The perfect NFL draft decide ever at each slot from No. 1 to 262

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Ben SolakJul 3, 2025, 06:20 AM ET
Shut

You are watching Day 3 of the NFL draft, catching a few names you acknowledge from faculty right here and there and questioning when your favourite crew picks subsequent. Decide No. 188 goes throughout the board, and just a little voice in your head wonders: “Why even trouble making decide No. 188? Decide 188 isn’t going to matter. Who’s even the very best participant to return out of Decide 188?”

Danny Trevathan. The perfect 188th decide ever was Danny Trevathan.

I do know this as a result of I’ve spent the previous month or so each draft decide for the reason that widespread draft period started (1967) and utilizing the fashionable seven-round format (Nos. 1-262) to reply that very query: Who was the very best participant taken at this draft slot? Loads of “Oh, I keep in mind him!” moments … and loads of not possible selections.

How I went about issues:

I took “finest” to imply some mixture of “most proficient” and “most profitable.” As is all the time the problem in debating the bestness of soccer gamers, any argument that completely appears to be like at Tremendous Bowl wins and All-Professional nods is inadequate and lacks context. Equally, any argument that leans solely on particular person participant stats and movie impressions is missing as effectively. I typically tried to make use of historic accolades to contextualize career-long manufacturing. Peak season efficiency and single-season record-setting additionally mattered to me; this is not only a measure of who performed the longest but in addition who performed … effectively, the very best. And naturally, rings matter as a result of rings all the time matter. However there isn’t any method right here. There’s my learn on every decide, levied as pretty as I may make it. Disagreement is anticipated.
With a view to be the very best draft decide, you sort of must play for the crew that drafted you. I solely used this rule to the water’s edge — I am not dumb sufficient to knock Brett Favre as a result of he was drafted by the Falcons. However when it got here to splitting hairs, the spirit of the train implies that the participant was proficient and the crew that drafted him was profitable due to the decide. Lifers for one franchise acquired an edge over profession journeymen.
There is not a bump for QB worth (except it was inescapable). Once more, the specifics of the train established a guardrail. Is “finest draft decide” the identical as “most useful draft decide?” If that appears like a pointless distinction, perceive that I needed to make it with a view to resolve a number of ties. I am inquisitive about discovering the very best participant no matter place, which implies that safeties can beat quarterbacks, and guards can beat go rushers. Solely in instances of the blatantly apparent (see: Purdy, Brock) did I let the expanded impression of the quarterback place have an effect on my alternative.
I’m 28 years previous. I did my finest with the celebs of the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties, however please don’t interpret any mischaracterizations of the historic GOATs as ageist propaganda. After I’m being intentionally anti-throwbacks, I will make it very clear, I promise.

Sufficient of that. Let’s get to the picks. I wrote on the highest 100 right here, after which additionally picked out a couple of exterior the highest 100 to debate additional. Listed below are the very best alternatives ever at every slot.

Soar to:
Spherical 1 | Spherical 2 | Spherical 3
Exterior the highest 100 picks

Spherical 1

Fourteen Corridor of Famers have been chosen with the primary total decide for the reason that draft started in 1936, together with Bruce Smith, Orlando Tempo, John Elway, Terry Bradshaw and Earl Campbell. (By the point Myles Garrett is finished, we’ll be effectively on our method to the fifteenth.) As such, deciding on a winner for the very best No. 1 decide ever is the splitting of superb hairs, however Peyton Manning will get my nod. 5 MVPs, two Tremendous Bowl championships (with two totally different groups) and still-standing data for single-season passing touchdowns (55) and single-season passing yardage (5,477) is an not possible résumé to knock.

Peyton outgrows dad’s shadow to change into NFL legend

To commemorate the twenty fifth 12 months of The ESPYS, we rejoice 25 athletes who’ve made the best mark on this quarter century. Peyton Manning grew to become extra than simply Archie’s son; he grew into the NFL’s all-time chief in passing yards and passing touchdowns.

The perfect defensive participant of all time can be the very best second total decide of all time. Taylor is one in every of two defensive gamers to ever win league MVP (in 1986, becoming a member of defensive deal with Alan Web page in 1971), and that rarefied air all however cements him over contenders equivalent to Marshall Faulk, Julius Peppers and Calvin Johnson. Fashionable contenders equivalent to Von Miller, Saquon Barkley and Nick Bosa are wonderful of their time however do not maintain a candle to L.T., who completed his 13-year profession with 142 sacks.

The decide at No. 3 was some of the difficult of the early alternatives. Each Anthony Munoz and Joe Thomas are Corridor of Famers for his or her longevity — not only for profession size but in addition for sticking it out with one squad (principally). Sanders, as compared, retired sooner than some anticipated and will have cleared Walter Payton’s profession speeding file had he stored it chugging (he completed with 15,269 yards, 1,457 behind Payton).

I gave the sting to Sanders for his stylistic impression on the sport and his lasting impression on Detroit soccer; he’s nonetheless the very best Lion in historical past, whereas neither Munoz nor Thomas is the very best Bengal or Brown, respectively. However this was shut.

4. Walter Payton, RB (1975)

Unimaginable to argue anybody over Sweetness when you think about his impression each on and off the sector. Put one other approach: Guys with awards named after them are usually the very best draft decide at their slot ever, even with out mentioning his 16,726 speeding yards. All due respect to Charles Woodson, Derrick Thomas and Imply Joe Greene.

It is a loaded fifth decide (Junior Seau, LaDainian Tomlinson, Jalen Ramsey and Ja’Marr Chase), however Sanders will get the nod for his distinctive place as a two-way participant (to not point out his two rings — one in every of which got here in his Defensive Participant of the Yr season — and his six first-team All-Professional appearances). Does he additionally get a bump for offering wonderful return on a sixth-round draft decide within the MLB draft? Who’s to say?

A primary poll Corridor of Famer and the most effective offensive linemen of all time, Jones simply beat out a glut of receivers taken with the sixth total decide (Tim Brown, Julio Jones, James Lofton and Torry Holt). I’d hear arguments for the primary two; I’d not hear arguments for the latter two. Walter Jones is one in every of solely 4 Seahawks along with his quantity retired and might be the best Seahawk in historical past.

