Best Player Drafted Each of the Last 50 Years

As professional scouts separately dissect and analyze potential draftees, they all begin to realize one harsh truth: There is no sure thing.

The draft is a tricky animal, a pool of talent, a melting pot of questions. But it continues to simultaneously intrigue us fans and stress out front office brass.

It's a complex lottery of sorts—a roll of the dice. However, every draft in the last 50 years has had a star, a budding legend ready to blossom.

Some were chosen with the first selection, others with the 402nd. But these draft picks couldn't be stopped, regardless of draft position.

Now that they're looking back and smiling, it's the perfect time to look at the best player drafted in each of the last 50 years.

These guys had the last laugh.

1962: John Havlicek

It took six selections in the 1962 NBA Draft before John Havlicek's name was called.

And those who passed him over can still hear Celtics broadcaster Johnny Most screaming "Havlicek stole the ball! It's all over...It's all over!"

Sure, Jerry Lucas at No. 2 was the sexy selection, but the man known as "Hondo" had the guts it took to win multiple championships.

And he paid immediate dividends...

Four NBA titles in his first four years (eight overall), 13 All-Star appearances, five All-Defensive first team selections and a Hall-of-Fame nod pretty much sums up a legendary career.

1963: John Mackey

The high-flying tight end position was once a spot for nasty blockers, guys who for the most part didn't need the ball... until John Mackey came along.

With tackle Bobby Bell the only Hall of Famer drafted before him, the second-round tight end would become one of the biggest steals in history, as he pioneered the way for future athletes at the position.

The speedy Mackey twice finished the season averaging 20 yards per catch and eventually became only the second pure tight end to be elected to the Hall, after (of course) Mike "C'Mon Man" Ditka.

1964: Willis Reed

The only Hall of Famer in his draft class, No. 8 pick Willis Reed earned the Knickerbockers two titles, and averaged 18.7 points and 12.9 rebounds during his career.

A fearless post presence, the 6'9" Reed dominated on both ends of the floor and never shied from contact.

His diminutive size for the front court certainly didn't hinder his ability.

1965: Nolan Ryan

While he can now be seen uncomfortably marinating in the Texas stands, there was a time when Nolan Ryan dominated the game of baseball.

A 12th round pick in 1965, "The Ryan Express" became known for his steaming velocity (often reaching 100 mph) and strikeout ability (his 5,714 are first all-time).

Sure, he lost almost as often as he won (324-292), but the Hall of Famer's seven no-hitters are quite brilliant to say the least.

A dominant, wild animal on the mound.

1966: Reggie Jackson

After the Mets blew it with the first-overall selection by choosing catcher Steve Chilcott, the Oakland Athletics embraced their opportunity with full force and selected outfielder Reggie Jackson second overall.

Three World Series titles with the A's, two with the Yankees, 563 home runs and a Hall-of-Fame nod later, and "Mr. October" is still smiling at the uttering of Chilcott's name.

1967: Alan Page

An integral part of Minnesota's "Purple People Eaters," former 15th-overall pick and defensive end Alan Page played in 218 consecutive games, recording 148.5 sacks, 22 fumbles and a comforting three safeties. 

While the eventual Hall of Famer was the first defensive player to win the MVP award since its inception, Page is perhaps best known for his current position as, oh yes, associate justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

His fist must be the perfect gavel.

1968: Larry Csonka

Sure, we remember the Miracle at the Meadowlands, a heartbreaking defeat for the New York Giants, but that mistake wasn't what headlined Larry Csonka's career.

A burly running back selected eighth-overall in 1968, Csonka made five Pro Bowls and ran for 8,081 yards in 11 seasons, proving to doubters that lack of speed doesn't necessarily hinder success.

His tough exterior and gargantuan heart led the 6'3" bruiser all the way to the Hall of Fame.

1969: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

One of the rare examples in which a first-overall pick actually lived up to lofty expectations, the man once known as Lew Alcindor was a surefire star coming out of UCLA.

