A Complete Timeline of the NFL Draft's Top Overall Picks

Since 1936, NFL teams have hoped to find a franchise saviour with draft's first overall pick. The player taken has often reflected the trends of the day.

In the '30s and '40s, running backs dominated the top selection. That was due to the groundhog nature of football in that era.

Things shifted in the '50s, with more quarterbacks taken in response to the expansion of the passing game. The '60s saw defensive players valued higher, in part thanks to the success of the New York Giants' defensive concepts.

This continued in the '70s, and running backs still featured heavily, as every contending team boasted a dynamic workhorse.

The '80s saw the true rise of quarterbacks and wide receivers leading draft classes. Drafts in the '90s and noughties were usually led by quarterbacks or pass-rushers.

With the 78th top overall pick set to be announced this April 25th, here's a look back at every first player taken since '36.

1. 1936: Jay Berwanger, HB, Philadelphia Eagles

The first top overall draft pick ever selected never played an NFL game. The Philadelphia Eagles picked running back Jay Berwanger to begin the 1936 draft.

However, George Halas managed to acquire the former University of Chicago star for the NFL's Bears. A dispute over money kept Berwanger off the field.

In his collegiate days, he was a true all-round playmaker. Berwanger primarily starred as a runner, but could also throw, kick, punt and be a threat in the return game.

2. 1937: Sam Francis, FB, Philadelphia Eagles

In 1937, the Eagles again owned the draft's top pick. They used it to select the man who finished second to Berwanger in the Heisman Trophy voting.

Nebraska's Sam Francis had also gained notoriety as a shot-putter at the 1936 Olympics. Just like with Berwanger, the Eagles sent their top pick to the Bears.

As a bruising fullback, Francis perfectly fit the NFL of the '30s. He also played for the now-defunct Brooklyn Dodgers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

3. 1938: Corbett Davis, FB, Cleveland Rams

Corbett Davis played four seasons in the NFL after being selected as the first overall pick in the 1938 draft. He was taken by the Cleveland Rams, but was never the star the pick merited.

Davis was a classic fullback of his day, but he managed a mere 382 career rushing yards. He also started only 12 games and scored just four touchdowns.

4. 1939: Ki Aldrich, C, Chicago Cardinals

Ki Aldrich joined the Chicago Cardinals as the big prize of the 1939 draft. Unlike the previous three top picks, Aldrich achieved a measure of success during his pro career.

He was a Pro Bowler as a rookie, but would move to the Washington Redskins in 1941. Aldrich won an NFL title and earned another Pro Bowl nod in D.C.

5. 1940: George Cafego, RB, Chicago Cardinals

George Cafego never gave the Chicago Cardinals the help they were hoping for when they selected him first overall in 1940.

Drafted as a running back, Cafego also played quarterback in his brief stint in the NFL. In five seasons, Cafego played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Washington Redskins and the Boston Yanks.

Two years of service in World War II interrupted Cafego's career and he walked away from the NFL after the 1943 season.

6. 1941: Tom Harmon, HB, Chicago Bears

Tom Harmon was another top pick who decided against playing for the team that drafted him. Instead, Harmon chose not only to join another franchise, but to defect to an entirely different league.

He moved to the American Football League and signed with the New York Americans. Later, Harmon did return to the NFL and featured for the Los Angeles Rams.

7. 1942: Bill Dudley, HB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Bill Dudley is probably the first player on this list who justified his status as the top pick in a draft. The Pittsburgh Steelers nabbed the Virginia halfback in 1942.

Dudley immediately set about putting together a stellar career that would eventually lead to the Hall of Fame. A true Jack of all trades and master of more than one, Dudley's versatility was astonishing.

He was a running back and quarterback for the Steelers' offense. He then doubled up to be a useful defensive back.

Unwilling to restrict himself to two sides of the ball, Dudley was also a special teams star. His time in the pros also included successful stints with the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins.

8. 1943: Frank Sinkwich, HB, Detroit Lions

Frank Sinkwich quickly proved his worth after the Detroit Lions selected him first overall in 1943. The exciting runner was named league MVP in 1944.

Like many offensive stars of his era, Sinkwich was a dual-threat runner and passer. His career was brief, ending in 1947.

9. 1944: Angelo Bertelli, QB, Boston Yanks

Angelo Bertelli was the first quarterback selected first overall in the NFL's draft. The Boston Yanks chose the Notre Dame passer in 1944.

Bertelli postponed the start to his pro career. He served two years in the Army before returning to football. Bertelli joined the Los Angeles Dons in 1946.

He ended a brief and largely mediocre playing career in 1948 after spending a pair of seasons with the Chicago Rockets.

10. 1945: Charley Trippi, HB, Chicago Cardinals

Something of a rarity so far in this list, Charley Trippi never left the team that drafted him first overall. That honor belonged to the Chicago Cardinals in 1945.

Trippi didn't disappoint, and his versatility and knack as a playmaker led him to the Hall of Fame. He rushed for 3,506 yards and also posted 1,321 receiving yards.