The final non-quarterback to win the MVP award, Peterson led the league in speeding yardage thrice in his profession: 2008, 2012 and 2015. That is a testomony to each his excellence — the following most up-to-date gamers with at the very least three seasons of league-leading manufacturing are Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith — and his longevity. Thrice over an eight-year span!

“All Day” was my decide over Champ Bailey, however be careful for Josh Allen. He and Peterson have the identical variety of MVP trophies and Tremendous Bowl appearances … for now.

A four-time Tremendous Bowl champion with the 49ers and eight-time first-team All-Professional, Lott is among the most adorned gamers in historical past. He additionally advantages from lighter competitors than lots of the different top-10 picks; additionally into consideration have been Willie Roaf, Mike Munchak and Larry Csonka.

Matthews made 14 Professional Bowls over his 19-year NFL profession, which is frankly ludicrous. He performed all throughout the offensive line, long-snapped for particular groups and spent his total profession on only one crew (even when that crew modified names and places, from the Houston Oilers to the Tennessee Titans, throughout his profession). However regardless of his glowing résumé, it wasn’t straightforward taking Matthews over Brian Urlacher.

Our first energetic participant is Mahomes, who by some means simply clears Rod Woodson, Terrell Suggs and Marcus Allen regardless of being possibly midway by his profession. A two-time MVP, three-time Tremendous Bowl champ and three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP, Mahomes will possible construct a compelling argument for being the best quarterback ever by the point his profession is finished.

11. J.J. Watt, DE/OLB (2011)

It was just a little difficult to take Watt over Corridor of Famers equivalent to Michael Irvin and Patrick Willis — till you do not forget that Watt might be a first-ballot lock. Accidents robbed us of an actual race between Watt and Aaron Donald for finest trendy defensive participant. From 2012 to 2015, Watt earned 4 consecutive first-team All-Professional nods and received three Defensive Participant of the Yr awards. He was constructing an all-time résumé and needs to be remembered as an all-time participant.

The one Corridor of Famer chosen with the twelfth total decide (to this point), Sapp was a kind of uncommon defensive tackles who may accumulate sacks from the inside. He has a Defensive Participant of the Yr award and a Lombardi Trophy on his shelf. How for much longer can he maintain off Cowboys go rusher Micah Parsons, although? It relies on the {hardware} Parsons collects over his personal profession.

Donald was really not the slam dunk that I believed he can be right here, as Tony Gonzalez — proprietor of nearly each profession tight finish manufacturing file you may consider — put up a great battle. As it’s, Donald performed 10 seasons and made eight first-team All-Professionals, which is about as dominant as dominant will get. His 20.5 sacks in 2018 stay a towering, virtually unachievable determine for a defensive deal with.

That is very unfair, however right here it goes: If Jim Kelly had received a Tremendous Bowl, he most likely beats Revis out. However he did not, and Revis did. Kelly additionally did not accumulate as many All-Professional appearances as Revis did (4), and he did not have an island named after him, both. Whereas Kelly was actually extra priceless than Revis due to the place he performed, I attempted to not obese quarterbacks and simply take a look at the very best participant picked. Revis was the very best participant. Shut one, although!

15. Alan Web page, DT (1967)

The lone Corridor of Famer chosen with the fifteenth decide and our oldest participant in Spherical 1, Web page rocks. He was the one defensive participant to win MVP apart from Lawrence Taylor, and he did it earlier than him. He went to Notre Dame and the College of Minnesota after retirement, acquired his legislation diploma and have become an affiliate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Courtroom. This should not actually matter within the “finest draft decide” debate, however it makes it an much more enjoyable decide.

Do I want to clarify why Rice is the very best sixteenth decide in historical past? I do not, however Rice is the all-time chief in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895) and receiving touchdowns (197). Pour one out for Zack Martin, who can be a straightforward winner at loads of different spots on this listing — however not right here.

The chief for profession speeding yards by virtually 2,000 yards takes the highest spot right here. Simply how unimaginable are Smith’s 18,355 speeding yards? Derrick Henry — who’s nineteenth in profession speeding yardage however ninth with 84 speeding yards per recreation over his profession — would want to take care of his profession common over one other 5 seasons to catch Smith.

A quieter group of choices right here — the largest contenders have been Joe Flacco, Marcus Peters and Maurkice Pouncey — makes the one Corridor of Famer a straightforward alternative. Three rings actually helps, although Monk made solely two All-Professional groups. Guess that is the battle of taking part in similtaneously Jerry Rice, Steve Largent, Sterling Sharpe and Andre Reed.

When Harrison snagged 143 passes in 2002, he broke Herman Moore’s file (123 in 1995). That is a 20-catch leap in simply seven years, and Harrison’s quantity stood all the way in which till 2019, when Michael Thomas cleared him with 149. In his heyday with Peyton Manning, Harrison had eight straight seasons of 1,000 receiving yards, had eight straight seasons of at the very least 10 receiving touchdowns and made eight straight All-Professional groups. Fairly good!

20. Jack Youngblood, DE (1971)

What an ideal title for a go rusher. Youngblood was a Rams lifer with eight All-Professional nominations and a retired jersey. His longevity simply barely offers him the nod over one other Corridor of Famer, Steve Atwater, a legendary Broncos security and winner of two Tremendous Bowls. I flip-flopped on this one for some time.

Moss’ dominance got here not within the type of yardage (twenty sixth all time in receiving yards per recreation), however in scoring (his 156 TD receptions are second all time). He led the league in receiving touchdowns 5 occasions and set the single-season file along with his 23 scores for the Patriots in 2007. He will get the bump for being an iconic, culture-defining participant as effectively.

Thank goodness there have been no Corridor of Famers to snub with the twenty second decide, making Jefferson a fair simpler choice for me. Always remember that Jefferson holds the file for many receiving yards by two seasons of a participant’s profession (3,016) — in addition to by three seasons (4,825), 4 seasons (5,899) and 5 seasons (7,432). Guess which file he’ll maintain on the finish of this 12 months?

