The dream of every NFL fan is for their team to have a strong NFL draft haul by nailing the 1st-round pick, finding a competent starter (or 2) in the 2nd and 3rd rounds, and a diamond in the rough on Day 3.

But some drafts are just not that strong, so it makes it hard to do all those things. Then there are some years where things are loaded, the 1st round has several Hall of Famers, the middle rounds are bountiful as well, and you might find that late-round steal too. 

As we prepare to place our NFL bets on the 2024 Draft, let’s take a walk down memory lane. We decided to look at the strongest NFL draft classes of all time, and this was the criteria used:

• Only considered the common draft era since 1967.
• Did not put much emphasis on 2018-2023 drafts as those are too recent to judge historically.
• Emphasis on excelling at the premium positions (quarterbacks, offensive tackles, pass rushers, corners), having a quality 1st round without many egregious busts, and bonus points for any late-round games of note.

For each class, we have a list of notable players with their Weighted Career Approximate Value from Pro Football Reference in parenthesis. We also make several references to the Hall of Fame (HOF) and when players are 1st-ballot Hall of Famers (HOFers).

Our list counts down the 13 strongest NFL draft classes of all time under these parameters. Why 13? We are honoring the bad luck of a very hyped class from a dozen years ago.

13 The 2012 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Russell Wilson (136)
• LB Bobby Wagner (121)
• LB Demario Davis (98)
• DT Fletcher Cox (95)
• QB Kirk Cousins (94)
• LB Luke Kuechly (91)
• LB Lavonte David (86)
• DE Chandler Jones (77)
• QB Andrew Luck (72)
• WR T.Y. Hilton (72)
• CB Stephon Gilmore (71)
• G David DeCastro (69)
• S Harrison Smith (65)
• QB Nick Foles (32)

Fittingly, we are putting this class at No. 13, an unlucky number, because of how unlucky this class has become.

The complicated legacy of the 2012 NFL draft will be one for the history books. There was so much hype for Andrew Luck as the No. 1 overall pick, and there was a debate with Robert Griffin III going No. 2 to Washington and winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Meanwhile, Russell Wilson ended up being the best quarterback of them all, but even he is making his HOF case difficult with how he’s played since the trade to Denver. But Wilson has outlasted Griffin, who was injured as a rookie, and then Luck shocked the world when he retired in August 2019, just shy of his 30th birthday.

Stars and Surprises

Luck’s last game was a playoff loss to Patrick Mahomes, the current face of the league and best quarterback in the world. That was supposed to be Luck’s status, but it’s hard not to feel disappointed how his career went down with only one appearance in an AFC Championship Game for the Colts. But hopefully, history will not forget how great he was at his best and the way he could carry a team.

Not only was this a fantastic draft for finding mid-round quarterbacks like Wilson and Kirk Cousin, but this draft also produced Nick Foles. With his BDE, Foles had one of the weirdest career arcs in NFL history, including a Super Bowl MVP award and a statue for a play (Philly Special) we’ll never forget.

Legends and Legacy Cut Short

Linebacker Luke Kuechly was another legend who saw his career cut short by injuries after 8 seasons with Carolina. In that time, he managed to rack up 7 Pro Bowls, 5 First-Team All-Pro selections, 2010s All-Decade Team member, 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and 2013 Defensive Player of the Year.

Kuechly will have a good shot to be a 1st-ballot HOFer in 2025 as he was the best in what was a very strong linebacker class with Bobby Wagner, Demario Davis, and Lavonte David. We could even mention Dont’a Hightower for the Patriots, who had some of the biggest plays in the 28-3 comeback win in Super Bowl LI.

Chandler Jones was another player on the Hall of Fame path before mental health problems ruined his 2023 season. He leads the class with 112 sacks.

Also, kicker Justin Tucker went undrafted in 2012, and he is arguably the greatest to ever do it in the NFL. But by going undrafted, he technically does not belong to the 2012 draft class – just another great player our No. 13 class can’t fully claim all the potential from.

