The History of the NFL Draft: Best and Worst Moments

Introduction

The NFL Draft is one of the most anticipated events in American sports, a yearly ritual that represents hope, renewal, and the chance for teams to reshape their futures. From humble beginnings to todays prime-time television extravaganza, the draft has evolved dramatically. Along the way, it has produced unforgettable success storiesand crushing disappointments. Understanding the history of the NFL Draft offers a window into the growth of professional football itself.

Origins of the NFL Draft

In the early days of the NFL, competitive balance was a significant problem. Wealthier teams had an advantage in signing the best college players, leaving struggling franchises stuck at the bottom. In response to this growing issue, Bert Bell, the owner of the Philadelphia Eagles, proposed a draft system where teams selected players in reverse order of their standings. This idea ensured that the weakest teams had the first chance to sign the best talent.

The first NFL Draft was held on February 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia. It featured nine rounds and a total of 81 picks. The first player selected was Jay Berwanger, a halfback from the University of Chicago and the first Heisman Trophy winner. Ironically, Berwanger never played a single down in the NFL, as he and the Eagles could not agree on a salary. Nonetheless, the draft concept stuck — and would soon become a cornerstone of the leagues structure.

Early Years: Simplicity and Growth

In the early decades, the draft was a straightforward and somewhat haphazard affair. Teams relied on regional scouts, newspaper reports, and personal recommendations to evaluate prospects. Without modern technology or a centralized scouting system, mistakes were common, and information was scarce.

By the 1950s, some franchises began establishing rudimentary scouting departments, and draft strategies became more sophisticated. Meanwhile, the creation of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 brought new competition. Both the NFL and AFL conducted separate drafts, often battling for the same players in bidding wars that drove up salaries and created animosity.

The rivalry between the two leagues led to the AFL-NFL merger agreement in 1966. One of the key outcomes was the establishment of the Common Draft, where both leagues selected players from the same pool, ensuring a more orderly and less chaotic process.

Modernization of the Draft

The true transformation of the NFL Draft began in 1980 when ESPN decided to broadcast it live. Many were skeptical that fans would want to watch an event focused on names being called from a podium but they were wrong. The broadcast was a hit, offering real-time excitement, expert analysis, and instant reactions.

In 1985, the NFL created the Scouting Combine, where top prospects gathered to perform physical and mental evaluations in front of team officials. The Combine added a new layer of measurable data to the scouting process and became an essential pre-draft event.

Over the next few decades, the draft expanded. In the 2010s, it moved from a two-day event to a three-day prime-time production, with the first round now airing on Thursday night. The NFL also began rotating the draft location among different cities, transforming it into a multi-day festival that attracts hundreds of thousands of fans and generates major tourism revenue.

Best Moments in NFL Draft History

The Cowboys Build a Dynasty (1989)

In 1989, Dallas Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson pulled off one of the boldest moves in draft history by trading running back Herschel Walker to the Minnesota Vikings for a massive haul of draft picks. Johnson used those picks to select cornerstone players like Emmitt Smith, Darren Woodson, and Russell Maryland, helping to build a team that would win three Super Bowls in the 1990s.

The 1983 Quarterback Class

The 1983 NFL Draft featured a historic quarterback class, with six QBs taken in the first round. Three of them John Elway, Jim Kelly, and Dan Marino became Hall of Famers and helped define a golden era of NFL passing. Their influence on the games evolution toward a pass-heavy league cannot be overstated.

Tom Bradys Selection (2000)

No story captures the unpredictability of the draft better than Tom Brady’s. Drafted 199th overall in the sixth round by the New England Patriots, Brady defied all expectations to become a seven-time Super Bowl champion and widely regarded as the greatest quarterback in NFL history. His rise from overlooked prospect to living legend serves as an inspiration to countless players.

Russell Wilsons Rise (2012)

Despite an impressive college career, Russell Wilson fell to the third round largely because of concerns over his height (5). The Seattle Seahawks took a chance on him with the 75th overall pick. Wilson not only won the starting job as a rookie but led the Seahawks to two consecutive Super Bowl appearances, including a decisive victory in Super Bowl XLVIII.

Worst Moments in NFL Draft History

Ryan Leaf Bust (1998)

In 1998, the San Diego Chargers, desperate for a quarterback, selected Ryan Leaf second overall behind Peyton Manning. While Manning became one of the greatest quarterbacks ever, Leaf flamed out spectacularly. Struggling with immaturity, injuries, and poor play, Leaf’s failure set the Chargers back for years and remains one of the NFLs most infamous draft busts.

JaMarcus Russell Disaster (2007)

Touted as a physical specimen with a rocket arm, JaMarcus Russell was taken first overall by the Oakland Raiders. However, Russells career quickly derailed due to a lack of work ethic and preparation. Despite signing a massive rookie contract, he was out of the NFL after just three seasons, leaving the Raiders in turmoil.

Bo Jackson Refuses Buccaneers (1986)

Tampa Bay made Bo Jackson the first overall pick in 1986, but due to a sour relationship with the franchise (stemming from a controversial NCAA eligibility issue), Jackson refused to sign. He instead pursued a baseball career before eventually joining the Raiders and becoming a two-sport icon but Tampa Bay received nothing for their pick.

What round will Shedeur Sanders be selected?