23. Ty Legislation, CB (1995)

Legislation would not have the non-public accolades that another winners do — solely two All-Professional appearances — however he did win three Tremendous Bowls with the Patriots and performed famously essential roles throughout these playoff runs, together with his Tremendous Bowl XXXVI pick-six.

I picked Reed over Aaron Rodgers right here, which is probably going my most controversial choice. Security is an not possible place to rack up counting stats — the entire level is that you simply’re away from the ball — but Reed accrued 64 picks in solely 174 video games. That is second all-time and simply the very best of the fashionable period.

Take heed to guys like Invoice Belichick and Peyton Manning discuss Reed, and it turns into straightforward to name him the finest security of all time; I am fairly assured he’s, even over Ronnie Lott. And I feel the very best security ever clears a quarterback who wasn’t ever the very best of his period, regardless of his 4 MVPs.

Ed Reed’s motive for enjoying security over QB

Ed Reed joins Peyton and Eli Manning to reminisce about his highschool sporting exploits and why he selected to play protection over being a quarterback.

No Corridor of Famers at decide No. 25 leaves us selecting between Hightower, Ted Washington and Stanley Morgan. Hightower has championship rings with the Patriots, and I’ve such fantastic reminiscences of him as one of many final nice thumpers at linebacker within the trendy NFL, so I gave him the sting.

Fairly straightforward choice right here, as Lewis is arguably the very best off-ball linebacker in NFL historical past. 13 Professional Bowls in 17 seasons with 10 All-Professional concerns (seven on the primary crew) and a Tremendous Bowl MVP in addition. What extra is there to say?

One other wildly straightforward choice for me. Marino would not have the {hardware} of the traditionally elite quarterbacks — just one MVP, no rings, and so forth. — however he was as proficient as any of them. Marino led the league in passing yardage 5 occasions, which is behind solely Drew Brees’ seven seasons as essentially the most prolific, and he was the primary to ever clear 5,000 yards in a season. He did it again in 1984, when unlawful contact was thought of authorized contact, too.

A Buccaneers lifer, Brooks received the Tremendous Bowl in the identical season he received Defensive Participant of the Yr (2002). It was the primary Tremendous Bowl for the Tampa Bay franchise. He was a first-ballot Corridor of Famer. The Buccaneers have solely three jerseys formally retired, and his No. 55 is one in every of them. Brooks isn’t just the very best twenty eighth total decide, however he is additionally the very best instance of the way you win on this listing. What a decide.

An odd one right here, as Wisniewski was drafted by the Cowboys however was then virtually instantly traded to the Raiders, with whom he made eight All-Professional groups over a 13-year profession. The Wiz began 215 of a potential 217 video games in his profession with the Raiders as effectively — ridiculous availability. Congrats to the Cowboys (I suppose?) for drafting him!

The lone Corridor of Famer taken with the thirtieth total decide, Allen was nonetheless powerful for me to decide on over Reggie Wayne and T.J. Watt. Wayne has been up for the Corridor six occasions and has but to be inducted, which feels unjust however is the truth. And Watt has a great résumé to this point for the Corridor of Fame however must hold his profession manufacturing up, particularly since his lack of postseason impression in Pittsburgh hurts him. So I gave it to Allen, who will seize his gold jacket in August because the main nook of the Gang Inexperienced protection.

I used to be prepared to take an energetic participant over a Corridor of Famer right here, giving Heyward the nod over fellow defensive deal with Curley Culp (sure, you learn that title proper). Culp was a productive Chief and Oiler within the Nineteen Seventies, although he was initially a Broncos draft decide. Heyward is approaching his fifteenth season with the Steelers, is a Walter Payton Man of the Yr and may go down as the most effective Steelers of all time — an extremely powerful listing to make.

Choosing between Brees and Lamar Jackson was agonizing, so I chickened out and picked the man whose profession is over, and as such requires no prognostication. Whereas Brees by no means received a regular-season MVP, he did win a Tremendous Bowl and a Tremendous Bowl MVP, and I think about Jackson would commerce his two MVPs for Lombardi {hardware} proper about now. This decide would possibly flip by subsequent season, although …

Spherical 2

The thirty third decide has produced 4 Corridor of Famers, however Isaac Bruce, Fred Dean and Ted Hendricks cannot clear the worth of Favre, a three-time MVP and one of many league’s most electrical passers ever. A superb draft decide by the Falcons, although they reaped completely none of what they sowed.

34. Jack Ham, LB (1971)

A member of the Nineteen Seventies Steelers, Ham has 4 rings, which pushes him above one other 70s nice — Lions CB Lem Barney — for the decide right here. Making the first-team All-Professional squad six consecutive seasons additionally helps, too.

There are a couple of good energetic gamers right here, together with Andy Dalton and Zach Ertz. However Bitonio appears to be like like a Browns lifer, has made 5 All-Professional lists and may be thought of the very best guard of the previous decade of soccer if not for Zack Martin being, you already know … the very best guard of the previous decade of soccer.

A 16-year professional, Mawae sailed off into the sundown, blocking for Chris Johnson’s 2,000-yard season in his remaining NFL marketing campaign. Mawae was an All-Professional-caliber starter at middle for 3 groups (Seahawks, Jets and Titans) and the one Corridor of Famer at this spot. Straightforward decide.

I struggled between Jones and Randall Cunningham, who had a bigger impression on the league than his stats would point out, given his place because the herald of dual-threat quarterbacking. However Jones has strung collectively three straight first-team All-Professional nods and was an integral contributor to the Chiefs’ three rings. This was tremendous shut, although.

38. Mike Singletary, LB (1981)

Probably the greatest linebackers in NFL historical past, Singletary was a Bears lifer, accumulating seven first-team All-Professional recognitions and two Defensive Participant of the Yr awards in a 12-year profession. Solely six gamers ever repeated as DPOY, which stunned me. What a participant.