He also threw for 2,547 yards and accounted for 60 touchdowns. He still found the time to be a dangerous punt returner.

11. 1946: Frank Dancewicz, QB, Boston Yanks

After getting it wrong drafting a quarterback first overall in 1944, the Boston Yanks tried again in 1946. This time they made another Notre Dame passer, Frank Dancewicz, the top pick in the draft.

Sadly, the results were the same as they had been with Angelo Bertelli. Dancewicz lasted only three seasons in the pros.

He threw for a mere 1,551 yards and just 12 touchdowns.

12. 1947: Bob Fenimore, HB, Chicago Bears

Bob Fenimore managed only one season in the NFL after the Chicago Bears drafted him first overall in 1947. He played running back and defensive back, but didn't manage to become a star on either side of the ball.

Fenimore compiled only 189 rushing yards and two interceptions. At 22, he walked away from football.

13. 1948: Harry Gilmer, QB, Washington Redskins

Harry Gilmer put together a solid career. He played eight NFL seasons after the Washington Redskins picked him first overall in 1948.

Despite a pair of Pro Bowl selections, Gilmer also had a knack for calamity. He threw 45 interceptions, including 38 during his time in Washington.

Gilmer later moved to the Detroit Lions before retiring after the 1956 season.

14. 1949: Chuck Bednarik, C/LB, Philadelphia Eagles

Chuck Bednarik would become one of the most iconic figures in league history. The top pick in 1949 played 14 seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles.

He helped define the iron-man image of two-way players in the '50s. Bednarik was an outstanding center and a punishing linebacker.

His vicious tackling is what many remember, but Bednarik was also an opportunistic defender. He registered 20 career interceptions and 21 fumble recoveries.

15. 1950: Leon Hart, E, Detroit Lions

Leon Hart was a prolific pass-catcher and scoring threat for eight seasons with the Detroit Lions. The towering 6'5" end earned All-Pro recognition in 1951.

That season he made 35 catches for 544 yards and scored 12 touchdowns. He finished his career with 26 scoring receptions and 2,499 yards.

16. 1951: Kyle Rote, HB, New York Giants

Kyle Rote was drafted as a runner in 1951 but made his mark as a pass-catcher. The New York Giants made ample use of Rote's receiving skills.

He tallied 300 career receptions for 4,797 yards. He also scored 52 touchdowns. Rote was a key figure on successful Giants teams known more for their defensive power.

He was a four-time Pro Bowler and won the league title in 1956.

17. 1952: Billy Wade, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Billy Wade played 13 seasons in the NFL and threw for nearly 20,000 yards. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams with the first pick in the 1952 draft.

He first took the field for the Rams in 1954. After seven successful seasons in Los Angeles, Wade was dealt to the Chicago Bears.

He passed the Bears to the 1963 league championship. Wade retired in 1966 after his starting time dwindled during his final two seasons.

18. 1953: Harry Babcock, E, San Francisco 49ers

Harry Babcock was a disappointment for the San Francisco 49ers after they drafted him with the top pick in 1953. He made only 16 catches in three seasons.

Babcock had been a star at Georgia. However, he never made the grade in the pros. He quickly called time on his career in 1955.

19. 1954: Bobby Garrett, QB, Cleveland Browns

Bobby Garrett's NFL career lasted only nine games. It began with him being selected as the top pick in the 1954 draft by the Cleveland Browns.

The former Stanford ace was afflicted with a severe stutter. He couldn't call plays in the huddle or adjust at the line of scrimmage.

The Browns dealt him to the Green Bay Packers. He made only nine starts for the pre-Lombardi Packers.

20. 1955: George Shaw, QB, Baltimore Colts

George Shaw struggled to establish himself as a credible NFL starter from 1955 to 1962. The Baltimore Colts used the first pick in the 1955 draft to select Shaw, but soon gave his job to Johnny Unitas.

Part of Shaw's problem was his penchant for hurling interceptions. In fact, 63 of Shaw's passes were picked off during his pro career.

21. 1956: Gary Glick, DB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Safety Gary Glick played for four different teams in an NFL career that lasted eight seasons. The first four of those seasons were spent with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Glick would also suit up for the Redskins, Colts and finally the San Diego Chargers. He finished his playing days with 14 interceptions to his credit.

22. 1957: Paul Hornung, HB, Green Bay Packers

Paul Hornung's Hall of Fame career began in 1957. The halfback was a dynamic and versatile playmaker.

He was a prolific rushing threat and an excellent receiver. Hornung posted 3,711 career rushing yards and a further 1,480 receiving yards.

He also excelled as a kicker. Hornung topped the NFL's scoring charts in both 1960 and 1961.

23. 1958: King Hill, QB, Chicago Cardinals

Despite being the first player taken in the 1958 draft, King Hill spent most of his NFL career on the bench. In 12 pro seasons, he never made a full start.

Hill completed 429 passes and threw for 37 touchdowns during limited action. He played for the Cardinals in both Chicago and St. Louis.

He also spent eight years with the Philadelphia Eagles. Hill was a member of the Minnesota Vikings in 1968, but returned to St. Louis a year later to end his career.