After starring on three consecutive championship teams, 7'2" Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was selected first-overall in 1969 by the Bucks, who also envisioned a legendary career.

Now the all-time leader in points scored, games played, minutes played, field goals made, field-goal attempts, blocked shots, defensive rebounds and personal fouls (phewww...take a breath), Abdul-Jabbar is perhaps the most productive athlete ever to approach the hardwood.

And perhaps the best actor.

1970: Nate Archibald

Few teams saw promise in a 6'1", 150-pound point guard without a dominant shot, yet the Cincinnati Royals decided to take a chance on the speedster with the 19th pick of the second round in the 1970 NBA Draft. 

Revolutionizing his position and undeniably offering hope to short ballers everywhere, Nate Archibald eventually finished with six All-Star Game appearances, a championship to his name and a spot in the Hall of Fame.

Hopefully he can see over the protective railing.

1971: Guy Lafleur

After scoring 130 goals in 62 games for the Quebec Remparts during the 1970-1971 season, it was clear this talented winger was something special.

And apparently the Montreal Canadiens agreed, taking him with the first-overall selection in the following draft.

All he did since then was record 560 goals and 793 assists, win three Art Ross Trophies, two Hart Memorial Trophies, three Lester B. Pearson Awards and one Conn Smythe Trophy, as well as winning five Stanley Cups.

The Guy, the legend.

1972: Julius Erving

With Bob McAdoo (No. 2 pick) being the only great player selected above him, it's curious as to how Julius Erving (12th overall) dropped so far.

Now the fifth-highest scorer in basketball history, Dr. J can look back on an explosive and refreshingly original career.

High-flying dunks and endless leaps from the free-throw line headlined a potent career around the basket.

1973: Denis Potvin

A physical and potent part of the Islanders teams that won an unheard-of four consecutive Stanley Cups from 1980 to 1983, Hall-of-Fame defenseman Denis Potvin followed the lead of the legendary Bobby Orr.

Defenders were no longer unable to score, as Potvin finished with 310 goals and 742 assists in his 15-year career.

The face of the Long Island franchise and former first-overall pick willed his team during the years of their dynasty, and now gets to see his jersey gracing more than just the rafters of Nassau Coliseum.

1974: Jack Lambert

At 6'3" and only a tick over 200 pounds, Jack Lambert was seen as too small to play the linebacker position. But that didn't stop Steel City from taking a chance on the Kent State star in the second round of the 1974 NFL Draft.

And boy did they come out smelling like gold, as the fierce tackler would finish with nine Pro Bowls, 23.5 sacks, 28 interceptions and a clenching hand in four Super Bowls.

The teeth couldn't be stopped.

1975: Walter Payton

Sure Randy White was selected at No. 2, but it was Sweetness who flavored the 1975 NFL Draft.

While nine Pro Bowls, two MVPs and a Super Bowl win are impressive, it was Walter Payton's explosively dynamic running style that had fans drooling.

A legendary runner and greater human being, Payton (R.I.P.) will forever be remembered for his exhilarating feet and honest heart.

1976: Rickey Henderson

Speed wasn't always sought after like it is today, considering base-stealing phenom Rickey Henderson lasted until the fourth round of the 1976 MLB Draft.

Now the record holder in career stolen bases (1,406), runs scored (2,295) and leadoff home runs (81), "The Man of Steal" can comfortably look back on a remarkably elusive career around the bases.

After recording 130 steals in 1982, it was clear Henderson was headed towards the Hall.

1977: Ozzie Smith

Another fourth-round gem, Ozzie Smith may have lacked a slugging mindset, but his defensive prowess was light years beyond the competition.

While the crafty shortstop naturally won the NL Gold Glove Award for a whopping 13 consecutive seasons, it was his magical leaping ability and thriftiness around the baseball that had the cameras eagerly watching.