39. Ed White, G (1969)

The toughest hairs to separate in compiling this listing have been between two gamers whose finest play predated my existence. Such was the case between White, who performed 17 seasons for the Vikings and Chargers, and Darryl Talley, a Payments go rusher who retired the 12 months earlier than I used to be born. White had a pair extra Professional Bowl honors, so he will get the decide right here.

The little 8-year-old Eagles fan in me nonetheless resents Strahan, who terrorized Donovan McNabb and my beloved Birds for years. I actually wished to choose Thurman Thomas right here — an MVP winner at working again whose quantity is retired in Buffalo. However Strahan’s 22.5-sack season in 2001, his final-season efficiency within the Giants’ magical Tremendous Bowl XLII run … it is simply too powerful to argue in opposition to.

Strahan: ‘Unbelievable Corridor Of Famer’

Defensive finish Michael Strahan, who performed for the Giants, speaks after being enshrined within the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame.

Tippett’s whole of 100 sacks is way and away the very best in Patriots franchise historical past and can possible stand as such for a very long time. He made 4 consecutive All-Professional groups in his heyday, helped energy the Patriots to their first Tremendous Bowl look in 1985 and is enshrined within the Corridor. No-brainer.

4 Tremendous Bowl rings. 4 first-team All-Professional appearances. A uniquely dominant prime as a pass-catching tight finish with elite blocking means. Gronk’s profession was too quick to measure so far as profession statistics are involved, however you may’t inform me he wasn’t one of many three or 4 finest to ever play the place.

43. Dan Dierdorf, OT (1971)

The one Corridor of Famer chosen at No. 43, Dierdorf spent all 13 seasons of his profession with the St. Louis Cardinals and grabbed six All-Professional acknowledgements. This draft slot is uniquely dangerous for present gamers — latest forty third total picks embody Joe Tippmann, Cole Kmet, Jahlani Tavai, Kerryon Johnson, Sidney Jones IV, Benardrick McKinney and Stephen Hill.

Very similar to Dierdorf, Dawson is the lone Corridor of Famer taken at his decide, spent all 13 years of his profession with one crew (Steelers) and made six All-Professional groups (although all of Dawson’s have been first crew). Lengthy-tenured offensive linemen will seem an increasing number of on this listing as we go.

It takes lots for me to pick out an energetic participant over a Corridor of Famer (Dave Casper, a good finish chosen by the Raiders in 1974). However Henry is a very distinctive participant. He has an Offensive Participant of the Yr award, is one in every of 9 backs to provide a 2,000-yard season and can possible break into the highest 10 of profession speeding yards this season. The highest 5 is in attain if he stays wholesome for one more few years. And if he can get a hoop in Baltimore …

Pat McAfee reacts to Derrick Henry’s 2-year extension with Baltimore

Pat McAfee and AJ Hawk give their ideas on Derrick Henry signing a 2-year extension with the Ravens.

46. Jack Lambert, LB (1974)

Jack Ham was our choice at No. 34, and his working mate Lambert will get the decision at No. 46 for his 4 Tremendous Bowl rings and double defensive {hardware} — each Rookie of the Yr (1974) and Participant of the Yr (1976). Probably the greatest gamers to overlook this listing in any spherical is sadly Cowboys guard Larry Allen. Allen would have received simply in over half of the spots on this listing — simply not this one.

Wagner made an All-Professional listing in 2014 and hasn’t stopped making them since, spanning 11 straight seasons. Preposterous consistency and longevity. Wagner ought to find yourself a Corridor of Fame participant for his profession success, however do not sleep on the truth that he is solely 221 tackles behind Ray Lewis for essentially the most mixed tackles in NFL historical past. If Wagner performs two extra wholesome, productive seasons …

There have been three Corridor of Famers to select from right here, together with Howie Lengthy and Dwight Stephenson. Nevertheless, neither Lengthy nor Stephenson invented a landing celebration (the Lambeau Leap), and that form of factor issues to me once I’m splitting hairs within the second spherical. A Tremendous Bowl ring and 4 first-team All-Professional nods assist, too.

Craig wins largely on the again of two seasons: his 1988 Offensive Participant of the Yr marketing campaign, wherein he totaled greater than 2,000 scrimmage yards and powered the 49ers to a Tremendous Bowl win; and his 1985 season, wherein he exceeded 2,000 scrimmage yards by evenly splitting his manufacturing on the bottom (1,050) and thru the air (1,016). That is the primary 1,000/1,000 season in NFL historical past. Fairly nifty!

50. Willie Lanier, LB (1967)

A traditional apples to oranges comparability right here, choosing between Lanier — a ’70s center linebacker with eight All-Professionals and a Tremendous Bowl IV victory — and Calais Campbell, who’s taking part in his ball 40 years after Lanier. Campbell’s argument is longevity, whereas Lanier was dominant in his time. The official Corridor of Fame web site tells me his nickname was actually “Contact.” That is sick.

An analogous debate right here because the decide above, with Jackson — one Tremendous Bowl ring, 5 All-Professional groups — going through off in opposition to A.J. Brown, who would possibly change into one of many nice huge receivers of this period. Once more, I lean to the established Corridor of Famer, however 5 of Brown’s six seasons have cleared 1,000 yards. If he retains that up for one more 5 seasons, his résumé will maintain up.

52. Ken Stabler, QB (1968)

Even with out a QB bump, “The Snake” can be the very best of this group. He delivered the primary Tremendous Bowl victory for a legendary Oakland Raiders franchise and received an MVP award. He additionally has an iconic play in his belt — the Ghost to the Submit — which does not actually matter right here, however bears mentioning as a result of it is such an ideal play title.

53. Mel Blount, CB (1970)

A weirdly stacked decide, with Blount — a Corridor of Famer, a four-time Tremendous Bowl champion and the 1975 Defensive Participant of the Yr — heading off energetic gamers Davante Adams and Jalen Hurts. Adams has the person accolades (three-time first-team All-Professional) with out the crew success, and Hurts has the alternative. This decide is one to observe for the following couple of seasons.