24. 1959: Randy Duncan, QB, Green Bay Packers

The first pick of the Vince Lombardi era was something of a mess for the Green Bay Packers. Strong-armed passer Randy Duncan was supposed to revive a dormant franchise in 1959.

Instead, he took the riches on an offer in the Canadian Football League. He returned to the NFL two years later and signed with the Dallas Texans.

Duncan played one season in the Lone Star State. He threw for just 361 yards and a single touchdown. Duncan left football at the end of the 1961 season.

25. 1960: Billy Cannon, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Billy Cannon won the Heisman Trophy at LSU and that convinced the Los Angeles Rams to draft him with the top pick in 1960.

Cannon didn't play for the Rams and soon joined the Houston Oilers in the AFL. He was a dominant runner for the Oilers.

Cannon gained all but six of his 2,455 rushing yards during his first five seasons. In 1965, he switched positions while with the Oakland Raiders.

Cannon became a tight end. He enjoyed considerable success at the position and caught 10 touchdown passes in 1967.

26. 1961: Tommy Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Tommy Mason proved to be everything the expansion Minnesota Vikings hoped they were getting with the top pick in 1961.

Mason was a star running back for 11 pro seasons, the first six spent with the Vikings. He also carried the ball for the Redskins and Rams.

Mason rushed for 4,203 yards and tallied 2,324 yards in receptions. He scored 45 touchdowns.

27. 1962: Ernie Davis, RB, Washington Redskins

Ernie Davis was drafted first overall by the Washington Redskins in 1962. He was quickly traded to the Cleveland Browns.

The Redskins acquired Bobby Mitchell in exchange for the former Heisman Trophy winner. In 1963, Davis tragically passed away after suffering with Leukemia.

28. 1963: Terry Baker, QB, Los Angeles Rams

Terry Baker made only one start in three years with the Los Angeles Rams. He didn't make the grade as a quarterback, passing for only 154 yards as a pro.

Baker also featured as a runner and a receiver. He produced 512 combined yards in both roles. Baker finished his brief playing days in 1965.

29. 1964: Dave Parks, WR, San Francisco 49ers

Dave Parks was a productive, big-play receiver during 10 years in the NFL. He made a bright start to life in the pros, becoming a key weapon for the San Francisco 49ers.

He topped 1,000 receiving yards in 1965 and came just 26 yards short of the 1,000 mark the next season. In 1968, he joined the New Orleans Saints and averaged over 16 yards a catch in three different seasons.

Parks played his final NFL campaign with the Oilers in 1973, although he only made three catches.

30. 1965: Tucker Frederickson, RB, New York Giants

Tucker Frederickson was a steady performer for the New York Giants. However, 1965's top pick's production was far from spectacular.

Frederickson began his career well and went to the Pro Bowl as a rookie. However, his NFL career lasted only six seasons.

31. 1966: Tommy Nobis, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Tommy Nobis was the first marquee player the Atlanta Falcons had. The intelligent and physically imposing linebacker was dominant for 11 sterling seasons.

In the first of those seasons Nobis made an astonishing 294 tackles. He went to five Pro Bowls and is arguably the greatest defensive player in Falcons history.

32. 1967: Bubba Smith, DE, Baltimore Colts

Bubba Smith went to two Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the team that drafted him first overall in 1967. Smith was part of the powerful Baltimore Colts team that lost in Super Bowl III against the underdog New York Jets.

Two years later, Smith helped the Colts make amends and played his part in winning Super Bowl V. He would later play for the Oakland Raiders and the Oilers. Smith turned away from football in 1976.

33. 1968: Ron Yary, OT, Minnesota Vikings

In 1968, Ron Yary became the first of three straight No. 1 overall picks who would end up in the Hall of Fame. He joined the Minnesota Vikings and was outstanding for 15 pro seasons.

He spent 14 of those years with Vikings, helping the team reach four Super Bowls in the '70s. He was an athletic right tackle and a mainstay during the most successful period in Vikings history.

34. 1969: O.J. Simpson, RB, Buffalo Bills

O.J. Simpson was the star on a series of poor Buffalo Bills teams in the early '70s. He famously became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards.

He achieved that feat in 1973 and would finish his career with 11,236 rushing yards. Simpson was a 1,000-yard runner in four other seasons.

He finished his career playing two uninspiring seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

35. 1970: Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers

Having acquired the foundation of their defense in 1969, the Pittsburgh Steelers drafted the key player for their offense in 1970.

They selected quarterback Terry Bradshaw one year after drafting defensive tackle Joe Greene. The blueprint for the Steelers' phenomenal run of success in the '70s was in place.

Bradshaw endured some early struggles, but he always came up big in the playoffs. With Bradshaw under center, the Steelers were perennial contenders.

He won four Super Bowls and was named MVP in two. That was enough to gain Bradshaw entry into the Hall of Fame.

36. 1971: Jim Plunkett, QB, New England Patriots

Jim Plunkett didn't really look like a No. 1 overall pick until later in his career. He didn't quite make the grade with the New England Patriots or the San Francisco 49ers.