12 The 2007 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• RB Adrian Peterson (101)
• LB Patrick Willis (93, HOF)
• CB Darrelle Revis (93, HOF)
• OT Marshal Yanda (92)
• S Eric Weddle (88)
• OT Joe Thomas (85, HOF)
• OT Joe Staley (81)
• WR Calvin Johnson (78, HOF)
• RB Marshawn Lynch (74)
• C Ryan Kalil (72)
• DB Reggie Nelson (63)
• TE Greg Olsen (60)
• OLB LaMarr Woodley (54)

Despite having a catastrophic quarterback class with No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell (and Cleveland bust Brady Quinn), the 2007 NFL draft was outstanding at several other key positions.

This was a draft with some players who retired relatively early and were still HOFers anyway:

• Calvin Johnson is one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history and was a 1st-ballot HOFer in 2021 for his 9 seasons in Detroit.
• Joe Thomas is arguably the best left tackle of the 21st century, and he was a 1st-ballot HOFer in 2023 after 11 seasons with Cleveland.
• Patrick Willis was one of the best off-ball linebackers in the game for the 49ers, and he will be inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2024 despite only playing 8 seasons.

Adrian Peterson is the running back all future top prospects are compared to as “the next Adrian Peterson.” Yet, no one that’s entered the league in the 15-plus years since has really touched his peak as a runner. Marshawn Lynch is also a pretty strong RB2 in a draft class.

Darrelle Revis is still arguably the best cornerback to enter the NFL since 2007 as well. He had that incredible 2009 season with the Jets, then later won a Super Bowl with the 2014 Patriots. He is the 3rd player to be a 1st-ballot HOFer from this class.

Peterson will give this class at least 5 HOFers, and we could see Lynch make it 6. Marshal Yanda also made 8 Pro Bowls with the Ravens.

11 The 2004 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Philip Rivers (149)
• QB Ben Roethlisberger (131)
• QB Eli Manning (121)
• DE Jared Allen (101)
• WR Larry Fitzgerald (93)
• NT Vince Wilfork (90)
• LB Karlos Dansby (81)
• RB Steven Jackson (75)
• DT Darnell Dockett (69)
• QB Matt Schaub (68)
• C Nick Hardwick (67)
• CB DeAngelo Hall (61)
• RB Michael Turner (55)
• DE Shaun Phillips (54)
• TE Ben Watson (40)
• S Sean Taylor (32)

With a draft-day trade of Eli Manning for Philip Rivers stealing the headlines at the top, this draft could have been a disaster. Instead, it was arguably the best quarterback class since the famed 1983 class thanks to Rivers, Eli, and No. 11 pick Ben Roethlisberger all exceeding the hype and having very long, HOF-caliber careers.

Roethlisberger will no doubt be a HOFer, but we’ll see what the debate decides for Eli and Rivers. Manning no doubt has a pair of Super Bowl MVP awards and incredible highlights from those game-winning drives to get him in the conversation.

This draft also delivered a franchise wide receiver and one of the most prolific ever in Larry Fitzgerald, who played his entire career with the Cardinals. He will no doubt be a 1st-ballot HOFer.

The best pass rusher in this draft was a 4th-round steal in Jared Allen, who shined for the Chiefs and Vikings in his career, which should lead to the HOF very soon. There were also some great interior defensive linemen in this draft with Vince Wilfork (Patriots) and Darnell Dockett (Cardinals).

No one in the NFL recorded more sacks than Jared Allen since he entered the league in 2004. pic.twitter.com/Ra2oLJgvtQ

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 18, 2016

DeAngelo Hall won’t sniff the HOF at corner, but his 43 interceptions are notable as no player to enter the NFL since Hall in 2004 has more.

Finally, a special mention to safety Sean Taylor, who was on his way to a great career with Washington before he was tragically killed in a home invasion in 2007.