Boldin is our first decide to by no means make an All-Professional crew, and I debated handing this spot to Jessie Bates III as an alternative. However Boldin is such a traditional underappreciated man: 14-year profession, seven seasons with greater than 1,000 receiving yards, success with a number of totally different groups and a Tremendous Bowl ring. He was powerful, massive, bodily and proficient. I cherished him, so I picked him.

Whitworth performed 239 video games over 16 seasons (wow!), and he wanted all 16 of these seasons to get his ring with the Rams. Whit labored his approach right into a dominant again half of his profession, making his first Professional Bowl at 31 and first All-Professional crew at 34. The Bengals, who drafted him, will admire him for his 11 seasons of high quality play, and the Rams loved his sturdy sundown.

Umenyiora wasn’t persistently dominant, however his peaks made him the decide at No. 56. Within the 2007 Tremendous Bowl season, Umenyiora was quieter within the postseason however wonderful within the common season, with 13 sacks and a Professional Bowl. Within the 2011 Tremendous Bowl season, he was quieter within the common season however dominant within the playoffs — 3.5 sacks over 4 video games. Key roles in massive seasons could make the distinction on this train.

I will all the time be a Hester apologist. I like that he is within the Corridor of Fame, and I impugn anyone who says they’d fairly take Mark Stepnoski or Rob Havenstein with the 57th decide over Hester, proprietor of 20 whole return touchdowns. His electrical, field-flipping potential is extra than simply priceless — it is tremendous cool and tremendous enjoyable.

David most likely will not be a Corridor of Famer by advantage of common awards and accolades (three All-Professionals, one Professional Bowl), however I’ll slot him firmly in my private Corridor of Very Good and sing his praises at any time when given the possibility. A Buccaneers lifer with excessive productiveness on the ball (70 passes defensed since coming into the league), David has been an era-defining participant who led a number of totally different Tampa Bay defenses.

Williams’ 55 profession picks has him within the high 20 of all time, and he made eight Professional Bowls — seven as a nook and one as a security, talking to his versatility. He is the lone Corridor of Famer right here with out a lot competitors, so a straightforward choice for me.

The 1991 Defensive Participant of the Yr and a five-time All-Professional, Swilling was a little bit of a journeyman (performed for the Saints, Lions and Raiders), however he was at his finest for the crew that drafted him. One wild notice from a 2011 column by an up-and-coming author named Adam Schefter: Swilling has essentially the most playoff losses (six) with no wins of any participant in NFL historical past.

Dawkins has all of the items to be a range on this train. He did most of his injury with the crew that drafted him, was persistently dominant over a protracted stretch (he made his first Professional Bowl in 1999 and final one in 2011) and was an iconic participant in Philadelphia. The gold jacket actually helps, as effectively.

62. Tony Hill, WR (1977)

With respect to Hill, decide No. 62 is definitely the worst decide we have run into to this point. Hill is a three-time Professional Bowler with one ring; his finest season had 1,113 yards. His strongest competitors is Brian O’Neill, the present proper deal with for the Vikings, and Jimmy Garoppolo. It is beginning to get bleak!

A Corridor of Fame lock, Kelce possible will not finish his profession with tight finish manufacturing data. He is nonetheless 4 Professional Bowls, 300 catches, 3,000 yards and 34 touchdowns behind Tony Gonzalez, however he’ll simply clear him in Tremendous Bowl championships. Kelce additionally will get a bump for his defining function as Patrick Mahomes’ main goal and for being one of many main figures within the story of the 2020s within the NFL.

64. Dan Fouts, QB (1973)

Fouts is the one sixty fourth decide with a gold jacket, which supplies him a straightforward inside monitor. How about 4 straight seasons main the league in passing yardage and a whole profession spent quarterbacking the San Diego Chargers? Fairly good participant for our remaining second-round decide. (He was technically a third-round decide as a consequence of there being fewer groups in 1973, however no matter.)

Spherical 3

Gore completed his profession with an even 16,000 speeding yards, placing him third on the all-time listing behind solely Emmitt Smith and Walter Payton. I will not get into Corridor of Fame debates right here (I would be superb if he made it, although I am not stumping for it), however with regards to decide No. 65, he is head and shoulders above the remainder.

Feathers in Barber’s cap: He is a Corridor of Famer and Buccaneers Ring of Honor member, having performed his total profession (16 seasons!) in Tampa Bay. He holds the file for many consecutive begins by any defensive again with 215. He is a Tremendous Bowl champion and creator of an iconic play — the pick-six in opposition to Philadelphia within the 2002 NFC Championship Recreation. He is a five-time All-Professional with a hoop. What a star.

67. Ken Anderson, QB (1971)

A 16-year vet of the Bengals, Anderson’s 1981 season received him an MVP and took Cincinnati to its first-ever Tremendous Bowl. I strived to keep away from overweighting quarterbacks on this train, however even with out a positional worth bump, Anderson nonetheless clears the worth of Alvin Kamara, additionally taken at No. 67 total and the most effective third-round picks ever.

Briggs spent all 12 seasons of his NFL profession in Chicago, and 10 apart from Corridor of Famer (however not best-ever ninth total decide) Brian Urlacher. He is most likely not as elite as I keep in mind (center faculty Ben was obsessive about Briggs and Urlacher), however seven straight Professional Bowls with three All-Professional nods is nothing to sneeze at, both.

A weirdly powerful group at decide No. 69, the place Witten goes in opposition to Corridor of Famer Russ Grimm and some sturdy energetic gamers, together with Cooper Kupp. Assuming Witten — who turns into eligible for the Corridor of Fame on this upcoming cycle — makes the Corridor in a single or two ballots, I feel he has a greater résumé than Grimm (although three Tremendous Bowl championships and 4 first-team All-Professionals is fairly good things). Witten simply has a stage of era-defining play with these 2000s Cowboys that places him a hair above.

Straightforward decide right here, as Warner will go down as the very best linebacker of this decade and the most effective linebackers ever. Warner has been a first-team consultant on 4 of the previous 5 All-Professional groups and reveals no indicators of slowing down.