Nobody turned two better.

1978: Cal Ripken Jr.

There were signs of greatness early in Cal Ripken Jr.'s career, shortly after he was chosen in the second round of the 1978 MLB Draft by the Orioles.

After playing all 33 innings and over eight hours as a minor leaguer during the longest professional game in history (between the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings), it was clear Iron Man was prepped for a long career.

2,632 straight games over 17 seasons is easily the most fitting end to a promising career.

1979: Magic Johnson

The first pick is always risky, with so many expectations and so little certainty. But Magic Johnson gave the Los Angeles Lakers everything they could've dreamed for after they chose him in 1979.

A do-it-all guard/forward who stood at 6'9", Johnson won three NBA MVP Awards, and appeared in nine NBA Finals (winning five) and twelve All-Star games.

Arguably the greatest point guard of all time with a career average of 11.2 assists per game, Johnson transformed his position the way few others could.

No trick was impossible for Magic.

1980: Paul Coffey

Second all-time among NHL defensemen in career goals, assists and points, Paul Coffey had the speed that forced his opponents to lose their balance.

The man scored 48 goals in the 1985-86 season to break the single-season record for a defenseman, but is still remembered for playing on nine different teams after being chosen with the No. 6 pick in 1980. 

His various cups of coffee didn't last too long, despite his brilliance on the ice.

1981: Lawrence Taylor

After the Saints chose a promising, yet eventually heartbreaking George Rogers first overall, the Giants jumped on the chance to select fierce linebacker Lawrence Taylor.

Not only did L.T. make 10 Pro Bowls and lead Big Blue to two Super Bowl wins, but he revolutionized the linebacker position and essentially increased the importance of the left tackle.

His fearless demeanor forced opposing coordinators to game-plan around him. Quarterbacks were scared, running backs jumpy and offensive tackles numb.

Arguably the greatest defensive player ever to reach the gridiron.

1982: Scott Stevens

With only one eventual All-Star being chosen ahead of him in the 1982 NHL Draft (Brian Bellows), defenseman Scott Stevens was clearly a steal at No. 5.

Not only did he will the Devils to four Stanley Cup Finals appearances in nine years (three wins), but Stevens was the fastest to 1,500 games played and never finished with a negative plus/minus rating after any one of his brilliant 22 seasons in the league.

A tough enforcer and beloved captain, Stevens now sees his name carved into the Hall-of-Fame walls.

1983: Steve Yzerman

After being taken with the fourth-overall pick of the 1983 Draft, center Steve Yzerman became an immediate star.

Sure he was a ten-time All-Star and scored a ridiculous 155 points in the 1988-89 season, but it was his more than 1300 games as captain of the Red Wings that has us in awe.

Before retiring as the longest-serving captain of any team in North American major league sports history, Yzerman led Detroit to five first-place regular season finishes and three Stanley Cup championships.

An icon on the ice.

1984: Michael Jordan

There are few Portland fans who don't cringe at the uttering of Michael Jordan's name, considering their Trail Blazers took center Sam Bowie over the eventual face of basketball.

Seen as the greatest player ever to grace the hardwood, the six-time champion changed basketball forever and displayed perhaps the greatest clutch performances ever witnessed on a court.

MJ will always be basketball.

1985: Jerry Rice

Perhaps the greatest player ever to prance about the football field, Jerry Rice watched 15 players get drafted before him in 1985, including only two Hall of Famers (Bruce Smith at No. 1 and Chris Doleman at No. 4).

1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 208 touchdowns later, those 15 teams have yet to stop weeping.

1986: Dennis Rodman

Second-round pick, 27th overall... That didn't matter for Dennis Rodman, whose hair and piercings would eventually dominate the NBA.

Rodman was named to the All-Defensive First Team seven times, voted NBA Defensive Player of the Year twice and won five championships, while leading the league in rebounds per game for a record seven consecutive years at only 6'6".