Plunkett's career was revived when he joined the Raiders. He became the quintessential castoff made good when he won two Super Bowls with the Silver and Black.

Plunkett guided the 1980 Oakland Raiders to a Super Bowl win. He repeated the trick for the then-Los Angeles Raiders in 1983.

That culminated Plunkett's best season as a pro. He threw for 2,935 yards and 20 touchdowns. That would be the final high point of Plunkett's up-and-down career.

37. 1972: Walt Patulski, DE, Buffalo Bills

Walt Patulski was a major bust for the Buffalo Bills in 1972. He played only sparingly during five seasons littered with injuries.

He proved to be very fragile and his work ethic was questioned throughout his short career. Patulski eventually left the Bills in 1977 and spent a single uneventful season with the St. Louis Cardinals.

38. 1973: John Matuszak, DE, Houston Oilers

Like Jim Plunkett, John Matuszak was a No. 1 pick whose career didn't take off until he signed with the Raiders. Before that, Matuszak spent just one season with the Oilers, the team that drafted him in 1973.

Then he had two years with Raiders' fierce division rivals, the Kansas City Chiefs. He signed with the Raiders in 1976 and promptly won a Super Bowl.

He lifted the Lombardi Trophy one more time after the 1980 season. A powerful 3-4 end, Matuszak was a key figure on several intimidating Raiders defenses.

39. 1974: Ed 'Too Tall' Jones, DE, Dallas Cowboys

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was an important member of several powerful defenses for the Dallas Cowboys, He joined Tom Landry's team as the first pick in the 1974 draft.

Jones was a dangerous pass-rusher in Landry's "flex" fronts. He helped the Cowboys win a Super Bowl in 1977.

Jones continued to be productive in the early to mid-'80s. He recorded 57.5 sacks from 1982 to 1989. That's when Jones retired from the game, as the Jimmy Johnson youth movement began in Dallas.

40. 1975: Steve Bartkowski, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Steve Bartkowski wasn't the most accurate quarterback in NFL history. However, he still managed to pass for over 24,000 yards during a 12-year-career spent with three teams.

It was the Atlanta Falcons who made Bartkowski the top pick in 1975. He threw 154 touchdown passes for the Falcons.

Bartkowski was very briefly on the Redskins' roster in 1985. His final season was spent with the Los Angeles Rams in 1986.

41. 1976: Lee Roy Selmon, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a calamity during their formative years in the NFL. Yet they certainly got their first draft pick right when they selected Lee Roy Selmon.

The agile defensive end went to six Pro Bowls. In 1979, he was named the league's Defensive Player of the Year.

That season, he made 117 tackles, an awesome stat for a lineman. He also proved his skill as a pass-rusher, notching 11 sacks.

Selmon was rightly enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

42. 1977: Ricky Bell Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Ricky Bell didn't quite live up to his billing as the first player taken in 1977. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers again owned the top pick but couldn't replicate the success they had with Selmon.

Bell did enjoy some decent seasons in Tampa Bay. His best year was in 1979, when he rushed for 1,263 yards and seven touchdowns.

43. 1978: Earl Campbell, RB, Houston Oilers

Earl Campbell was the linchpin for the highly successful Oilers teams of the '70s. After being drafted first overall in 1978, Campbell announced himself to the NFL with 1,450 rushing yards.

The bulldozing runner produced four more 1,000-yard seasons. His dominating performances made the Oilers a regular contender in the AFC.

Campbell joined his former coach "Bum" Phillips with the New Orleans Saints in 1984. By that time, the wear and tear of his punishing brand of power running had taken a heavy toll on Campbell.

His 9,407 yards on the ground and 74 rushing touchdowns did put Campbell in the Hall of Fame.

44. 1979: Tom Cousineau, LB, Buffalo Bills

Tom Cousineau turned his back on the Buffalo Bills after they drafted him at the top of the 1979 NFL draft. In fact, he didn't take the field until 1982 as a member of the Cleveland Browns.

Cousineau left the Browns to join the 49ers in 1986. His timing was never that great in the NFL. He had left the Browns just as they were about to make the first of consecutive trips to the AFC Championship Game.

Then he joined the 49ers for two rare lean years during their dominance of the '80s.

45. 1980: Billy Sims, RB, Detroit Lions

Billy Sims' NFL career was brief but spectacular. He was the precursor to future Detroit Lions legend Barry Sanders.

Sims' high-step, tremendous speed and varied moves made him an instant star as a rookie in 1980. He rushed for 1,303 yards and scored 16 touchdowns.

That was enough to merit the Rookie of the Year award. He rushed for over 1,000 yards on two more occasions.

A severe knee injury put Sims on the shelf in 1984. He never returned to the field.

46. 1981: George Rogers, RB, New Orleans Saints

It's hard to believe the New Orleans Saints passed on Lawrence Taylor in 1981. In fairness, running back George Rogers was far from a disappointment.

He rushed for 1,674 yards as a rookie. Rogers also tallied 1,144 yards on the ground in 1983. He left New Orleans to join the Redskins in 1985.

