Best NFL First-Round Picks by Draft Slot

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
May 2, 2014

Best NFL First-Round Picks by Draft Slot

No. 1: Peyton Manning, 1998, Colts

Like John Elway in Denver, Manning will first and foremost be remembered as an Indianapolis Colt. His move to Denver, though, produced one of his finest statistical seasons—no small feet for a player who made his 14th Pro Bowl and has 10 All-Pro nods, five NFL MVPs, plus two Super Bowl wins and one big game MVP. No player taken No. 1 overall since 1970 has been better than Manning. — Runner-ups: John Elway (1983, Colts) and Bruce Smith (1985, Bills) — Honorable Mention: Mario Williams (2006, Texans); Eli Manning (2004, Chargers); Orlando Pace (1997, Rams); Troy Aikman (1989, Cowboys); Bo Jackson (1986, Buccaneers); Earl Campbell (1978, Oilers); Lee Roy Selmon (1976, Buccaneers); Terry Bradshaw (1970, Steelers)

No. 2: Lawrence Taylor, 1981, Giants

Taylor may have been the most intimidating defensive player the league has ever seen, especially since he often fired off the ball toward the quarterback's blindside. His Credentials: 10-time Pro Bowl selection, 10-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s, member of NFL's 75th anniversary team, two-time Super Bowl champion, NFL MVP in 1986, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year in 1981, inducted into Hall of Fame in 1999, ranked No. 3 on NFL's top 100 players of all-time list, ninth all-time in sacks. Others in Consideration: Calvin Johnson (2007, Lions); Julius Peppers (2002, Panthers); Donovan McNabb (Eagles, 1999); Tony Boselli (1995, Jaguars); Marshall Faulk (1994, Colts); Eric Dickerson (1983, Rams); Tony Dorsett (1977, Cowboys); Randy White (1975, Cowboys)

No. 3: Anthony Munoz, 1982, Bengals

Sporting News/ZUMA Press/Icon Sportswire

Munoz left his mark as the game's best left tackle and, in the minds of many, the most dominant offensive lineman in NFL history. His Credentials: 11-time Pro Bowl selection, 11-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s, Walter Payton Man of the Year winner in 1991, member of NFL's 75th anniversary team, inducted into Hall of Fame in 1998, ranked No. 12 on NFL's top 100 players of all-time list, started 183 career games. Others in Consideration: Larry Fitzgerald (2004, Cardinals); Andre Johnson (2003, Texans); Steve McNair (1995, Oilers); Cortez Kennedy (1990, Seahawks); Barry Sanders (1989, Lions)

No. 4: Walter Payton, 1975, Bears

There may not have been a more versatile athlete in league history. "Sweetness" rushed for 16,726 yards (second most all-time), caught 492 passes, threw for eight touchdowns and often punished defenders with his blocking. His Credentials: Nine-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1970s and '80s, Super Bowl XX champion, 1977 NFL MVP, member of NFL's 75th anniversary team, inducted into Hall of Fame in 1993, ranked No. 5 on NFL's top 100 players of all-time list, second in career rushing yards, fourth in career rushing touchdowns. Others in Consideration: Philip Rivers (2004, Giants); Edgerrin James (1999, Colts); Charles Woodson (1998, Raiders); Jonathan Ogden (1996, Ravens); Derrick Thomas (1989, Chiefs); Chris Doleman (1985, Vikings); Dan Hampton (1979, Bears); John Hannah (1973, Patriots)

No. 5: Deion Sanders, 1989, Falcons

"Prime Time" dominated the game on defense and special teams, scoring touchdowns as a kick returner, punt returner, cornerback and even as a wide receiver. His Credentials: Eight-time Pro Bowl selection, eight-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, 53 career interceptions, more than 5,700 return yards, AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1994, two-time Super Bowl champion, elected to Hall of Fame in 2011, ranked No. 34 player of all time on NFL's top 100 list. Others in Consideration: LaDainian Tomlinson (2001, Chargers); Junior Seau (1990, Chargers); Mike Haynes (1976, Patriots)

No. 6: Walter Jones, 1996, Seahawks

Jones helped pave the way for eight separate 1,000-yard rushing seasons (five by Shaun Alexander alone) and was part of a terrific turnaround for a once-struggling franchise, as the Seahawks made five straight postseasons from 2003-07, advancing to the Super Bowl once. His Credentials: Nine-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s, started 180 games, number 71 retired by Seattle Seahawks. Others in Consideration: Torry Holt (1999, Rams); Tim Brown (1988, Raiders); Lomas Brown (1985, Lions); James Lofton (1978; Packers); John Riggins (1971, Jets)