10 The 2001 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Drew Brees (167)
• RB LaDainian Tomlinson (129, HOF)
• WR Reggie Wayne (116)
• WR Steve Smith (102)
• DE Justin Smith (101)
• G Steve Hutchinson (94, HOF)
• QB Michael Vick (92)
• DE Richard Seymour (91, HOF)
• OT Matt Light (89)
• WR Chad Johnson (85)
• NT Casey Hampton (73)
• WR Santana Moss (72)
• S Adrian Wilson (68)
• DT Kris Jenkins (68)

In a draft where No. 1 pick Michael Vick was the headliner, Drew Brees ended up being the best player after the Chargers drafted him with the 1st pick in the 2nd round. In fact, the Chargers drafted both of the most statistically dominant players in this draft as they used their top pick on running back LaDainian Tomlinson, a HOFer and the 2006 MVP.

It would be easy to see this class have 6 HOFers when it’s all said and done as Brees will no doubt be a 1st-ballot HOFer in 2026 when he’s eligible. Reggie Wayne has been close as Peyton Manning’s 2nd-best wideout on those Indianapolis offenses that set records. Steve Smith is another wide receiver with HOF consideration who should get in for what he did with Carolina.

It was a prolific WR class that also featured Chad Johnson (Ochocinco) and Santana Moss. It was also excellent for defensive linemen with Justin Smith, Richard Seymour, Kris Jenkins, and Casey Hampton all having great, long careers.

9 The 1989 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• CB Deion Sanders (127, HOF)
• RB Barry Sanders (120, HOF)
• LB Derrick Thomas (104, HOF)
• G Steve Wisniewski (102)
• QB Troy Aikman (96, HOF)
• S Carnell Lake (83)
• S Steve Atwater (81, HOF)
• C Mark Stepnoski (80)
• WR Andre Rison (77)
• WR Tony Martin (66)
• G Mark Schlereth (66)
• RB-WR Eric Metcalf (64)
• DE Trace Armstrong (61)
• TE Wesley Walls (43)

You could argue the 1989 NFL draft had the best top 5 in history. Even with the colossal bust that was steroid user Tony Mandarich, the 1989 draft’s top 5 included an all-time great corner and athlete in Deion Sanders, a 3-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Troy Aikman, arguably the greatest running back in NFL history in Barry Sanders, and an all-time great pass rusher in Derrick Thomas.

Thomas still holds the single-game record with 7 sacks. Sanders very well may have set the all-time rushing record if he didn’t retire early in Detroit. While Aikman was never the best quarterback in the league, he had a HOF career in Dallas, which also found a very good center (Mark Stepnoski) in this draft. Deion later joined the Cowboys and won a Super Bowl in 1995, a year after he was the Defensive Player of the Year and won a Super Bowl with the 49ers.

Those players generated a ton of relevancy in the 1990s, though you could say this draft class was a little too top-heavy with that top 5. The best late-round pick was guard Mark Schlereth, who was found in the 10th round. He won Super Bowls with Washington and Denver.

It was also a very nice draft for safeties with Carnell Lake (Steelers) and Steve Atwater (Broncos) with the latter being the only HOFer in this class who wasn’t drafted in the top 5.

8 The 2017 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Patrick Mahomes (96)
• OLB T.J. Watt (80)
• DE Myles Garrett (79)
• RB Christian McCaffrey (72)
• RB Alvin Kamara (70)
• QB Deshaun Watson (58)
• WR Cooper Kupp (57)
• OT Dion Dawkins (56)
• S Budda Baker (51)
• TE George Kittle (50)
• CB Marlon Humphrey (49)
• CB Tre’Davious White (48)
• WR Chris Godwin (47)
• S Eddie Jackson (45)
• LB Haason Reddick (43)
• CB Marshon Lattimore (40)
• K Jake Elliott (21)

It may be a little early to rank 2017 this high, but on the other hand, it may not be high enough when you consider how impactful this class is on the current NFL narrative.