He complied consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and helped the Redskins get to the NFC Championship Game in 1986. Rogers won a Super Bowl with the Redskins the following year, but his numbers were already starting to wane.

Consistent injury issues forced Rogers out of football after that Super Bowl triumph.

47. 1982: Kenneth Sims, DT, New England Patriots

Kenneth Sims flopped badly for the New England Patriots. As the top pick in 1982, Sims quickly struggled to make an impact in the NFL.

After eight pro seasons, he had only registered 17 sacks. Sims was out of the league by the end of the '80s.

48. 1983: John Elway, QB, Baltimore Colts

In 1983, the draft's top pick refused to even suit up for the team that selected him. Quarterback John Elway had no interest in playing for the downtrodden Baltimore Colts.

The Denver Broncos were the major beneficiaries and Elway quickly became the face of the AFC West franchise. Alongside head coach Dan Reeves, Elway guided the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances.

Unfortunately, Elway and his team were demolished in all three contests. Yet that didn't prevent Elway from becoming an iconic figure in the NFL.

He earned the nickname "The Duke" in part thanks to his late-game heroics. Elway was the master of the fourth-quarter comeback.

His dual-threat style made him one of the league's most exciting quarterbacks. However, it wasn't until Mike Shanahan arrived in 1995 and built a stronger supporting cast that Elway won a Super Bowl.

He finally got the trophy he coveted after a thrilling victory over the Green Bay Packers to cap the 1997 season, although Denver's win owed more to the excellence and resilience of running back Terrell Davis.

Having finally claimed a Super Bowl, Elway added a second the next season, just for good measure.

49. 1984: Irving Fryar, WR, New England Patriots

Irving Fryar was a stellar NFL wide receiver during 17 seasons. His career began with the New England Patriots selecting him first overall in 1984.

He caught just 11 passes as a rookie and didn't become a full-time starter until 1991. However, Fryar didn't waste his opportunity.

He posted his first 1,000-yard season that year, but by 1993 he had joined AFC East rivals the Miami Dolphins. Working with Dan Marino helped Fryar flourish.

He posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and also caught 20 touchdowns in three years in Miami. Always an excellent route-runner and possessing deceptive vertical speed, Fryar got better as he got older.

He joined the Eagles in 1996 and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He finished his career playing two seasons for the Redskins.

Fryar was part of the team that won the NFC East in 1999. He retired after the 2000 season with 12,785 career receiving yards and 85 touchdowns to his credit.

50. 1985: Bruce Smith, DE, Buffalo Bills

If you pinpointed the exact start of the Buffalo Bills' genesis into the team that would go to four straight Super Bowls, it would be drafting Bruce Smith first overall in 1985.

He became arguably the most dominant defensive end in history. While the Bills' offense garnered most of the attention, few could manage to ignore Smith.

He could be counted on to deliver 10 or more sacks, and that's what he did in 13 of his 19 NFL seasons. Smith retired after the 2003 campaign, finishing his career with the Redskins.

He left the game as the league's all-time leader in sacks with 200.

51. 1986: Bo Jackson, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When thinking back to Bo Jackson, it's easy to think "what if?" What if he'd concentrated only on football, instead of splitting his time with baseball?

What if he hadn't sustained serious injury? Jackson never played for the Buccaneers, the team that drafted him. He sat out 1986 and eventually joined the Los Angeles Raiders a year later,

He only played four seasons with the Raiders, but few ever questioned Jackson's incredible talent. He was an almost-too-good-to-be-true combination of power, speed and moves.

Despite never having the time to play a full season, Jackson's posted a 5.4 yards-per-carry average and 16 rushing touchdowns.

Jackson suffered a hip injury in the playoffs following the 1990 season that sadly ended his football career.

52. 1987: Vinny Testaverde, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers were back drafting first overall in 1987. After the disaster with Jackson, they thought they had made amends by choosing quarterback Vinny Testaverde.

The rocket-armed passer was expected to be a star. The expectation for Testaverde was so high, the Bucs even felt they could trade Steve Young.

While Young became the successor to Joe Montana in San Francisco, Testaverde faltered. He seemed unnaturally disposed to throwing interceptions.

Testaverde threw 35 of his 267 career picks in 1988. He was ditched by the Bucs in 1993 and signed with the Cleveland Browns.

In 1994, boosted by the help of a powerful defense, Testaverde led the Browns to the playoffs. In 1996, with the original Browns now relocated to Baltimore, Testaverde enjoyed a fine statistical season.

He threw for over 4,000 yards for the first time and also exceeded 30 touchdown passes in a season for the only time in his career.

In 1998, Testaverde had his most successful campaign. He was the catalyst for the New York Jets' run to the AFC Championship Game.

The man who might have had "interception" as his middle name was actually the model of efficiency that year. Testaverde threw 29 touchdown passes and only seven interceptions.

He made brief stops with the Cowboys, Patriots and Carolina Panthers before retiring after the 2007 season.

53. 1988: Aundray Bruce, LB, Atlanta Falcons

Aundray Bruce never came close to living up to his billing as the top pick in 1988. The Atlanta Falcons paid the price for believing Bruce would dominate NFL offenses.