No. 7: Champ Bailey, 1999, Redskins

The dominant cornerback performed at a high level throughout his 15-year career, most notably with 10 interceptions in 2006. Bailey has the best shot to break the No. 7 pick's Hall of Fame drought. His Credentials: 12-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s, 52 career interceptions, member of Broncos' 50th anniversary team. Others in Consideration: Adrian Peterson (2007, Vikings); Thomas Jones (2000, Cardinals); Bryant Young (1994, 49ers); Sterling Sharpe (1988, Packers); Phil Simms (1979, Giants)

No. 8: Ronnie Lott, 1981, 49ers

Lott's ball-hawking skills combined with his punishing style made him one of the greatest defensive backs in NFL history. His Credentials: 10-time Pro Bowl selection, eight-time All-Pro, four-time Super Bowl champion, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s and 1990s, member of NFL's 75th anniversary team, tied for sixth all-time in career interceptions (63), ranked No. 11 on NFL's list of 100 greatest players, inducted into Hall of Fame in 2000. Others in Consideration: James Farrior (1997, Jets); Willie Roaf (1993, Saints); Leslie O'Neal (1986, Chargers); Mike Munchak (1982, Oilers); Ottis Anderson (1979, Rams)

No. 9: Bruce Matthews, 1983, Oilers (Titans)

Matthews was a true ironman, starting 292 games across every position on the offensive line. His Credentials: 14-time Pro Bowl selection, 10-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, second all-time in career games played (296), ranked No. 78 on NFL's list of 100 greatest players, inducted into Hall of Fame in 2007. Others in Consideration: Kevin Williams (2003, Vikings); Brian Urlacher (2000, Bears); Fred Taylor (1998, Jaguars); Richmond Webb (1990, Dolphins); Jerome Brown (1987, Eagles)

No. 10: Rod Woodson, 1987, Steelers

Woodson was a ballhawk and premier athlete. When he was healthy and on the field, Woodson was better than just about every defensive back to play the game. His Credentials: 11-time Pro Bowl selection, eight-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXV champion, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, named to NFL's 75th anniversary team, 1993 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, third all-time in interceptions (71), ranked No. 41 on NFL's list of 100 greatest players, inducted into Hall of Fame in 2009. Others in Consideration: Terrell Suggs (2003, Ravens); Willie Anderson (1996, Bengals); Jerome Bettis (1993, Rams); Herman Moore (1991, Lions); Marcus Allen (1982, Raiders); Isiah Robertson (1971, Rams)

No. 11: Michael Irvin, 1988, Cowboys

Irvin was part of the famed "Triplets," with Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith, that helped make the Cowboys a dynasty in the 1990s. His Credentials: Five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro, three-time Super Bowl champion, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, finished with 750 career receptions and 65 touchdowns, ranked No. 92 on NFL.com's 100 Greatest Players list, inducted into Hall of Fame in 2007. Others in Consideration: Patrick Willis (2007, 49ers); DeMarcus Ware (2005, Cowboys); Ben Roethlisberger (2004, Steelers); Dwight Freeney (2002, Colts); Wilber Marshall (1984, Bears)

No. 12: Warren Sapp, 1995, Buccaneers

Right up until his final season, Sapp obliterated offensive linemen. He had 10 sacks in 2006, his next-to-last year, marking the fourth time in his career that he hit double digits in that category. His Credentials: Seven-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXVII champion, 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s and 2000s, finished with 96.5 career sacks. Others in Consideration: Haloti Ngata (2006, Ravens); Warrick Dunn (1997, Buccaneers); Jim Lachey (1985, Chargers); Clay Matthews (1978, Browns)

No. 13: Tony Gonzalez, 1997, Chiefs

Over an illustrious 17-year career (12 seasons with Kansas City, five with Atlanta), Gonzalez chalked up 1,325 receptions and more than 15,000 yards. He also found the end zone 111 times. The lone missing piece on his resume: a Super Bowl win. His Credentials: 14-time Pro Bowl selection, 10-time All-Pro, No. 2 all-time in total catches, fifth-most yards receiving in league history, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s. Others in Consideration: John Abraham (2000, Jets); Keith Jackson (1988, Eagles); Kellen Winslow (1979, Chargers); Mike Kenn (1978, Falcons); Franco Harris (1972, Steelers)

No. 14: Jim Kelly, 1983, Bills

From 1986 until an injury ended his 1996 campaign, Kelly was a remarkable force in Buffalo's no-huddle offense. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2002, five-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro, led Bills to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Others in Consideration: Darrelle Revis (2007, Jets); Jeremy Shockey (2002, Giants); Eddie George (1996, Oilers); Ruben Brown (1995, Bills); Randy Gradishar (1974, Broncos)

