The NFL Draft is filled with booms and busts. Players either live up to the hype, exceed expectations, or fall flat on their face. The ones that are criticized, or praised, the most are the first rounders. Here are the best first round picks of all-time from each NFL team.
Arizona Cardinals – Larry Fitzgerald, 2004: Fitz was the face of the franchise for the Cardinals for over a decade and was so close to winning them a Super Bowl.
Atlanta Falcons – Michael Vick, 2001: You could list a couple of names here but there was no bigger name or face in all of football than Mike Vick while he was playing with the Falcons. This raised the identity of the franchise.
Baltimore Ravens – Ray Lewis, 1996: No player is more important to the Ravens than Ray Lewis who was the leader of their defense and a two-time Super Bowl champ.
Buffalo Bills – Bruce Smith, 1985: Bruce Smith is one of the most dominant defenders in league history. When you draft a guy in the first, you hope he plays there for 5 or more seasons. Smith spent 15 dominant years in Buffalo.
Carolina Panthers – Cam Newton, 2011: Newton was the first overall pick and really lived up to the hype with an MVP trophy in his awards case and a trip to the Super Bowl. He made Carolina a fierce franchise.
Chicago Bears – Walter Payton, 1975: When one of your first-round picks is one of the greatest players to ever suit up and maybe the greatest running back of all time, they get a spot on the list.
Cincinnati Bengals – Anthony Munoz, 1980: Anthony Munoz might be the greatest offensive lineman to ever play in the NFL. He was a third overall pick who was a nine-time All-Pro.
Cleveland Browns – Myles Garrett, 2017: I’m sorry, Jim Brown. It’s really neck and neck. But Garrett has been the most dominant defender of the last decade with two Defensive Player of the Year awards to show for it. He is one of the best first overall picks, ever.
Dallas Cowboys – Emmit Smith, 1990: Grabbing Smith 17th overall in 1990 was one of the most valuable picks in the NFL as he led them to three Super Bowls.
Denver Broncos – Von Miller, 2011: Surprised you aren’t seeing John Elway here? Well, the Colts actually drafted Elway and traded him. So, Miller is the pick and was the man in the middle of the defense when they won their latest Super Bowl.
Detroit Lions – Barry Sanders, 1989: 10-year career, led the league in rushing four times, was an MVP, and is still giving defenders of that era nightmares with his elusiveness.
Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers, 2005: Maybe the most controversial pick of all-time but one that ended up being the smartest move for the Packers as Rodgers won them a Super Bowl and kept Green Bay at the top for a long time.
Houston Texans – JJ Watt, 2011: Who else but Watt? JJ is one of the most premier defenders of the 21st century and was a game wrecker for offenses.
Indianapolis Colts – Peyton Manning, 1998: A top three quarterback of all time, Manning was the first overall selection in 1998 over Ryan Leaf. That one worked out well for the Colts.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Fred Taylor, 1998: Fred Taylor was exactly what the Jaguars needed as a new franchise…a reliable, fun, offensive threat who became a fan favorite for many years.
Kansas City Chiefs – Patrick Mahomes, 2017: No one has been as successful or as dominant this quickly into their NFL Careers as Patrick Mahomes. With three rings already under his belt, it’s safe to say that Mahomes is the guy.
Las Vegas Raiders – Charles Woodson, 1998: He was the fourth overall pick in 1998 after winning their Heisman and went on to be a four-time All-Pro and become one of the best defensive backs in league history.
Los Angeles Chargers – LaDanian Tomlinson, 2001: This came down between LT and Junior Seau. But for me, LT was the running back of his generation. He set franchise records and made the Chargers one of the toughest offenses in the league to stop.
Los Angeles Rams – Aaron Donald, 2014: Aaron Donald will go down as one of the best run stuffers on any defensive line. The Rams selected him in 2014, and he proceeded to be named an All-Pro eight different times and won Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Miami Dolphins – Dan Marino, 1983: Marino slipped to the back of his draft class, and it worked out perfectly for the Dolphins. He spent his entire career in Miami and led the league in passing five times.
Minnesota Vikings – Randy Moss, 1998: This was a massive success. Moss was taken 21st overall, he exceeded expectations on his way to becoming one of the best wideouts ever.
New England Patriots – Richard Seymour, 2001: Seymour was taken sixth overall in 2001 and paired up with Tom Brady to win three Super Bowls in New England as the leader of their defense. He is a Hall of Famer.
New Orleans Saints – Cam Jordan, 2011: Up until this point, Jordan has only ever played for the Saints which is a pretty good track record for a guy selected in 2011. Jordan has been a two-time All Pro and one of the best Saints ever.
New York Giants – Lawrence Taylor, 1981: What more is there to say about Lawrence Taylor? The greatest NFL defender to ever live. Taken second overall. Taken first in that draft? George Rogers. I bet the Saints want that pick back.
New York Jets – Joe Namath, 1965: Joe Namath was the perfect fit for the city of New York. Broadway Joe brought a Super Bowl to the Jets and lived up to the hype with his big personality.
Philadelphia Eagles – Chuck Bednarik, 1949: Never heard of Chuck Bednarik? Concrete Charlie? He is one of the most versatile players ever and taken first overall. He started at center and as a linebacker. He is a Hall of Famer and an all-time great member of the Eagles.
Pittsburgh Steelers – Terry Bradshaw, 1970: Bradshaw was the first overall pick in 1970. He played for the Steelers during his entire 13-year career and won four Super Bowls.
San Francisco 49ers – Jerry Rice, 1985: Jerry Rice came after the Niners run began but he was the one who turned them into a dynasty. Rice was the 16th overall pick and went on to set league records and win three Super Bowls.
Seattle Seahawks – Earl Thomas, 2010: The 2010 draft was one that’ll go down in history for the Seahawks but maybe no pick was as important as Thomas whom they selected 14th overall and was the leader of the Legion of Boom.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Derrick Brooks, 1995: Brooks was the afterthought of the Bucs first round in 1995. He was taken 28th overall, 16 picks after they took Warren Sapp. He was the undisputed leader of the legendary Bucs defense that won the Super Bowl.
Tennessee Titans – Bruce Matthews, 1983: Availability is the best ability, and no one can really live up to that more than Bruce Matthews. The 14-time Pro Bowler started 293 games in his 19-year career.
Washington Commanders – Darrell Green, 1983: Green played 20 seasons in the NFL, all with Washington and won two Super Bowls. He is a legend in DC.