Decide No. 71 is not a powerful group, so I will let Murray’s legendary 2014 season carry him to the highest: 392 carries, 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns, with one other 57 catches for 416 yards in addition. The 449 touches stays the sixth highest-volume season in NFL historical past, and given the way in which backs are managed lately, it would possible keep that approach for some time.

The Axe Man was a two-time All-Professional at his peak and an era-defining participant for the early-2000s Eagles as they frequently knocked on the door of a Tremendous Bowl berth. As we get additional down this listing, guys with strong peaks begin to overtake the remainder of the sector, even when a protracted, dominant profession wasn’t actually there.

One other Corridor of Famer was additionally chosen at decide No. 73 in Bears DT Steve McMichael, however it’s powerful to carry a candle to Taylor. A winner of Defensive Participant of the Yr (2006) and Walter Payton Man of the Yr (2007), Taylor had each a dominant prime and a protracted stretch of viable play. He even collected seven sacks in his remaining season at age 37, placing him at 139.5 for his profession — sixth most all-time.

Three Corridor of Famers have been chosen with the 74th total decide, together with RB Curtis Martin and TE Charlie Sanders. However Shields, who by no means missed a recreation in 14 years for the Chiefs, cleared them each — 224 video games, 223 begins, by no means inactive. He made each Professional Bowl from 1995 to 2006. Bonkers stuff.

Powerful break for OT Terron Armstead, who is among the finest third-round picks ever however is not higher than this Tremendous Bowl-winning, Walter Payton Man of the Yr-winning quarterback. Wilson by no means collected a ton of All-Professionals, which is not shocking given the period of quarterbacking wherein he performs, however he has been a decade-long starter who received a hoop, and that is simply too priceless at decide No. 75.

Very, very powerful hair to separate right here between Allen and RB Ahman Inexperienced. I gave Allen just a little increase for doing most of his injury with the crew that drafted him, whereas Inexperienced was a Seahawk for 2 seasons earlier than touchdown with the Packers. Inexperienced is the main rusher in Packers historical past, although, whereas Allen is simply behind Antonio Gates in Chargers receiving (10,530 yards). Ugh. It is a powerful one.

77. Elvin Bethea, DE (1968)

Pour one out for Demario Davis, now third in our listing of “trendy long-time Saints gamers and intensely good third-round picks who simply occurred to be crushed by a Corridor of Famer” alongside Alvin Kamara and Terron Armstead. Bethea made the Corridor for his 16-year profession with the Houston Oilers and retired jersey with the Tennessee Titans, whereas Davis is a fringe Corridor candidate.

Thuney has as many rings as All-Professional nods (4), which is spectacular in each instructions. At solely 32 and coming off consecutive first-team All-Professional seasons, it is cheap to count on him to pile onto his already spectacular 146 video games performed and accumulate a very towering NFL résumé by the point he chooses to hold ’em up.

79. William Andrews, RB (1979)

Third all-time in speeding yards in Falcons historical past, Andrews performed his total eight-year profession in Atlanta and made a few All-Professional groups earlier than a devastating knee harm all however ended his NFL profession. At decide No. 79, even his shortened profession is greater than sufficient to beat the sector.

80. Artwork Shell, OT (1968)

One of many true GOATs, Shell was a 15-year Raider, for whom he received three Tremendous Bowls, made 4 All-Professional groups and was inducted into the Corridor of Fame. Then he was the two-time head coach of the Raiders; he was first fired after going 10-6 and 9-7 in back-to-back seasons, which appears ridiculous! Anyway, he is the person.

81. Curtis Johnson, CB (1970)

Johnson received two Tremendous Bowls with the Dolphins within the Nineteen Seventies. There have been no massive accolades to notice — not even a Professional Bowl — however he did have an interception within the Tremendous Bowl VIII win over the Vikings. That works for me.

Put some respect on decide No. 82, which has produced Montana, John Lynch and John Stallworth — three Corridor of Fame standouts. In fact, Montana goes to get the win for the entire four-time Tremendous Bowl champion, three-time Tremendous Bowl MVP, two-time league MVP factor. If you happen to’re into that, I suppose.

I gave Brown and his Professional Bowl appearances (4 straight from 2019 to 2022) the lean over Ed McCaffrey and his Tremendous Bowl wins (three rings however just one Professional Bowl). If we may graft full households into this debate, I feel I would lean again to the McCaffreys (Ed, Christian and Luke) over the Browns (Orlando Sr. and Jr.).

Mann performed 11 of his 12 seasons with Washington and was an integral a part of their Tremendous Bowl runs in that period, as his two All-Professional nods and 4 Professional Bowl appearances present. Defensive position working mate Dexter Manley may need crushed him out for profession sack manufacturing and total title recognition, however Manley did not win his decide slot (No. 119), so Mann can brag about that massive victory.

As we method the 100s, we slowly enter the territory of completely satisfied reminiscences of strong function gamers — “That Man!” ville, as I prefer to name it. Mebane was a dependable, space-gobbling defensive deal with for the Legion of Increase Seahawks (oh yeah, that man!), and has a Tremendous Bowl ring for his efforts. Good decide!

One other odd density of Corridor of Famers, as decide No. 86 carries Reed, Rams OT Jackie Slater and Saints kicker Morten Andersen. Reed is a straightforward choice for his seven straight Professional Bowls and 16-year NFL profession, 15 of which have been in Buffalo. Don’t be concerned — my kicker picks come later.

Decide No. 87 is our slimmest crowd but. My congratulations to Goad, who made the Patriots All-Nineteen Nineties crew, vaulting him above journeyman WRs Jeff Graham and Eric Decker, together with Packers and Saints CB Mike McKenzie.

Within the extraordinarily imprecise science of choosing the very best participant at a draft slot, measuring Foles’ tremendous bizarre profession in opposition to Danielle Hunter‘s quiet, regular excellence was fairly the problem. Foles did not simply win a Tremendous Bowl (and MVP) for the Eagles — their first in franchise historical past. He additionally tied for the data for passing touchdowns in a recreation (seven) and consecutive completions (25). That feels ok to me!