No. 15: Dennis Smith, 1981, Broncos

Smith might be the hardest hitter in NFL history. He and fellow safety Steve Atwater combined to give the Broncos one of the league's most-feared defensive backfields. His Credentials: Six-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All Pro pick, 30 career interceptions, played all 14 NFL seasons with Denver. Others in Consideration: Albert Haynesworth (2002, Titans); Deltha O'Neal (2000, Broncos); Anthony Miller (1988, Chargers); John L. Williams (1986, Seahawks)

No. 16: Jerry Rice, 1985, 49ers

Rice owns virtually every major NFL receiving record. No matter how you slice it, the NFL has never seen a player as dominant for as many seasons as Rice was. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2010, 13-time Pro Bowl selection, 12-time All-Pro, two-time Offensive Player of the Year, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s and 1990s, three-time Super Bowl winner, holds multiple NFL records (most all-time receptions, yards receiving, receiving touchdowns and total touchdowns), ranked No. 1 player of all-time by NFL.com. Others in Consideration: Troy Polamalu (2005, Steelers); Julian Peterson (2000, 49ers); Hugh Douglas (1995, Jets); Chester McGlockton (1992, Raiders)

No. 17: Emmitt Smith, 1990, Cowboys

Smith stands in the record books as the most productive running back in league history. He set a standard at the running back position that may never be equaled. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2010, eight-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time All-Pro, leading rusher in NFL history with 18,355 yards, most TDs for a running back with 164, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, three-time Super Bowl winner. Others in Consideration: Steve Hutchinson (2001, Seahawks); Doug Williams (1978, Buccaneers); Louis Wright (1975, Broncos)

No. 18: Art Monk, 1980, Redskins

Monk had to wait a while to get into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but his credentials are more than worthy. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2008, three-time Pro Bowl selection, two-time All-Pro, caught a pass in 183 consecutive games, set then-NFL record with 106 catches in 1984 season, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s, three-time Super Bowl winner. Others in Consideration: Joe Flacco (2008, Ravens); Alfred Williams (1999, Bengals); Eddie Kennison (1996, Rams); Tom Darden (1972, Browns)

No. 19: Randall McDaniel, 1988, Vikings

McDaniel didn't play a high-profile position, but he absolutely dominated at guard. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2009, 12-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1990s, started 220 career games and 202 consecutively. Others in Consideration: Casey Hampton (2001, Steelers); Shaun Alexander (2000, Seahawks); Marvin Harrison (1996, Colts); Joey Browner (1983, Vikings); Jack Tatum (1971, Raiders)

No. 20: Jack Youngblood, 1971, Rams

Youngblood played a remarkable 201 straight games, missing his first and only contest in 1984, his final season. His Credentials: Inducted into NFL Hall of Fame in 2001, seven-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time All-Pro, NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1975 and '76, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1970s, missed just one game in 14-year career. Others in Consideration: Tamba Hali (2006, Chiefs); Steve Atwater (1989, Broncos); Haywood Jeffires (1987, Oilers); Mike Quick (1982, Eagles)

No. 21: Randy Moss, 1998, Vikings

The questions about Moss' attitude and work ethic followed him everywhere, but there's no denying what a nightmare he was for opposing defenses. His Credentials: Six-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time All-Pro, No. 2 all-time in receiving touchdowns (156), No. 9 all-time in receptions (982), 1998 Rookie of the Year, 2007 Comeback Player of the Year, voted to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s. Others in Consideration: Vince Wilfork (2004, Patriots); Jerry Robinson (1979, Eagles); Lynn Swann (1974, Steelers)

No. 22: Andre Rison, 1989, Colts

Even though Rison's career never measured up to the NFL's elite wide receivers, he proved to be a solid, and sometimes spectacular, player for several teams. His Credentials: Five-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXI champion, made 743 career catches for 10,205 yards and 84 touchdowns, only receiver in NFL history to catch a TD pass for seven teams. Others in Consideration: Percy Harvin (2009, Vikings); Harris Barton (1987, 49ers); Hanford Dixon (1981, Browns); Jack Reynolds (1970, Rams)

No. 23: Ozzie Newsome, 1978, Browns

No matter where he winds up in the record books, "The Wizard of Oz" will forever stand as the groundbreaker for the modern-day tight end explosion. His Credentials: Three-time Pro Bowl selection, seven-time All-Pro, named to NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s; 662 career catches; 47 career touchdowns, played in 198 consecutive games, inducted into Hall of Fame in 1999. Others in Consideration: Antoine Winfield (1999, Bills); Ty Law (1995, Patriots); Bruce Armstrong (1987, Patriots)