Fearless and determined, "Dennis the Menace" was perhaps the greatest rebounding presence the league has ever seen.

1987: Ken Griffey Jr.

Possibly the greatest talent ever to jog around the bases, Ken Griffey Jr. was the perfect athlete.

Power, speed and grace, he had it all. And the Mariners knew it when they chose him first overall in 1987. There were no question marks about his ability.

Despite nagging injury problems throughout his career, Jr. finished with 630 home runs, 10 Gold Glove Awards, 13 All-Star nods and the sweetest swing we'd ever seen.

The Kid was made to play baseball.

1988: Mike Modano

From pudgy youth to statistically the greatest American-born NHLer of all time, it was a quick road to prosperity for former first-overall selection Mike Modano. 

Among his 561 goals and 813 assists is one score that will always be remembered.

Willa Ford will always keep her husband relevant.

1989: Barry Sanders

Ah, the elusive feet of Barry Sanders; nothing was quite like them.

With the 1989 Draft featuring a top five that included Hall of Famers Troy Aikman at No. 1, Barry Sanders at No. 3, Derrick Thomas at No. 4 and Deion Sanders at No. 5, it is among the greatest prospect collections of all time.

However, Barry's influence on the game went beyond stats. At only 5'8", he was an unlikely star, and an unexpected beast in the ground game.

Nobody changed direction better.

1990: Martin Brodeur

After lasting all the way until pick No. 20 in the 1990 Entry Draft, Martin Brodeur dominated in a way no one though possible.

19 seasons with the New Jersey Devils later and Brodeur stands tall as the only goalie in NHL history with eight 40-win seasons.

While he's broken essentially every goalie record known to man, Brodeur is best known for his stellar puck skills and unique standing-up style of play.

A four-time Vezina Trophy winner and three-time Stanley Cup Champion, the legendary goalie has only missed the playoffs twice.

1991: Brett Favre

Jenn Sterger isn't the only one cringing at the sight of this selection, considering 28 front offices passed on this former second-round pick before he was chosen by the Falcons (eventually traded after his rookie season).

Sure he is the only quarterback in history to throw for over 70,000 yards, 500 touchdowns, 300 interceptions and 10,000 pass attempts, but it was his NFL record 297 consecutive regular-season starts that cemented his name deep in the textbooks.

But Favre's annual threats at retirement towards the end of his career clouded an otherwise glorious legacy.

1992: Shaquille O'Neal

Don't let an unspectacular ending tarnish this man's legacy... Shaq was perhaps the most physically dominant force ever to slam a ball into the hoop.

After being chosen with the first pick of the 1992 Draft, the gargantuan center went on to simultaneously abuse opponents and rims on a consistent basis, while also releasing horrific rap albums and humorous, yet terrible films.

A 15-time All Star and four-time NBA champion, O'Neal could not be stopped in his prime, on the court or away from it. 

1993: Alex Rodriguez

Sure, his career has recently been clouded with chokes, women and arrogance, but Alex Rodriguez was once one of the biggest sensations in baseball, perhaps the greatest shortstop during his prime.

The former first-overall pick has a .302 career average, 629 home runs and three MVP awards. 

He was a potent talent long before his admitted steroid use.

1994: Marshall Faulk

Since being chosen with the second pick of the 1994 Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Marshall Faulk became the only player ever to compile 12,000 yards rushing and 6,000 yards receiving.

The Super Bowl champion was part of an unstoppable high-flying offense that was beloved by Madden enthusiasts and hated by opponents.

We may have expected more rings, but Faulk was undeniably the Greatest Show on Turf.

1995: Jarome Iginla

Yes, he's a six-time NHL All-Star, the Flames' all-time leader in goals, points and games played and owner of perhaps the best shot in the game, but it's Jarome Iginla's distinction as the first black captain in history that separates him from the pack.