He posted 16 sacks in his first three years, but was far from the impact player Atlanta's defense needed. He was ditched by the Falcons in 1992 and spent seven years with the Raiders, both in Los Angeles and Oakland.

He only recorded 9.5 sacks in those seasons.

54. 1989: Troy Aikman, QB, Dallas Cowboys

Jimmy Johnson started his amazing rebuild of the Dallas Cowboys by getting his first draft pick in the NFL right. Johnson made Troy Aikman the No.1 choice in 1989 and proceeded to build a winning roster around him.

Aikman was the ideal quarterback for Johnson's high-percentage brand of offensive football. He possessed phenomenal accuracy.

Aikman didn't waste his throws and protected the football. He became a key part of three Super Bowl winning teams.

55. 1990: Jeff George, QB, Indianapolis Colts

While the Cowboys got things right drafting a quarterback first overall in 1989, the Indianapolis Colts couldn't do the same a year later.

They chose Illinois standout Jeff George to revive their flagging franchise. George never made the grade in four seasons in Indianapolis.

He signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. Their run-and-shoot offense suited George's considerable strength as a deep passer.

He took the team to the playoffs in 1995 after throwing for 4,143 yards and 24 touchdowns. George also led the Vikings to the playoffs in 1991, forming a prolific partnership with vertical threat Randy Moss.

George ended his career after the 2004 season. He had warmed the bench for the Redskins, Bears and Seattle Seahawks.

56. 1991: Russell Maryland, DT, Dallas Cowboys

Johnson got another first overall pick right in 1991. He shifted focus to defense and took tackle Russell Maryland.

He proved to be a key building block for the fast and swarming Cowboys defenses that dominated the early- to mid-'90s. Maryland was everything Johnson coveted in a defensive tackle.

He was cat-quick and attack-minded. Maryland made plenty of plays in the offensive backfield and anchored the league's toughest run defense in 1992.

Maryland would win a hat trick of Super Bowls with the Cowboys. He then played four seasons with the Oakland Raiders.

He retired after the 2000 season, having spent a year with the Green Bay Packers.

57. 1992: Steve Emtman, DT, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts had two first-round picks in 1992, including the top choice. They used that to select defensive tackle Steve Emtman.

The hulking interior lineman looked like a great choice for the rebuilding Colts. However, this pick was fated to be a waste.

Emtman simply couldn't avoid injuries in his pro career. He played eight seasons and made only 19 starts. His rookie season began well.

Emtman played in the first nine games and showed potential. He recorded three sacks and even produced a 90-yard interception return for a touchdown to help beat the Dolphins.

However, he endured a serious knee injury in each of his first two seasons. A serious neck injury followed and Emtman's potential and career were doomed.

He did play two seasons with the Dolphins in 1995 and 1996. He final season was spent with the Redskins in 1997.

58. 1993: Drew Bledsoe, QB, New England Patriots

With two quarterbacks to choose from in 1993, Bill Parcells made the right decision by selecting Drew Bledsoe. He became the start of a quick turnaround for a franchise that began the '90s winning nine games in three seasons.

Bledsoe initially found the going tough under the watchful eye of Parcells. However, he came on strong during his rookie year to help the Pats to four consecutive wins to end the season.

Things changed dramatically in 1994. Parcells recognised Bledsoe was good enough to be the feature of his offense.

He let the youngster throw over 600 passes in each of the next three seasons. Bledsoe passed New England to a 10-6 finish and the playoffs in 1994.

Two year later, he took them to a Super Bowl. Bledsoe went back to the playoffs for the next two years, before his career began to falter.

Bledsoe famously lost his job to Tom Brady in 2001. However, he was granted one last hurrah with the Patriots.

Bledsoe came in for the injured Brady in the AFC Championship Game in Pittsburgh. He completed 10 passes, including a scoring toss, to help upset the Steelers.

It was a fitting way for Bledsoe to end his time with the Patriots. He then played for the Bills and the Cowboys, going back to the playoffs in 2006.

However, Bledsoe will always be best remembered for his mid-'90s heroics in New England.

59. 1994: Dan Wilkinson, DT, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals made big-bodied pass-rusher Dan Wilkinson the first pick in 1994. Wilkinson may not be remembered as a player who justified the top pick, but he was a solid pro.

He had a good record of getting to the quarterback as an interior lineman. Wilkinson posted 54.5 career sacks, a respectable number for a defensive tackle.

He made 25 of those sacks as a Bengal during his first four seasons. In 1998, Wilkinson signed a big-bucks deal with the Redskins.

He had two fine seasons in Washington, particularly in 1999. That year, Wilkinson registered eight sacks and even returned an interception 88 yards for a score.

His production slowed after leaving D.C. in 2002. Wilkinson ended his career with the Dolphins following the 2006 season.

60. 1995: Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Ki-Jana Carter never became the dominant running back he was touted as in the 1995 draft. The Bengals used the top pick that year to select the powerful Penn State runner.