A five-time first-team All-Professional, Owens is just higher identified for his nice landing celebrations than his manufacturing (153 landing receptions, No. 3 all-time). Owens solely ever acquired to play in a single Tremendous Bowl, delivering one of many gutsiest performances of contemporary NFL historical past within the loss — however the private accolades are greater than sufficient.

T.O. emotional whereas thanking mother, grandmother

Throughout his Corridor of Fame acceptance speech at UT Chattanooga, Terrell Owens thanks his mother and his grandmother for his or her assist.

The additional we get down the listing, the added weight quarterbacks get is much more inescapable — everyone knows how outstanding it’s to discover a beginning quarterback exterior the primary spherical. Schaub accordingly will get the sting over Antonio Freeman, if not only for that outstanding 2009 season: 4,770 yards with a 67.9% completion share. That’ll play!

A decent race between three Corridor of Very Good gamers right here: Bowman, Brian Westbrook and Mike Vrabel. Bowman possible would have completed his résumé for the Corridor if not for late-career accidents, however I weigh his 4 first-team All-Professionals heavier than Vrabel’s three Tremendous Bowl championships. Could not have gone improper both approach.

A legendary receiver much less for his manufacturing and extra for his all-around toughness and depth, Ward grabbed the Tremendous Bowl XL MVP after snagging an Antwaan Randle-El trick-play landing go to beat the Seahawks. A complete profession spent in Pittsburgh — even into the 2010s, when that grew to become an increasing number of uncommon — is one thing value highlighting as effectively.

93. Charlie Joiner, WR (1969)

An Oilers draft decide who discovered his dwelling in San Diego with the Chargers, Joiner has his No. 18 jersey retired and a gold jacket on his shoulders for his longevity. He missed one recreation in his remaining 13 seasons. Joiner was dominant within the aggressive, pass-first offense captained by Dan Fouts within the late Nineteen Seventies.

One other nice “That Man,” Williams was a fierce nostril deal with for some wonderful Ravens defenses within the 2010s. He has a Tremendous Bowl ring and a Professional Bowl, which is greater than you may say for nearly anybody else chosen at decide No. 94.

Graham was precisely what a third-round decide needs to be: an enormous dart throw that paid dividends on the danger. His success ultimately zone — his 89 touchdowns rank fourth amongst all tight ends — was his calling card. Effectively, both that or mentioning that he used to play basketball in faculty.

Solely Tom Brady has extra particular person Tremendous Bowl rings than Haley, who has 5 (loads of gamers have 4). Two got here with the crew that drafted him (49ers), and three got here with the crew he joined in free company (Cowboys). For his efforts on a number of championship groups, Haley is enshrined within the Corridor and enshrined right here as the all-time 96th total decide.

Joseph is essentially the most recently-drafted participant on our listing to this point, however what would you like from me — the competitors will not be steep. Joseph simply led the league in interceptions (9) and acquired first-team All-Professional recognition. As long as he will get one other All-Professional nod, he is virtually actually the very best participant taken with decide No. 97.

98. Cliff Department, WR (1972)

A little bit of a difficult choice, as Department needed to go in opposition to Wealthy Gannon, an MVP-winning quarterback on the tail finish of his profession. Not a straightforward factor to do. However Department made the Corridor of Fame, had three first-team honors to go along with three Tremendous Bowl victories and, maybe extra importantly, is one in every of 13 gamers to catch a 99-yard landing go.

99. Joe Theismann, QB (1971)

Theismann would not must fend off a Corridor of Fame receiver like Gannon did and accordingly will get the win on the again of his late-career MVP award with Washington. Theismann did completely none of his injury with the crew that drafted him, as he by no means signed with the Dolphins and elected to as an alternative make the Gray Cup championship recreation with the Toronto Argonauts.

I actually wished to present this to Rocket Ismail simply on the premise of how cool he was, however Griffen did make 4 Professional Bowls. You must have journalistic requirements in an train like this.

Exterior the highest 100

101. Jack Rudnay, C (1969)

104. Dwight White, DE (1971)

105. Harry Carson, LB (1976)

107. Allan Ellis, CB (1973)

Evans will get the nod for his 169 begins with the Saints, which included 4 straight first-team All-Professionals from 2009 to 2012. However a pair franchise cult heroes deserve point out under Evans — Jaguars QB David Garrard (2002) and Jets WR Jerricho Cotchery (2004).

Mark No. 109 down as a legendary decide for offensive linemen, as Jon Runyan was taken by the Oilers with decide No. 109 in 1996 and T.J. Lang joined the Packers with this decide in 2009.

For the children who do not find out about Facilities, he’s second solely to Marshall Faulk in profession receiving yardage for a working again (6,797, lower than 100 yards behind) and leads all backs in profession receptions (827). He had 130 targets in 1996! Cool stuff.

116. Steve Grogan, QB (1975)

117. Steve Largent, WR (1976)

A Bengals lifer and five-time All-Professional, Atkins was by no means going to lose this battle. However man, Asante Samuel Sr. (2003) makes a valiant effort. Two rings, two occasions main the league in interceptions. He deserves his flowers.

121. Michael Carter, DT (1984)

125. Mike Webster, C (1974)

127. Zeke Moore, CB (1967)

131. Woodrow Lowe, LB (1976)

135. Ken Riley, CB (1969)

A tough debate right here. Riley was chosen in 1969, 47 years earlier than the Cowboys took quarterback Dak Prescott with the exact same decide. It took Riley 35 years to make the Corridor of Fame, which he lastly did posthumously in 2022. I do not suppose Prescott will make the Corridor, however I would argue his impression as a fourth-round quarterback in as we speak’s recreation is equal to Riley’s impression on the Bengals of the 70s. Riley will get the sting as a Corridor of Famer, however Prescott stays the most effective Day 3 picks within the historical past of the draft.

Not for nothing, but in addition at decide No. 135: Josh Sitton! Joe Horn! Rob Ninkovich! What a decide!

136. Billy Shields, OT (1975)

139. Harold McLinton, LB (1969)

144. Joe Klecko, DT (1977)

One of the loaded picks exterior of the highest 50 is No. 146, which noticed Vikings WR Stefon Diggs (2015), Ravens edge Matthew Judon (2016) and Kittle (2017) drafted in consecutive years. Throw in Eagles DE Trent Cole (2005) and Washington QB Mark Rypien (1986) and you’ve got an unbelievable group of midround alternatives.

