The National Football League draft is an annual sports draft in which NFL teams select newly eligible players for their rosters. To be eligible, a player must be out of high school for at least three years. Each NFL franchise seeks to add new players through the annual draft. The draft rules were last updated in 2009. The team with the worst record the previous year picks first, the next-worst team second, and so on. Teams also have the option to trade with another team to move up to a better draft position. Teams that did not make the playoffs are ordered by their regular-season record, with any remaining ties broken by strength of schedule. Playoff participants are sequenced after non-playoff teams, based on their round of elimination (wild card, division, conference, and Super Bowl).[1]
From 1947 through 1958 the first selection was awarded by a random draw. The team which received this "bonus" pick forfeited its selection in the final round of the draft. The winner of the "bonus pick" was eliminated from the draw in future years. By 1958 all twelve clubs in the league at the time had received a bonus choice and the system was abolished.[2][3]
Before the merger agreements in 1966, the American Football League (AFL) directly competed with the NFL and held a separate draft. This led to a massive bidding war over top prospects between the two leagues, along with the subsequent drafting of the same player in each draft. As part of the merger agreement on June 8, 1966, the two leagues held a multiple round "common draft". Once the AFL officially merged with the NFL in 1970, the "common draft" simply became the NFL draft.[4][5][6] The draft is one of the most notable events in American sports, with live broadcasts of it produced by ESPN, Fox and ABC.[7]
Through the 2024 NFL draft, 89 players have been selected first overall, with the most recent being Caleb Williams. The Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams have each made the most first overall selections in history with seven. Of the first overall draft picks, 43 have been selected to a Pro Bowl and 14 have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
List of first overall picks
edit
.jpg)
.jpg)
Key
edit| K | Kicker | NT | Nose tackle | C | Center |
| LB | Linebacker | FB | Fullback | DB | Defensive back |
| P | Punter | HB | Halfback | DE | Defensive end |
| QB | Quarterback | WR/E | Wide receiver/End | DT | Defensive tackle |
| G | Guard | T | Offensive tackle | TE | Tight end |
| * | Selected to a Pro Bowl/All-Star Game | ||||
| ‡ | Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (all were also selected to a Pro Bowl) | ||||
| § | Denotes an expansion team | ||||
Statistics
edit- The Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks are the only teams that have never had the first overall pick.
- Nine teams have made the playoffs in the same season in which they made the first overall selection in the draft. They were the 1968 Minnesota Vikings, 1978 Houston Oilers, 1982 New England Patriots, 1991 Dallas Cowboys, 2004 San Diego Chargers, 2008 Miami Dolphins, 2012 Indianapolis Colts, 2013 Kansas City Chiefs, and the 2022 Jacksonville Jaguars.
- No team has ever gone from the first overall pick to a Super Bowl win in the same season. The Minnesota Vikings lost Super Bowl IV the year after they had the first overall pick, the Dallas Cowboys lost Super Bowl X the year after they had the first overall pick, the New England Patriots lost Super Bowl XX the year after they had the first overall pick, and the Cincinnati Bengals lost Super Bowl LVI the year after they had the first overall pick.
First overall draft picks by team
editThe Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Rams have each held the first overall pick a total of seven times, the most of any NFL team. This includes the Colts' time in Baltimore and the Rams' time in Cleveland and St. Louis. The Boston Yanks are the only defunct franchise to have held a first overall pick.[81]
- Notes: (*) indicates the team selected first overall in their inaugural season.
First overall draft picks by school
editUSC has the most first overall picks with 6. Notre Dame, Oklahoma, and Georgia are tied for second-most first overall picks with 5 each. Only two schools have had first overall picks in consecutive years: USC, with Ron Yary (1968) and O. J. Simpson (1969), and Oklahoma, with Baker Mayfield (2018) and Kyler Murray (2019).[111]
First overall draft picks by position
edit| Position | Number of selections | Last year selected |
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | 35 |
2024
|
| Running backs | 23 |
1995
|
| Defensive linemen | 16 |
2022
|
| Offensive linemen | 6 |
2013
|
| Wide receivers/tight ends | 5 |
1996
|
| Linebackers | 4 |
1988
|
| Defensive backs | 1 |
1956
|
See also
edit- List of second overall NFL draft picks
- Mr. Irrelevant – title given to the final pick in the draft
Notes
edit- ^ Jay Berwanger did not sign with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles traded his rights to the Chicago Bears; he did not sign with them either.