Injuries played a part in Carter's downfall. He suffered a serious knee injury in the 1995 preseason that wiped out his rookie season.

Carter than struggled his way through seven more seasons. His highest rushing total came in 1997 and was just 464 yards.

61. 1996: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, New York Jets

Few No. 1 picks were as instantly brash as Keyshawn Johnson. The New York Jets took him with the first pick in 1996.

Johnson caught a 50-yard pass on his first play. However, his debut campaign is best remembered for his book entitled Just Give Me the Damn Ball!

It exposed the failings of the Jets organization and earned Johnson a bad reputation. The arrival of Parcells in 1997 changed things.

He had two 1,000-yard seasons in the next two years. Johnson remained steadily productive for the rest of his career.

However, he was far from dynamic and had only four 1,000-yard campaigns in 11 seasons.

62. 1997: Orlando Pace, OT, St. Louis Rams

In 1997, the St. Louis Rams traded with the Jets for the right to pick first in the draft. They exercised that right to select offensive tackle Orlando Pace.

It proved to be one of the best decisions that Rams have ever made. Along with Jonathan Ogden, Pace became arguably the best left tackle of his generation.

He was the cornerstone of the offense that helped the Rams win the Super Bowl in 2000. Everything "the greatest show on turf" did was made possible thanks to Pace's dominance of the left side.

He played 12 years in St. Louis before one final season spent with the Chicago Bears in 2009.

63. 1998: Peyton Manning, QB, Indianapolis Colts

It took Peyton Manning no time at all to prove the Colts made the right choice to use 1998's top pick to select him.

Even 28 interceptions in his rookie season couldn't cloud Manning's obvious potential for greatness. In just his second season, he took the Colts to a 13-3 finish.

It was the first of six straight seasons in which Manning threw for over 4,000 yards. He finally won a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2006.

He was on the losing end in a Super Bowl after the 2009 season. Manning then missed the entire 2011 season with a neck injury.

That brought his storied time in Indianapolis to an end. Manning joined the Broncos last season and proved he's still as dominant as ever.

Despite a year away from the game, he rebounded to throw 37 touchdowns. A second Super Bowl would be a fitting way to cap Manning's Hall of Fame-calibre career.

64. 1999: Tim Couch, QB, Cleveland Browns

If you want a quick explanation for the Cleveland Browns' failings since re-entering the league, bad drafting is the simple answer.

That started with selecting Tim Couch first overall in 1999. Admittedly, Crouch entered a tough environment on an expansion team.

However, that team was poorly assembled thanks to misguided recruitment. Picking Couch was part of that. He was out of football by 2003.

65. 2000: Coutney Brown, DE, Cleveland Browns

The Browns were back to botch another first overall pick in 2000. This time, they wasted the draft's prime selection on Courtney Brown.

The brittle defensive end couldn't stand up to the run or dominate as a pass-rusher. Injuries were the main issue.

Brown made just 60 starts in seven seasons. He had moments where he flashed potential, including a reasonably productive 2003 campaign.

However, he still became a symbol of the Browns' ineptitude during their early years back in the NFL.

66. 2001: Michael Vick, QB, Atlanta Falcons

Michael Vick had all the makings of an instant star when the Falcons drafted him first overall in 2001. The NFL had rarely seen a quarterback so dynamic.

Vick's skill on the run frightened defenses out of their collective wits. He dominated highlight reels during 2002, but the Vick hype was dented by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' swarming defense.

He did take the Falcons to the NFC Championship Game in 2004, but major controversy wasn't far away. In 2007 he was arrested and indicted for his role in a dog-fighting ring.

Vick returned to football in 2009 and joined the Eagles. He became the starter and took the team to the playoffs in 2010.

However, Vick has never recaptured the playmaking excellence of his early years. He is currently embroiled in a quarterback battle with second-year pro Nick Foles.

67. 2002: David Carr, QB, Houston Texans

David Carr didn't play like a No. 1 overall pick for the expansion Houston Texans. In fairness, any quarterback would have struggled to make an impact with the Texans.

The abiding image of Carr's early pro years was seeing him planted by an unblocked pass-rusher. Carr was sacked 229 times in his first four seasons.

He's never recovered from the consistent beating he took in  Houston. Carr has been a backup for the 49ers and Panthers and currently occupies the same role with the Giants.

68. 2003: Carson Palmer, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer's NFL career began slowly. He was taken with the No. 1 pick in the 2003 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, Palmer warmed the bench during his rookie year. After serving as understudy to veteran castoff Jon Kitna, Palmer assumed the reins.

He led the Bengals to the playoffs in 2005 and again in 2009. He demanded a trade from Cincinnati in 2011 and was dealt to the Raiders.

Palmer has posted three 4,000-yard passing seasons in his career, including a 4,018-yard effort in 2012. Palmer will begin the 2013 season as the starter for the Arizona Cardinals. 

69. 2004: Eli Manning, QB, San Diego Chargers

The Giants certainly did the right thing when they traded with the San Diego Chargers for the top pick in 2004. The Chargers had selected Eli Manning, who had made it clear he didn't want to play in San Diego. Well, at least his father made it clear.