No. 24: Ed Reed, 2002, Ravens

In his 11th (and, as it turned out, final) season in Baltimore, Reed claimed his first Super Bowl win. He has earned a spot as one of game's best safeties ever. His Credentials: Nine-time Pro Bowl selection, eight-time All-Pro, 2004 AP Defensive Player of the Year, holds NFL record for longest interception return (107 yards), named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s, has 61 career regular-season interceptions and seven touchdowns. Others in Consideration: Chris Johnson (2008, Titans); Aaron Rodgers (2005, Packers); Steven Jackson (2004, Rams); Dallas Clark (2003, Colts); Eric Moulds (1996, Bills); James Brooks (1981, Chargers)

No. 25: Ted Washington, 1991, 49ers

He played 17 seasons in the NFL and suited up for every regular season game in 12 of them. Over a career spanning seven teams, "Mount Washington" established himself as one of league's top nose tackles. His Credentials: Played 17 NFL seasons, four-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXVIII champion, 34.5 career sacks. Others in Consideration: Jon Beason (2007, Panthers); Santonio Holmes (2006, Steelers); Stanley Morgan (1977, Patriots)

No. 26: Ray Lewis, 1996, Ravens

One of the fiercest defenders the NFL has ever seen, Lewis capped his illustrious career by raising the Vince Lombardi Trophy for the second time. His Credentials: 13-time Pro Bowl selection; 10-time All-Pro; Super Bowl XXXV MVP; 2,073 regular-season tackles and 41.5 sacks; Two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year winner (2000, 2003). Others in Consideration: Clay Matthews (2009, Green Bay); Alan Faneca (1998, Pittsburgh); Dana Stubblefield (1993, San Francisco); Joe DeLamielleure (1973, Buffalo)

No. 27: Dan Marino, 1983, Dolphins

Marino was the first of the NFL's super prolific quarterbacks, 20 years before the league become pass-happy. Second only to Peyton Manning in several passing records, Marino still has the most seasons leading the league in completions (six). His Credentials: Nine-time Pro Bowl selection; eight-time All-Pro; NFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1984; Comeback Player of the Year in 1994; 61,361 passing yards, 420 touchdowns in career; Held single-season passing record (5,084) until 2011; Held records for most career yards and touchdowns until 2007; Inducted into Hall of Fame in 2005. Others in Consideration: Roddy White (2005, Falcons); Neal Anderson (1986, Bears)

No. 28: Derrick Brooks, 1995, Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay defense may not have been the dominant unit it was without Brooks' presence. He wound up being selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2000s, alongside Ray Lewis and Brian Urlacher at linebacker. His Credentials: Played all 14 seasons with Tampa Bay, 11-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time All-Pro, Super Bowl XXXVII champion, 2002 Defensive Player of the Year, voted to NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team, 1,715 career tackles and 25 interceptions. Others in Consideration: Darrell Green (1983, Redskins); Ezra Johnson (1977, Packers); Trevor Pryce (1997, Broncos)

No. 29: Nick Mangold, 2006, Jets

Mangold has, quite simply, been one of the league's best centers — not to mention one of the league's best linemen, overall — since the Jets selected him in Round 1 of the 2006 draft. His Credentials: 156 career regular-season starts, including 80 consecutive from 2006 to '11; seven-time Pro Bowler; three-time All-Pro selection. Others in Consideration: George Teague (1993, Packers), Hakeem Nicks (2009, Giants)

No. 30: Reggie Wayne, 2001, Colts

Wayne topped the century mark for receptions in a season four times and had eight seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. His Credentials: 1,070 career catches (seventh-most all time); 14,345 yards receiving (eighth-best) and 82 touchdowns; six-time Pro Bowl pick; three-time All-Pro; Super Bowl XLI champion. Others in Consideration: Patrick Kerney (1999, Falcons), Heath Miller (2005, Steelers), Joseph Addai (2006, Colts)

No. 31: Al Wilson, 1999, Broncos

Wilson played eight seasons with Denver and was the heart and soul of the defense until his career ended prematurely after sustaining a neck injury in 2006. His Credentials: Five-time Pro Bowl selection, 580 career tackles and 21.5 sacks. Others in Consideration: Todd Heap (2001, Ravens), Nnamdi Asomugha (2003, Raiders), Greg Olsen (2005, Bears)

No. 32: Logan Mankins, 2005, Patriots

Teams hope they can find contributors at the bottom of the draft's first round. New England landed itself quite the gem in Mankins back in 2005. His Credentials: 161 career regular-season starts, seven Pro Bowl trips and six All-Pro selections, voted to Patriots' 50th anniversary team in 2009, two Super Bowl appearances. Others in Consideration: Ben Watson (2004, Patriots); Mathias Kiwanuka (2006, Giants)

Best NFL First-Round Picks by Draft Slot