970, when the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Joe Namath. Namath was a star at the University of Alabama and was considered one of the best players in college football. However, his selection was met with controversy, as the Browns were accused of drafting him in an attempt to boost ticket sales. Despite the controversy, Namath went on to have a Hall of Fame career and was instrumental in leading the Browns to their only Super Bowl appearance in 1964.
Another notable first overall pick was in 1983, when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected running back James Wilder. Wilder was a Heisman Trophy winner at Florida State University and was considered the best running back in the draft. Unfortunately, Wilder’s career was plagued by injuries, and he never lived up to the expectations set by his selection. Despite the setbacks, Wilder remains a fan favorite in Tampa Bay.
In 1993, the Dallas Cowboys selected running back Emmitt Smith with the first overall pick. Smith went on to have a Hall of Fame career, becoming the all-time leading rusher in NFL history. His selection was a perfect fit for the Cowboys, who were looking to bolster their running game. Smith’s success with the Cowboys set the stage for a dynasty that would win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.
The 2004 NFL draft saw the first overall pick go to quarterback Eli Manning, who was selected by the San Diego Chargers. Manning was a star at the University of Ole Miss and was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. However, the Chargers traded him to the New York Giants, where he would go on to win two Super Bowls. Manning’s selection was a pivotal moment for the Giants, as he would become the cornerstone of their franchise.
In recent years, the first overall pick has often been a quarterback, reflecting the importance of the position in today’s NFL. In 2018, the Cleveland Browns selected quarterback Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick. Mayfield was a star at Oklahoma and was considered one of the best quarterbacks in the draft. The Browns hope that Mayfield can lead them to a championship, much like the great quarterbacks who have come before him.
In conclusion, the first overall pick in the NFL draft has been a source of great excitement and anticipation for decades. From Joe Namath to Eli Manning, the first overall picks have often gone on to have Hall of Fame careers and leave a lasting impact on their respective teams. As the NFL draft continues to evolve, fans will undoubtedly be curious to see who will be the next player to go first and potentially shape the future of the league.