This draft has what is considered the best player in the world right now in quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the best running back in Chrisitan McCaffrey, and a couple of rival edge rushers (T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett) who are always competing for Defensive Player of the Year.

Those are elite talents with a gold jacket and bust in Canton all but locked up.

This draft would look even better if Cooper Kupp, the Super Bowl 56 MVP, could stay healthy given he had arguably the best wide receiver season ever in 2021. It also would have been nice if Deshaun Watson did not ruin his career’s trajectory with off-field decisions. We tend to forget how good of a quarterback he was in 2017-20 when he was viewed as Mahomes’ rival.

You also get the 2nd-best tight end in the league in George Kittle. A pretty solid trio of corners even with Tre’Davious White’s health issues. Marlon Humphrey (Ravens) and Marshon Lattimore (Saints) have been consistent for their teams.

Hidden Gems and Late Finds

This draft also had impressive depth as Kupp and Alvin Kamara were found early in the 3rd round. Kittle wasn’t the only steal of the 5th round either as linebacker Matt Milano (Bills) and running back Aaron Jones (Packers) were found in that round too.

You even get one of the best kickers in the league in Jake Elliott, who was drafted in the 5th round by the Bengals before landing in Philadelphia where he’s been nothing but a clutch kicker.

7 The 1995 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• LB Derrick Brooks (142, HOF)
• DT Warren Sapp (117, HOF)
• RB Curtis Martin (102, HOF)
• QB Steve McNair (99)
• CB Ty Law (88, HOF)
• DE Kevin Carter (86)
• WR Joey Galloway (78)
• G Ruben Brown (78)
• RB Terrell Davis (73, HOF)
• DE Hugh Douglas (68)
• OT Tony Boselli (66, HOF)
• WR Antonio Freeman (65)

This was an impressive draft when you consider it has 6 HOFers, and an MVP-winning quarterback (Steve McNair) and 9-time Pro Bowl guard (Ruben Brown) aren’t included in that.

But a big trait of this class was that it was not afraid to honor great players who were cut short by injury. Terrell Davis and Tony Boselli are both in the HOF despite neither playing more than 91 games in their careers.

Davis is arguably the best running back in postseason history, an MVP for a 2,000-yard rushing season, and the last running back to win Super Bowl MVP in the 1997 season. He accomplished just about everything a running back could outside of longevity, and he did it within 4 healthy seasons as Denver’s starter.

Boselli was going to be one of the great offensive tackles from that era, but injuries limited him to just 91 games. He was still able to make the HOF eventually.

The Bucs Players

This draft also was outstanding for the Buccaneers, who took Derrick Brooks and Warren Sapp to reshape that defense under Tony Dungy and eventually lead to one of the greatest single-season defensive units in NFL history in 2002.

Ty Law was also a big-time postseason performer, helping the Patriots win 3 Super Bowls, including their first in Super Bowl XXXVI when he returned an interception for a touchdown against the Rams.

6 The 1981 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• OLB Lawrence Taylor (146, HOF)
• LB Mike Singletary (124, HOF)
• S Ronnie Lott (123, HOF)
• OLB Rickey Jackson (112, HOF)
• DE Howie Long (95, HOF)
• RB James Brooks (82)
• G Russ Grimm (78, HOF)
• RB Freeman McNeil (75)
• DB Dennis Smith (74)
• CB Hanford Dixon (70)
• QB Neil Lomax (70)
• DE Dexter Manley (66)
• S Kenny Easley (65, HOF)
• WR Cris Collinsworth (63)
• CB Eric Wright (62)

If you are a fan of offense, then the 1981 draft won’t be for you. Guard Russ Grimm is 1981’s only offensive HOFer, Neil Lomax was the best quarterback, the running backs were solid-not-spectacular players in James Brooks and Freeman McNeil, and the best receiver was this guy named Cris Collinsworth (6,698 yards).