Even at age 34, the perennial All-Star and former 11th-overall pick isn't close to slowing down.

Donating $2,000 to charity for each goal he scores is easily his most respected stat (especially considering his more-than-500 career goals).

1996: Ray Lewis

In a draft that saw Mike Alstott and Brian Dawkins drop to round two, Tedy Bruschi and Terrell Owens drop to round three and eventual eight-time pro bowl linebacker Zach Thomas drop to round five, one man now stands tall among his prolific peers after dropping to the 26th pick of the first round.

Perhaps the fiercest and most violent individual ever to roam a defense, Ray Ray became the quintessential tough guy, the perfect example of leadership and talent.

At a position clogged with legends, Ray Lewis put a new twist on the linebacker spot.

His jaw-cracking tackles continue to ruin careers.

1997: Tim Duncan

Considering Keith Van Horn, Chauncey Billups and Antonio Daniels were the second-, third- and fourth- overall picks, respectively, in the 1997 NBA Draft, it's an understatement to say Tim Duncan was the obvious choice at No. 1.

Sure he's a four-time champion, two-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP and former Rookie of the Year, but it's Duncan's mundane style that keeps us in awe.

His slothful demeanor and unlikely domination have somehow helped him become the only player in history to be on both All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams each of his first 13 seasons.

Consistency, patience, productivity... It's a turtle race.

1998: Peyton Manning

Coach first, athlete second... Peyton Manning is the perfect quarterback.

Let's take a step back to the 2010 season, before a neck injury clouded his illustrious reputation.

The fastest to reach both 50,000 yards and 4,000 completions, Manning is perhaps the greatest quarterback ever, statistically speaking.

Don't be surprised to see the rocket-armed caller lead a warm-weather team back to regular-season promise next season.

1999: Albert Pujols

The three-time NL MVP may have just received a hefty new contract to the sound of 10 years and $254 million, but he wasn't always this sought after.

That's right, the most feared hitter on today's diamonds lasted until the 13th round of the 1999 MLB Draft (402nd overall), when the Cardinals finally snagged him.

Two World Series victories later, they were feeling quite good about their selection.

2000: Tom Brady

Model first, Ugg promoter second, quarterback third... Tom Brady wasn't always the main man on campus.

Sure he's got two MVPs, three Super Bowls and a model wife in Gisele Bundchen, but it's Brady's distinction as a former sixth round pick (199th overall) that has us baffled.

All that's left for the future Hall of Famer is to defeat the dominant force of Eli Manning.

It's not looking good.

2001: LaDainian Tomlinson

Michael Vick may have headlined a potent 2001 draft class, but a fleet-footed scat-back out of TCU came out reeking most like roses.

A five-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro, LaDainian Tomlinson seems set to retire as the fifth-leading rusher in history with 13,684 yards.

Perhaps the shiftiest pair of toes we've seen since the Barry Sanders days.

2002: Prince Fielder

Entering the 2002 draft with great genes from his father Cecil Fielder and hefty promise, Prince Fielder was eventually chosen with the No. 7 pick by the Brew Crew.

The 5'11", 285-pound man-child now has a home run derby win to his name (2009), two Silver Slugger Awards and three All-Star appearances.

The new Detroit Tiger's slugging prowess is always on display, even when he's not at the plate.

2003: LeBron James

He may wish to be a villain, but we know deep down LeBron James is still an Ohio youth climbing his way towards the promised land.

Seen as the chosen one coming out of St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, James headlined a historical top-five that included Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade (naturally excluding Darko Milicic at No. 2).

He may lack a killer MJ-esque instinct, but LeBron James is undoubtedly the greatest athletic talent ever to reach the hardwood.

2004: Dwight Howard

It was a tight race between Emeka Okafor and Dwight Howard at No. 1, but the Orlando Magic seemingly made the right choice.

