The NFL draft, as we know it, began in 2002, when the arrival of the Houston Texans expanded each round to 32 picks. Eighteen drafts have been conducted since, leaving a fun sample size that we can construct a dream first round from.
So who was the best No. 1 pick? The best No. 12? Best 23? We analyzed each selection spot from 1 to 32 to see which teams were able to make the most of being on the clock.
1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers (2011)
This pick almost has to be a quarterback, and no non-QBs make a really good case for saying otherwise. But which quarterback?
Eli Manning was No. 1 in 2004, but the Chargers had to immediately trade him to the Giants. Andrew Luck (2012) was great but retired before he could achieve any of the big things predicted for him. Matthew Stafford (2009), Carson Palmer (2003) and Alex Smith (2005) had nice long careers, but nothing extraordinary. Jameis Winston (2015) and Jared Goff (2016) have underwhelmed, and it’s too early to make a judgment on Baker Mayfield (2018) or Kyler Murray (2019).
Sam Bradford (2010), David Carr (2002) and JaMarcus Russell (2007)?
No, just no.
That leaves Cam Newton, who’s been the face of the Panthers for a decade, winning the MVP in 2015 and taking the team to the Super Bowl in 2015.
He’s not exactly a Peyton Manning or John Elway-type pick, but it’s the best we’ve got.
2. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions (2007)
The otherworldly receiver played 10 seasons for the Lions, racking up 11,619 yards and 83 touchdowns in a career that should put him in the Hall of Fame one day.
In the conversation: Julius Peppers (2002), Von Miller (2011) and Ndamukong Suh (2010).
3. Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals (2004)
An All-American receiver out of Pitt, Fitzgerald ended up becoming the best-known player in Arizona Cardinals franchise history. He plans to play a 17th season in 2020 and has racked up 120 touchdowns and 17,083 yards over his career.
In the conversation: Matt Ryan (2008), Andre Johnson (2003), Joe Thomas (2007).
4. Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas Cowboys (2016)
If we disqualified Eli Manning from consideration for the No. 1 spot because he was traded, we have to do the same for Philip Rivers at No. 4.
That opens the door for Zeke, who has more than justified the Cowboys’ faith in selecting him this high. Elliott has rushed for 5,405 yards and 40 touchdowns over his first four seasons, adding another 1,619 yards and eight TDs while catching the ball. He’s made three Pro Bowls and was named to the All-Pro team his rookie season.
In the conversation: A.J. Green (2011) and Trent Williams (2010)
5. Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders (2014)
Even though he didn’t play for a big powerhouse, the Buffalo linebacker’s mix of size and skill made him look like a can’t-miss prospect. Mack has backed it up since, making three All-Pro teams and five Pro Bowls in his six seasons in the league.
In the conversation: Patrick Peterson (2011), Jalen Ramsey (2016)
6. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons (2011)
Jones is far and away the best pick at No. 6 in this time frame. Drafted out of Alabama, Jones has put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career with 12,125 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns over nine seasons.
In the conversation: Russell Okung (2010), Jake Matthews (2014), Vernon Davis (2006)
7. Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings (2007)
The Lions and Browns are off the hook for not selecting Peterson before the Vikings, going with two Hall of Fame-bound players (Calvin Johnson and Joe Thomas) instead. The Raiders, Buccaneers, Cardinals, and Redskins, however, don’t have any such luxury.
In the conversation: Bryant McKinnie (2002)
8. Jordan Gross, Carolina Panthers (2003)
Not the sexiest pick (or the most loaded spot), but Gross helped anchor the Panthers’ line for 11 seasons, making one All-Pro team and three Pro Bowls. He may soon be supplanted in this space, though, by another member of the Carolina franchise: Christian McCaffrey was selected eighth in 2017.
In the conversation: DeAngelo Hall (2004), Roy Williams (2002)
9. Kevin Williams, Minnesota Vikings (2003)
If you want to go with Luke Kuechly at this spot, we won’t judge you. Williams just did it just a little bit longer, earning five All-Pro mentions (same as Kuechly) and making his way to six Pro Bowls over 12 seasons.
In the conversation: Kuechly (2012), Tyron Smith (2011)
10. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (2017)
Do you really need an explanation? Considering the Chiefs traded up 17 spots to get a guy who would end up winning a MVP and Super Bowl within the following three seasons, this is on the shortlist of history’s best draft picks, regardless of round or position.
In the conversation: Terrell Suggs (2003), Stephon Gilmore (2012)
11. Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (2004)
Your team doesn’t need to pick in the single digits and take a quarterback from a big school to completely change the future of the franchise. Ben Roethlisberger of Miami (Ohio) is proof of that.
No. 11 has recently been a great spot to pick with JJ Watt (2011), DeMarcus Ware (2005), Patrick Willis (2007), Dwight Freeney (2002), and Minkah Fitzpatrick coming off the board here.
12. Haloti Ngata, Baltimore Ravens (2006)
Ngata anchored the Ravens’ defense for a generation, making five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams from 2006 to 2018.
In the conversation: Fletcher Cox (2012), Marshawn Lynch (2007), Odell Beckham (2014), Deshaun Watson (2017), Jonathan Vilma (2004)
13. Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams (2014)
The 12 teams in front of Donald, who thought he was undersized to play defensive tackle, have lived to regret it. Donald has been named an All-Pro five times in his six-season career thus far, and he’s won AP defensive player of the year in both 2017 and 2018. An absolute freak of nature.