But you could make the case that 1981 is the best draft in the Super Bowl era for the defensive side of the ball. We are talking about a Mount Rushmore type of defensive class with Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, and Mike Singletary. For some people, that trio was the best to ever do it as far as edge rushers like Taylor, a safety like Lott, and a middle linebacker like Singletary.

Howie Long also made the HOF for the Raiders with 91.5 sacks. Safety Kenny Easley had a career cut short by injury in Seattle, but he still found his way in the HOF as a 3-time All-Pro selection.

Defensive Legends

Even someone like Dexter Manley finished his career with 103.5 sacks. Dennis Smith was a 6-time Pro Bowl safety for the Broncos. Hanford Dixon won’t sniff Canton, but he was an All-Pro corner for the Browns in 1986 and 1987.

If you were going to pick any draft class to build a defense, you’d take the class of 1981. With that unit, the offense wouldn’t have to score many points to win.

5 The 1985 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• WR Jerry Rice (160, HOF)
• DE Bruce Smith (152, HOF)
• DE Chris Doleman (114, HOF)
• QB Randall Cunningham (110)
• OT Lomas Brown (98)
• WR Andre Reed (98, HOF)
• OLB Kevin Greene (93, HOF)
• DT Ray Childress (90)
• RB Herschel Walker (78)
• OT Jim Lachey (77)
• C Kevin Glover (72)
• WR Eric Martin (67)
• G Bill Fralic (59)
• QB Doug Flutie (53)
• TE Jay Novacek (44)
• TE Mark Bavaro (40)
• WR/ST Steve Tasker (7)

As we are about to see, the 1980s were the pinnacle of incredible draft classes from the college game leading to the NFL. The 1985 class still has the all-time leading receiver (Jerry Rice) and all-time leader in sacks (Bruce Smith).

In fact, 3-of-5 official leaders in sacks were drafted in 1985 with Bruce Smith (200), Kevin Greene (160), and Chris Doleman (150.5) highlighting the best draft class ever for pass rushers. Consider the fact that Reggie White (198 sacks), a 1984 supplemental draft pick, made his debut in the 1985 season too, and this year is the best on record for pass rushers entering the league.

But this class also had a revolutionary quarterback in Randall Cunningham, who brought mobility to the position and paved the way for the likes of Michael Vick, Cam Newton, and Lamar Jackson years later.

College Legends in the Pros

This draft also had some of the most popular college players in history with Heisman Trophy winners Herschel Walker and Doug Flutie. Walker, a 5th-round steal, was involved in what is still the largest trade in NFL history to Minnesota in 1989, and Flutie came back from the CFL to have a Pro Bowl season with the Bills in 1998.

Speaking of the Bills, Steve Tasker is a HOF finalist and considered one of the best special teams players ever. He was a 9th-round gem in this class that also had HOF receiver Andre Reed go in the 4th round and the aforementioned Kevin Greene go in the 5th round as another HOFer.

This was a strong tight end class too. Mark Bavaro was a 2-time All-Pro and 2-time Super Bowl champion for the Giants, who found him with the 100th pick in the 4th round. Jay Novacek made 5 Pro Bowls and won 3 Super Bowls with the Cowboys in 1991-95.

4 The 1996 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• LB Ray Lewis (160, HOF)
• WR Marvin Harrison (123, HOF)
• WR Terrell Owens (121, HOF)
• LB Zach Thomas (115, HOF)
• S Brian Dawkins (104, HOF)
• OT Jonathan Ogden (95, HOF)
• OT Willie Anderson (93)
• DT La’Roi Glover (89)
• DE Simeon Rice (86)
• WR Muhsin Muhammad (83)
• WR Keyshawn Johnson (79)
• WR Eric Moulds (78)
• S Lawyer Milloy (78)
• RB Eddie George (76)
• WR Joe Horn (70)
• RB Stephen Davis (56)
• FB Mike Alstott (49)

Similar to the 2007 draft, the 1996 NFL draft was horrific at quarterback (Tony Banks was the best player), but it was stacked elsewhere. In fact, it may be the best wide receiver class ever.