Kittle will get the nod for me. He has spent his total profession with the 49ers and has made the Professional Bowl in six of eight potential seasons and made an All-Professional crew in 5 of the eight. The truth that Diggs and Judon each had their career-best seasons with groups apart from those that drafted them makes a distinction, too. Let’s revisit in a couple of extra years and debate all of it once more.

Kittle tells McAfee what it is like taking part in for Shanahan

George Kittle joins “The Pat McAfee Present” and talks about head coach Kyle Shanahan’s open-door coverage with gamers.

147. Mel Grey, WR (1971)

152. Eugene Lockhart, LB (1984)

Additionally chosen at decide No. 154: Seahawks CB Richard Sherman (2011) and Eagles RB Wilbert Montgomery (1977). Thomas made the Corridor of Fame in 2023 and represents all quick kings, so I’ve to choose him right here. However Sherman ought to make the Corridor quickly, and there is a legit debate between the 2.

156. Ed Newman, G (1973)

157. Keith Bishop, G (1980)

159. Jake Scott, S (1970)

161. Harold Carmichael, WR (1971)

163. Lemar Parrish, CB (1971)

The additional down this listing we go, the extra priceless particular groups contributions change into as an avenue for inclusion. Enter Parrish, who wasn’t only a strong nook but in addition a lights-out returner. In eight seasons with Cincinnati, Parrish had 4 punt return touchdowns, 1 kick return landing, 4 pick-sixes and three scoop-and-scores. That is 12 touchdowns for somebody who by no means performed offense.

167. Bobby Bryant, CB (1967)

174. Freddie Scott, WR (1974)

175. Charlie Johnson, DT (1977)

Or, as he’s maybe higher identified, “The Man Who Recovered The Tuck Rule Fumble.”

182. Rayfield Wright, OT (1967)

183. Bo Jackson, RB (1987)

Jackson performed solely 4 seasons earlier than his hip harm ended his profession, however c’mon. What am I gonna do, not decide the Tecmo Bowl GOAT? Particularly when you think about I get to steal Jackson at this decide, after the Buccaneers — who drafted him first total within the 1986 draft — needed to forfeit his rights.

184. Wealthy Wingo, LB (1979)

189. Tom Banks, C (1970)

190. George Atkinson, S (1968)

No. 191 is a weirdly dominant decide, with Kelce simply beating out Washington RB Larry Brown — the 1972 league MVP! — and Eagles DE Carl Hairston (1976). The lengthy and the wanting it’s this: Kelce goes to be a Corridor of Famer the second he is eligible and was a franchise-defining participant for a crew that received its first ring with him in the course of the O-line. Shoutout to Brown, although.

194. Leonard Thompson, WR (1975)

It was an in depth one between Brady and Ephraim Salaam, a 13-year journeyman at proper deal with, however I made a decision to present it to the best soccer participant of all time and his seven Tremendous Bowl rings, 5 Tremendous Bowl MVPs and litany of statistical data.

200. Dan Alexander, G (1977)

This is a wild one: When Brown began within the playoffs for Washington on Jan. 14, 2006, he grew to become the oldest participant to begin a playoff recreation for the reason that 1970 merger (way back to the info goes). He was 43 years previous, and he stored that file for a very long time … till Tom Brady dethroned him in 2021.

202. Bobby Kemp, S (1981)

Powerful shakes for Antoine Bethea, the 207th total decide for the Colts in 2006. He received a Tremendous Bowl and made three Professional Bowls over his profession, however Armstead had 5 Professional Bowls and a few All-Professional years. Bethea would have made this listing have been he picked at many different spots within the seventh spherical — however not this one.

210. Stan Walters, OT (1972)

Greater than anybody else on this listing, Tyree wins his spot on the again of 1 play. However what a play it was.

Eli, Peyton recap the best upset in Tremendous Bowl historical past

Eli and Peyton Manning mirror on the David Tyree helmet catch that helped the Giants beat the Patriots in arguably the best upset in Tremendous Bowl historical past.

214. Ken Houston, S (1967)

217. Lyle Blackwood, S (1973)

Extraordinarily unfortunate for security Jordan Poyer, who was chosen by the Eagles in 2013 at this slot and has had the most effective careers of any seventh rounder on this listing. However Nalen began 188 video games for the Broncos and turned in a number of All-Professional seasons.

221. Billy Ard, G (1981)

228. Eddie Bell, WR (1970)

230. Vern Den Herder, DE (1971)

231. Darryl Grant, DT (1981)

236. Tom Pridemore, S (1978)

I do know occasions have been totally different, however when Pridemore was taking part in within the Nineteen Eighties for the Falcons, he was additionally a member of the West Virginia Home of Delegates. Once more, whereas taking part in in Atlanta, he was a member of the West Virginia Home of Delegates.

238. L.C. Greenwood, DE (1969)

Two enjoyable details right here. In 1994, the Colts had Herrod down for 200 tackles in a single season. And likewise in 1994, tackles weren’t an official stat but, so there’s an opportunity the Colts have been mendacity.

245. Dave Studdard, OT (1978)

247. Garry Cobb, LB (1979)

249. Dwight Clark, WR (1979)

Ask your pops why Clark is legendary. He’ll know.

253. Roland Hooks, RB (1975)

257. Norris Thomas, CB (1976)

259. Stu Voigt, TE (1970)

260. Man Bingham, C (1980)

261. Tommy Hart, DE (1968)

The place else may our train finish than with Purdy, who’s the most well-known seventh-round decide in trendy historical past and maybe ever? It may finish on Jeff Van Observe, technically — an 18-year (wow!) Falcon who made two All-Professional lists at middle. However Purdy will get a bump for being the final decide in his draft, whereas Van Observe was the 262nd out of 442 alternatives. I do not know why that issues to me, however it does.

ESPN’s T.J. Berka contributed to analysis for this rating.