In the conversation: Brian Orakpo (2009)
14. Darelle Revis, New York Jets (2007)
The corner so good he had his own island named after him, Revis made four All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls from 2007 to 2017.
In the conversation: Thomas Davis (2005), Earl Thomas (2010)
15. Derrick Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs (2005)
A few years after the death of Derrick Thomas, Derrick Johnson stepped into Arrowhead Stadium to follow his proud tradition. Johnson made four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team in his career.
In the conversation: Jason Pierre-Paul (2010)
16. Troy Polamalu, Pittsburgh Steelers (2003)
Polamalu is the only player in this piece who’s already been inducted into the Hall of Fame. He was a two-time Super Bowl champ who made four All-Pro teams, eight Pro Bowls, and was the 2010 defensive player of the year.
In the conversation: Zack Martin (2014)
17. C.J. Mosley, Baltimore Ravens (2014)
There hasn’t been a lot to pick from at No. 17, but CJ Mosley had a strong start to his career before being sidelined with a groin injury last season. Mosley made four Pro Bowls in five seasons with the Ravens before signing a huge deal with the Jets and then getting hurt.
In the conversation: Nate Solder (2011), Chad Greenway (2006), Mike Iupati (2010)
18. Maurkice Pouncey, Pittsburgh Steelers (2010)
The outspoken Pouncey arrived in Pittsburgh just after the Steelers’ last Super Bowl and is one of the franchise’s few legends without a ring. But it doesn’t have anything to do with him. Pouncey has made eight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams in the eight full seasons he’s played in Pittsburgh.
In the conversation: Joe Flacco (2008)
19. Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers (2006)
The 19th spot hasn’t produced a lot of breakout stars since 2002, but Cromartie certainly had a noteworthy career. The cornerback had an All-Pro season with the Chargers in his sophomore season and would make three Pro Bowls from 2012 to 2014 as a member of the Jets.
In the conversation: Michael Griffin (2007), Jeremy Maclin (2009), Leighton Vander Esch (2018)
20. Tamba Hali, Kansas City Chiefs (2006)
Hali recorded 89.5 sacks over his 12-year career and made five Pro Bowls.
In the conversation: Aqib Talib (2008), Kyle Long (2013)
21. Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots (2004)
Wilfork’s presence on the Patriots’ defensive line played a big role in two Super Bowl titles 10 years apart: 2004 and 2014. He made five Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2012.
In the conversation: Alex Mack (2009), Chandler Jones (2012)
22. Demariyus Thomas, Denver Broncos (2010)
Thomas put together an under-the-radar and borderline case for the Hall of Fame with his performance with the Broncos in the 2010s. Since being drafted out of Georgia Tech, Thomas has caught 63 touchdown passes and racked up 9,763 receiving yards.
In the conversation: Anthony Castonzo (2011)
23. Willis McGahee, Buffalo Bills (2003)
The No. 23 spot has a lot of dependable if not flashy candidates. So who better to lead them than McGahee, a workhorse running back who ran for 8,474 yards and 65 touchdowns in his 10-year career.
In the conversation: Bryan Bulaga (2010), Dwayne Bowe (2007)
24. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers (2005)
Easily the best “value” pick in the first-round this century and one so good that it pushes Hall of Famer Ed Reed into the “others receiving votes category.” Looking at the list below, the No. 24 spot in the draft looks like a lucky spot for NLF teams.
In the conversation: Ed Reed (2002), Cameron Jordan (2011), Steven Jackson (2004), Chris Johnson (2008), Dez Bryant (2010), Josh Jacobs (2019)
25. Dont’A Hightower, New England Patriots (2012)
There hasn’t been a lot of star power at No. 25. Hightower has made two Pro Bowls for the Patriots since starting with the team in 2012.
In the conversation: Jon Beason (2007), Santonio Holmes (2006), Xavier Rhodes (2013)
26. Clay Matthews, Green Bay Packers (2009)
Matthews made six Pro Bowls, one All-Pro team and won a Super Bowl in his second season with the Packers in 2010.
In the conversation: Duane Brown (2008)
27. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans (2013)
Hopkins has been a stud since being drafted out of Clemson, making three All-Pro teams and catching 54 touchdowns passes (and counting) for the Texans.
In the conversation: Roddy White (2005), Devin McCourty (2010)
28. Joe Staley, San Francisco 49ers (2007)
Staley has made six Pro Bowls in 13 seasons and was the only 49er from Super Bowl XLVII (2012 season) to also play in this past Super Bowl against Kansas City.
In the conversation: Mark Ingram (2011)
29. Nick Mangold, New York Jets (2006)
Mangold made seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams in a career that spanned from 2006 to 2016.
In the conversation: Harrison Smith (2012)
30. T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers (2017)
Watt has already made two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team since being drafted out of Wisconsin in 2017.
In the conversation: Muhammad Wilkerson (2011)
31. Greg Olsen, Chicago Bears (2007)
Drafting Olsen out of Miami in 2007 was a great move for the Bears. Trading him a few years later because he didn’t fit into Mike Martz’s system? Not so much.
In the conversation: Cameron Heyward (2011), Nnamdi Asomugha (2003)
32. Lamar Jackson (2018)
The reigning NFL MVP couldn’t convince the rest of the league to make him a first-round pick, but all it took was faith from the Ravens to get him on this list just under the wire. We’d say it’s paid off.
In the conversation: Logan Mankins (2005), Teddy Bridgewater (2014)