The Jets made Keyshawn Johnson the rare No. 1 overall pick at wide receiver but look at how stacked and productive this class was with 10 wide receivers gaining at least 7,500 career receiving yards. Here they are in order of descending yards along with which round and pick they were drafted:

• Terrell Owens (3.89) – 15,934
• Marvin Harrison (1.19) – 14,580
• Muhsin Muhammad (2.43) – 11,438
• Keyshawn Johnson (1.1) – 10,571
• Eric Moulds (1.24) – 9,995
• Amani Toomer (2.34) – 9,497
• Terry Glenn (1.7) – 8,823
• Joe Horn (5.135) – 8,744
• Eddie Kennison (1.18) – 8,345
• Bobby Engram (2.52) – 7,751

It was also a banner year for the Baltimore Ravens in their inaugural draft after the team moved from Cleveland. Their first 2 picks, offensive tackle Jonathan Ogden and linebacker Ray Lewis, both had long, HOF careers with the team.

Throw in HOFer Zach Thomas (Dolphins) along with Lewis, and they were 2 of the best off-ball linebackers in the NFL in their era. Brian Dawkins (Eagles) was a HOF safety and one of the best to ever do it. Defensive linemen Simeon Rice and La’Roi Glover also had excellent careers with Rice (122 sacks) still having an outside shot at becoming the 7th HOFer for this class down the road.

Running back Eddie George (Titans) had one of the better NFL careers for a Heisman Trophy winner, and Mike Alstott, a 2nd-round pick, was one of the best fullbacks in NFL history in Tampa Bay.

3 The 1998 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Peyton Manning (176, HOF)
• WR Randy Moss (124, HOF)
• DB Charles Woodson (115, HOF)
• G Alan Faneca (108, HOF)
• RB Fred Taylor (88)
• WR Hines Ward (88)
• QB Matt Hasselbeck (87)
• LB Takeo Spikes (83)
• RB Ahman Green (83)
• C Matt Birk (83)
• LB Keith Brooking (81)
• OT Flozell Adams (81)
• C Olin Kreutz (73)
• OT Tra Thomas (72)
• LB Jeremiah Trotter (71)
• DE Greg Ellis (68)
• CB Patrick Surtain (68)
• CB Samari Rolle (64)
• OT Kyle Turley (52)
• DE Leonard Little (52)

Here’s a thought experiment. Make a 53-man roster out of every draft class in NFL history to compete in a hypothetical league. Which class would fare the best in a season? The answer might be the 1998 draft when you consider how loaded it was despite only boasting 4 HOFers.

Imagine an offense led by Peyton Manning where he’s throwing to Randy Moss and Hines Ward while handing the ball off to Fred Taylor and Ahman Green behind an offensive line with Flozell Adams, Alan Faneca, Matt Birk (or Olin Kreutz at center), and Tra Thomas.

Charles Woodson, who infamously beat Manning for the 1997 Heisman Trophy, would lead the defense as one of the best defensive backs in NFL history. He’d also have Patrick Surtain and Samari Rolle with him at corner. Linebacker Takeo Spikes has maybe the most recognizable neck silhouette in NFL history. Leonard Little and Greg Ellis both had over 80 sacks as defensive ends in their careers.

Legendary Combinations

Manning to Moss would have been a magical combination. Manning is still the most individually decorated quarterback in NFL history with 7 first-team All-Pro selections and 5 MVP awards. Moss is viewed by many as the greatest wide receiver not named Jerry Rice in NFL history.