- ^ Billy Cannon signed with the AFL team Houston Oilers rather than the Los Angeles Rams.
- ^ Ernie Davis was subsequently traded to the Cleveland Browns after being drafted by the Washington Redskins.
- ^ a b c Because of the NFL–AFL merger agreement, the history of the AFL is officially recognized by the NFL and therefore this list includes the common draft for the years 1967, 1968, and 1969.
- ^ Pick received from New Orleans Saints.[29]
- ^ Pick received from New York Giants.[29]
- ^ Pick received from Houston Oilers.[29]
- ^ Pick received from Baltimore Colts.[29]
- ^ Pick received from Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[29]
- ^ Tom Cousineau chose to sign with the CFL team Montreal Alouettes over the Buffalo Bills.
- ^ John Elway was subsequently traded to the Denver Broncos after being drafted by the Baltimore Colts.
- ^ College seniors who had already signed with the USFL or CFL were not eligible for the regular draft. Instead the NFL held a three-round special draft on June 5, 1984. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Steve Young first overall in that draft.
- ^ Pick received from Tampa Bay Buccaneers.[29]
- ^ Bo Jackson did not sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and chose to enter the 1987 NFL draft the following year.
- ^ The Cleveland Browns – via the Buffalo Bills originally – possessed the number one overall pick but because they selected Bernie Kosar in the 1985 supplemental draft, the pick was subsequently given to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- ^ Pick received from Atlanta Falcons.[29]
- ^ The Dallas Cowboys originally possessed the number one overall pick but because they selected Steve Walsh in the 1989 supplemental draft, the pick was given to the Indianapolis Colts who originally held the second overall pick.
- ^ Pick received from New England Patriots.[29]
- ^ Pick received from Carolina Panthers.[29]
- ^ Pick received from New York Jets.[29]
- ^ Pick received from San Diego Chargers.[29]
- ^ Eli Manning's rights were subsequently traded to the New York Giants after being drafted by the San Diego Chargers.
- ^ Pick received from Tennessee Titans.[29]
- ^ Pick received from the Chicago Bears.[29]
- ^ Pick received from the Carolina Panthers. [80]
References
edit- ^ Clayton, John (2009-03-26). "Draft order to change for playoff teams". ESPN. Archived from the original on 2010-02-18.
- ^ a b Zimmer, John; Marini, Matt, eds. (2013). Official 2013 National Football League Record & Fact Book (PDF). New York: National Football League. p. 525. ISBN 978-1-603-20980-9. Retrieved October 11, 2013.
- ^ "Draft History: 1940's". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Archived from the original on October 1, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ Cross, B. Duane (January 22, 2001). "The AFL: A Football Legacy". Sports Illustrated. Archived from the original on December 17, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
- ^ "NFL History by Decade: 1961–1970". National Football League. Archived from the original on 2007-02-05. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
- ^ "Time Changes for 2008 NFL Draft". National Football League. 2008-04-22. Archived from the original on 2012-10-26. Retrieved June 9, 2010.
- ^ "NFL draft: Baker Mayfield picked No1 as Shazier makes emotional appearance". The Guardian. April 27, 2018. Archived from the original on April 27, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
- ^ "Ki Aldrich NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 15, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Bill Dudley NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Charlie Trippi NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1947 Chicago Cardinals". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 2, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Harry Gilmer NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 21, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Chuck Bednarik NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1949 Philadelphia Eagles". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1960 Philadelphia Eagles". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 8, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Leon Hart NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 17, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Kyle Rote NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Billy Wade NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1958 Baltimore Colts". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Paul Hornung NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1961 Green Bay Packers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1962 Green Bay Packers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1965 Green Bay Packers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 22, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1966 Green Bay Packers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Tommy Mason NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Dave Parks NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 23, 2010. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Tucker Frederickson NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Tommy Nobis NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 3, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "The history of trades for the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft: Chicago becomes the 13th since 1967". ESPN. 10 March 2023. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 15 January 2024.