Still only 26 years old, Howard is a six-time All-Star, five-time All-NBA team selection, four-time All-Defensive member and three-time Defensive Player of the Year, as well as easily the most dominant inside presence in the game today.

We don't expect to see this physical specimen in Orlando for much longer.

2005: Aaron Rodgers

While Sidney Crosby's name continues to echo loudly as one of hockey's biggest stars, we can't possibly exclude Aaron Rodgers (24th pick overall) as the choice for best draft pick of 2005.

After warming the bench behind Brett Favre for his first three seasons, the former Cal star finally got his shot and shined.

During his three years starting before a memorable 2011-12 season that saw him throw for 4,643 yards, 45 touchdowns and only six interceptions, Rodgers had never thrown fewer than 28 touchdowns and more than 13 picks.

With a Super Bowl victory and MVP award already under his belt, there's no telling what records the discount-double-check man will break.

2006: Tim Lincecum

After he lasted until the 10th pick of the 2006 Draft, it was safe to assume scouts were confused as to whether Tim Lincecum truly was an older Mitch Kramer from Dazed and Confused or a legitimate prospect.

Since being selected by crafty G.M. Brian Sabean of the Giants, the long-haired sensation proved doubters wrong, as he's won two Cy Young awards and continued mowing down opposing hitters with the same ease as combing his wavy strands. 

Every pitch from the scrawny superstar is a mystery.

2007: Kevin Durant

Portland fans just can't catch a break, considering their team chose Greg Oden (only 82 games played) over a Texas prodigy named Kevin Durant.

Sure, he became the youngest player ever to win the NBA scoring title when he finished with a 30.1 average in the 2009-10 season, but it's Durant's nightly magic that has our eyes glistening.

The lanky phenom can't be stopped in any facet of the game, from popping three-pointers to ruining the rims' aesthetics with heart-throbbing dunks.

At 23, Durant is only on the cusp of his projected greatness.

2008: Derrick Rose

With the Bulls stuck between Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley, this was seemingly a pick that altered the paths of two franchises yearning for a star.

Chicago made the proper selection, as this explosive point guard has single-handedly brought his city back to the promised land.

The reigning MVP is the perfect combination of athleticism and intelligence, often taking over games like another Chicago great did before him.

Beasley, meanwhile, is basking in his mediocrity in Minnesota.

2009: Blake Griffin

While fellow first-overall picks John Tavares and Matt Stafford are looming close behind, dunking maniac Blake Griffin is the most glorious talent drafted in 2009.

After missing his entire rookie season to a broken kneecap, Griffin came back last year to redeem himself, and boy did he make up for lost time. 

The dynamic ginger not only won Rookie of the Year, but was named an All-Star and won the NBA Slam Dunk Contest.

But Griffin's most unstoppable trait? His humor.

2010: Jason Pierre-Paul

Few can say they wouldn't enjoy watching a back-flip contest between JPP and Ozzie Smith.

While tight end sensations Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham did drop to the second and third rounds respectively, Jason Pierre-Paul at No. 15 was perhaps the biggest steal of 2010.

After playing sporadically in his rookie season, the former South Florida force saw increased time at defensive end due to injuries this past season, and never looked back.

65 tackles, 16.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a safety is nice, but it was Pierre-Paul's production against the Dallas Cowboys on December 11th that really woke us up. 

He became the first player in NFL history to record a sack, forced fumble and blocked field goal in the same game, the latter being a game-clinching stop.

And he's still learning how to play football.

2011: Cam Newton

Possessing off-the-chart talent and an abundance of question marks, former Auburn star Cam Newton entered the 2011 NFL Draft with plenty to prove.

Well, the Panthers were sold on his character and decided to take a chance on their franchise man with the first-overall choice.

All Newton did after that was become the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 400 yards in his regular-season opener, as well as rush for 14 touchdowns (the most by a quarterback in any single season) and throw for 4,051 yards (most by a rookie).

His athletic display this past season was only a taste of what's to come for this budding star.