26 years ago today, 4 future Hall of Famers were drafted in the 1998 NFL Draft:

#1 – Colts – Peyton Manning

#4 – Raiders – Charles Woodson

#21 – Vikings – Randy Moss

#26 – Steelers – Alan Faneca pic.twitter.com/PBwS3bXnMI

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) April 18, 2024

Then even someone like Hines Ward, the Super Bowl XL MVP, was a No. 1 receiver for a very successful Pittsburgh team in the 2000s. They got a major steal with him in the 3rd round. Matt Birk was only a 6th-round pick and made 6 Pro Bowls at center for the Vikings. Matt Hasselbeck was another 6th-round steal at quarterback, who ended up starting a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.

This draft class had a tight bond with the controversial Heisman race that Woodson won, then the draft hype for Manning and debate if Ryan Leaf was the better pick. We know how that one turned out. But with the level of elite players in this draft, you have to think they would have made a strong team as well.

2 The 2011 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Cam Newton (115)
• DE J.J. Watt (110)
• OLB Von Miller (104)
• CB Patrick Peterson (103)
• DE Cameron Jordan (103)
• C Jason Kelce (102)
• WR Julio Jones (101)
• DE Cameron Heyward (98)
• CB Richard Sherman (97)
• OT Tyron Smith (89)
• WR A.J. Green (77)
• OLB Justin Houston (74)
• DT Jurrell Casey (72)
• DE Robert Quinn (69)
• RB Mark Ingram (66)
• WR Randall Cobb (64)
• DE Ryan Kerrigan (63)
• RB DeMarco Murray (60)
• QB Colin Kaepernick (45)

Despite the NFL heading for a lockout as a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) was being debated, the 2011 NFL draft still took place in late April. It ended up being one of the greatest draft classes ever as 12 of the top 16 picks made a Pro Bowl in their career.

Cam Newton kicked things off with the No. 1 overall pick, and he would peak 5 years later in Carolina as the league’s MVP in a Super Bowl season. But he lost that Super Bowl to Von Miller, the No. 2 pick by the Broncos, who became the Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl 50, and he will no doubt be in the HOF one day.

This was a draft where because of the new CBA to come, rookies at the top of the 1st round were not instantly going to be among the highest-paid players in the league like in years past. This may have led to some teams reaching for quarterbacks like No. 8 Jake Locker (Titans), No. 10 Blaine Gabbert (Jaguars), and No. 12 Christian Ponder (Vikings).

Stars of the Draft

But those were really the only bad picks early in this draft. The top 6 picks all made multiple Pro Bowls, including wide receiver Julio Jones, who the Falcons traded up for. He’ll be a HOFer for sure, and the same can be said of Miller, J.J. Watt, Patrick Peterson, Jason Kelce, Richard Sherman, and probably Tyron Smith. Cases could also be made for Cameron Heyward and Cameron Jordan.

If not for injuries, Watt would hands down be the best defensive player of the 21st century. He still has an argument for that as a 3-time Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaking of injuries, No. 4 pick A.J. Green (Bengals) would also probably be a HOFer if injuries did not limit his career.

We also should point out that Colin Kaepernick had a chance to be the best quarterback in this draft as a 2nd-round pick by the 49ers. Those 2012-13 playoff runs were legendary as he reached a Super Bowl and back-to-back NFC title games with prolific rushing stats. But we know his career was cut short in 2017 after his quiet protest during the national anthem led to no team wanting to sign him again despite having success and youth on his side.

But this was a really deep draft with Jason Kelce found in the 6th round, Richard Sherman in the 5th round, and Justin Houston reached 112 sacks as a 3rd-round pick.