In a bizarre show of defiance, the Chargers went ahead and drafted Manning anyway. They soon traded him to the Giants for Philip Rivers and three high draft picks, including a first-rounder in 2005.

Manning struggled initially in New York. He was chided during his early years for his clumsy mechanics and inconsistent accuracy.

However, from 2007 onwards, Manning has earned the label of "elite quarterback." He's won two Super Bowls and thrown 157 touchdown passes since the start of the '07 season. 

70. 2005: Alex Smith, QB, San Francisco 49ers

Alex Smith hasn't convinced anyone he should have been the top choice in the 2005 draft. He's had several offensive coordinators, and a serious shoulder injury sidelined him for all of 2008.

Smith did enjoy a brief career highlight in 2011. He flourished under the tutelage of new head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

He passed for 3,144 yards and 17 scores. Smith helped the defense-led, ball-control 49ers to the NFC Championship Game.

Last season, Smith's career again hit the skids when he was replaced by exciting youngster Colin Kaepernick. A trade to the Kansas City Chiefs might revitalize Smith.

At least that's the hope for new head coach Andy Reid.

71. 2006: Mario Williams, DE, Houston Texans

The Texans raised a few eyebrows when they chose Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in 2006. The defensive end has had some fine moments as a pro, but hasn't quite live up to that billing.

Williams posted 14 sacks in 2007 and followed that up with 12 more in 2008. Yet Williams has also had some down years.

He joined the Bills last season and, despite a strong finish, didn't completely meet expectations. However, Williams did register double-digit sacks for a third time.

The Bills will hope he can now dominate with more consistency.

72. 2007: JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders

JaMarcus Russell proved to be a disaster almost as soon as the Oakland Raiders drafted him first overall in 2007. Russell's lazy approach to the game kept him off the field for most of his time in Oakland.

When he did play, he cost the Raiders games. Russell committed 32 turnovers in two seasons as a starter.

The Raiders ditched him in 2010, but Russell is currently trying to get back into the league. He has a lot to do to erase the memory of his first NFL stint.

73. 2008: Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins

Perhaps still smarting over trading away the right to draft Orlando Pace in 1997, Bill Parcells didn't pass on a premium left tackle in 2008.

Parcells selected Jake Long with the top pick, ahead of quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco. Today that decision seems ill-advised.

However, Long did initially justify his selection. He quickly became one of the best young players at his position in the league.

However, Long hasn't been so dominant during the last two seasons. Both campaigns were cut short by season-ending injuries.

The Dolphins let Long walk in free agency this offseason. He joined the Rams and must prove he can get back to his early-career form.

74. 2009: Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

After going 0-16 in 2008, the Detroit Lions couldn't bypass quarterback Matthew Stafford with the first pick in 2009. Yet while Stafford has shown promise, he hasn't entirely convinced as a franchise quarterback.

Staying on the field was a problem early on, and Stafford missed 19 games during his first two seasons. A problem with his throwing shoulder required surgery after the 2010 season.

He has been an ever-present during the last two campaigns. In 2011, his 41 touchdown passes helped the Lions into the playoffs.

Last season saw a reversal of fortunes for Stafford. He threw 17 interceptions on a 4-12 team. Stafford hasn't always been helped by a lacklustre running game and a porous defense.

However, he's also had enough weapons, notably wideout Calvin Johnson, to produce more wins in the Motor City.

75. 2010: Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams

Sam Bradford has so far failed to be the franchise saviour for the Rams. He was solid during 2010 as the No. 1 overall pick.

Bradford threw 18 touchdowns and helped the Rams improve from 1-15 to 7-9. He seemed primed for bigger and better things in 2011.

Things didn't work out that way. The Rams tumbled to a 1-15 finish. Bradford's struggles in the schemes of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels were a big reason why.

He also battled finger and ankle injuries and missed six games. Bradford did start every game in 2012 and posted a career-best 82.6 rating.

He needs to follow that with more solid performances and a winning season to be deemed a success.

76. 2011: Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton was an awesome force as the top rookie in 2011. He passed and ran his way into the record books.

Newton threw for 4,051 yards and 21 scores. He also scampered for 706 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground.

That made many believe Newton and the Carolina Panthers were primed for success in 2012. However, Newton regressed during his second season.

His numbers were down and his maturity was questioned. Newton must show he won't be his own worst enemy and prevent his natural talent from dominating the league.

77. 2012: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

As the top pick in 2012, Andrew Luck produced a magnificent debut season. He overcame the challenge of replacing Peyton Manning in Indianapolis and turned around the struggling Colts.

Luck lost out in the Offensive Rookie of the Year voting to No. 2 pick Robert Griffin III. However, he didn't have the running game Griffin had in Washington.

Yet Luck still managed to throw for 4,374 yards and 23 touchdowns. He also chipped in with five rushing touchdowns and helped take the Colts from 2-14 to 11-5 and the playoffs.

Luck proved he is strong enough to keep the Colts in contention, regardless of his supporting cast. He also proved he deserved to be the first overall pick in 2012.