- ^ "Bubba Smith NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on June 15, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1970 Baltimore Colts". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "Ron Yary NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c "O.J. Simpson NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c d "Terry Bradshaw NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1974 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 17, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1975 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 13, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1978 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1979 Pittsburgh Steelers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "1980 Oakland Raiders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1983 Los Angeles Raiders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Jim Plunkett NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on August 4, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1986 Oakland Raiders". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 30, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Too Tall Jones NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 13, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1977 Dallas Cowboys". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Steve Bartkowski NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Lee Roy Selmon NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on July 10, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Earl Campbell NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Billy Sims NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "George Rogers NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1987 Washington Redskins". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 21, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b c d "John Elway NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 16, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1997 Denver Broncos". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "1998 Denver Broncos". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on December 29, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Irving Fryar NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2017. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Bruce Smith NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Bo Jackson NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 7, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Vinny Testaverde NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Troy Aikman NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 22, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "1992 Dallas Cowboys". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "1993 Dallas Cowboys". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 20, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "1995 Dallas Cowboys". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Russell Maryland NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 2, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Drew Bledsoe NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "2001 New England Patriots". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Keyshawn Johnson NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "2002 Tampa Bay Buccaneers". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 11, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b "Orlando Pace NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "1999 St. Louis Rams". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 18, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Peyton Manning NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 31, 2021. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "2006 Indianapolis Colts". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on January 17, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Michael Vick NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 8, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Bo Jackson NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 5, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ a b "Eli Manning NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 2, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "2011 New York Giants". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "2007 New York Giants". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on November 27, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- ^ "Mario Williams NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 27, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Jake Long NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 30, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Cam Newton NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on April 16, 2019. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Andrew Luck NFL Statistics". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 1, 2018. Retrieved December 9, 2010.
- ^ "Bears clinch No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft following Panthers' loss to Jaguars". National Football League. Archived from the original on 2024-01-19. Retrieved 2024-01-19.
- ^ a b "Boston Yanks Draft History". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Indianapolis Colts Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "St. Louis Rams Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Tampa Bay Buccaneers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Cleveland Browns Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Arizona Cardinals Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Detroit Lions Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Atlanta Falcons Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Buffalo Bills Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Cincinnati Bengals Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "New England Patriots Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Philadelphia Eagles Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Chicago Bears Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Pittsburgh Steelers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "San Francisco 49ers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Dallas Cowboys Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Houston Texans Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Washington Redskins Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "New York Giants Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Green Bay Packers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Tennessee Titans Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Carolina Panthers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Jacksonville Jaguars clinch No. 1 overall pick in 2021 NFL draft". ESPN. 2020-12-28. Archived from the original on 2020-12-29. Retrieved December 30, 2020.
- ^ "New Orleans Saints Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "New York Jets Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "San Diego Chargers Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Oakland Raiders Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Miami Dolphins Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "Kansas City Chiefs Number One Draft Picks". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 17, 2013. Retrieved October 16, 2013.
- ^ "NFL draft 2019: Kyler Murray picked No1 by Arizona Cardinals – as it happened". The Guardian. April 25, 2019. Archived from the original on April 26, 2019. Retrieved April 27, 2019.
Further reading
edit- "Heisman Winners". Heisman Trophy. All Things Media LLC. Archived from the original on August 1, 2014. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- "All Time Number 1 Draft Picks". NFL.com. NFL Enterprises LLC. Archived from the original on January 5, 2010. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- "Players drafted between 1936 and 2013, in the 1st round, with the 1st pick". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- "Heisman Memorial Trophy Winners". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on October 5, 2020. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- "NFL Hall of Fame Players". Pro Football Reference. Archived from the original on May 7, 2013. Retrieved May 12, 2013.
- "Super Bowl History". National Football League. NFL Enterprises LLC. Archived from the original on February 29, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2009.