1 The 1983 NFL Draft

Notable players:

• QB Dan Marino (145, HOF)
• QB John Elway (140, HOF)
• OL Bruce Matthews (138, HOF)
• QB Jim Kelly (103, HOF)
• CB Darrell Green (103, HOF)
• DE Richard Dent (98, HOF)
• WR Henry Ellard (97)
• RB Roger Craig (95)
• LB Karl Mecklenburg (93)
• RB Eric Dickerson (92, HOF)
• CB Albert Lewis (82)
• OT Chris Hinton (79)
• DE Charles Mann (79)
• WR Mark Clayton (78)
• S Joey Browner (74)
• QB Ken O’Brien (73)
• DE Leonard Marshall (70)
• CB Carl Lee (69)
• DE Greg Townsend (63)
• RB Curt Warner (60)
• OT Jimbo Covert (57, HOF)

The famed 1983 NFL draft is known for its quarterback drama after 6 AFC teams drafted a quarterback in the 1st round. Incredibly, Dan Marino, the best pure passer of them all, was the 6th quarterback off the board at No. 27 to Miami. John Elway was the No. 1 overall pick by the Colts, who he didn’t want to play for, so he was traded to Denver and the rest is history.

Jim Kelly was the 3rd HOF quarterback in that draft as the No. 14 pick by Buffalo. After spending some time in the rival USFL, Kelly came to Buffalo and led the Bills to 4 straight Super Bowls in 1990-93, losing each time. But he still had a HOF career, which is more than we can say about the 3 quarterbacks who did not lift their teams that year in Todd Blackledge (Chiefs), Tony Eason (Patriots), and Ken O’Brien (Jets).

Loaded with Talent

But while the trio of HOF quarterbacks was great enough, this class was loaded in other ways with 8 total HOF players.

Eric Dickerson was a HOF running back who still holds the single-season record with 2,105 rushing yards, set in 1984. That was the same year where Marino threw for 48 touchdowns and 5,084 yards to rewrite the record books at the time. Those guys were insanely good right out of the gate.

This class also had Bruce Matthews, a 14-time Pro Bowler who excelled at multiple positions on the offensive line and played until he was 40 for the Oilers/Titans.

Cornerback Darrell Green went after Marino at pick No. 28 to close a round that saw 7 future HOFers drafted. He is known for his incredible speed, and he also intercepted 54 passes.

Late-Round Gems

The only HOFer from after the 1st round in this class was Richard Dent, an 8th-round pick (203rd overall) by the Bears. He was a key member of the 1985 Bears, a historic defense that won Chicago’s only Super Bowl. Dent was the Super Bowl XX MVP to close a season where he led the NFL with 17.0 sacks.

This class may not even be done with HOF selections. Roger Craig was a key piece of the San Francisco dynasty at running back, including a 1985 season where he had 1,050 rushing yards and 1,016 receiving yards while leading the NFL with 92 receptions. He has been a HOF finalist and will likely be a senior nominee down the road with a good chance to get in some day.

Henry Ellard led the class with 13,777 receiving yards and was a 2-time All-Pro. He could get senior nominee consideration. Mark Clayton was probably Marino’s best receiver in his career, and he finished with 8,974 yards and 84 touchdowns as an 8th-round pick.

Chris Hinton, who was involved in the Elway trade, was a 7-time Pro Bowl tackle and an All-Pro guard. He’ll continue to get consideration from the HOF. So will Denver linebacker Karl Mecklenburg, a 12th-round gem who made 6 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro teams.

Albert Lewis has also been a HOF semifinalist as a 2-time All-Pro corner for the Chiefs. He’s another senior nominee to come. Even Joey Browner made 3 All-Pro teams as a safety with the Vikings, and he is on the 2nd team of the 1980s All-Decade team.

A Class for the Ages

The 1964 NFL draft, which took place 3 years before the common draft began, still holds the record for most HOF players drafted with 11. But that record is misleading since it includes Bill Parcells, who was drafted as a player but made the HOF as a coach.

So, do not be surprised if 1983 ties or surpasses that mark down the road with Craig, Ellard, Clayton, Hinton, Mecklenburg, Lewis, and Browner getting senior committee chances.

With legendary quarterbacks, so many great players on both sides of the ball, and some late-round gems, 1983 was the best draft class in NFL history.