NFL Draft 2011: The Greatest Pick Ever at Every Spot in the First Round
The NFL Draft guru himself, Mel Kiper, came up with this fantastic idea to analyze the top 10 picks in every NFL draft and decide who was the best player at each pick.
Here at Bleacher Report, we absolutely loved the idea and give all credit to the great one himself. But of course, we have to try to outdo the hairdo.
We’re going to take a hard look at who was the best player at every pick for the entire first round since the NFL draft beginning in 1970 and also the common AFL-NFL draft prior to the AFL-NFL merger from 1967-1969. Since the league has been expanded since then, we're going to go down the first 32 overall picks to up the ante.
Most importantly, with the coveted No. 1 slot, who will go down as the greatest first overall selection in NFL Draft history?
Could O.J Simpson or Earl Campbell take down one of these three Hall-of-Famers in Troy Aikman, John Elway or Terry Bradshaw? Or perhaps the future Hall-of-Fame machine quarterback and four-time NFL MVP Peyton Manning will take the top spot. Maybe Bruce Smith will just take them all down and represent for every defender in history.
You'll find out soon enough.
Oh yeah, it’s going to be a good one.
So sit back, and enjoy the trip down nostalgia road.
Greatest No. 32 Pick: Drew Brees, 2001
1 of 32
Honorable Mention: Henry Ellard, 1983
There aren't many players I admire more than Drew Brees.
I must admit, I never thought he would come close to becoming the quarterback he is now. I was shocked when he put up 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions in his fourth year with the Chargers en route to the Comeback Player of the Year award.
I thought it was a fluke.
Yet it was legit. Things finally clicked for Brees that season, and he never looked back.
He's been one of the few consistently elite quarterbacks in the league since that 2004 season. He went to New Orleans and rejuvenated the city following Hurricane Katrina. He is one of the most humble players in the league and a true face for the NFL.
He's thrown at least 33 touchdown passes the past three years. He also led the New Orleans Saints to their first Super Bowl championship in 2009 and was named the Super Bowl MVP.
Greatest No. 31 Pick: Nnamdi Asomugha, 2003
2 of 32
Honorable Mention: Roman Phifer, 1991
Asomugha may not have the privilege of being on a winning team since entering the NFL, but it's certainly not his fault.
Asomugha has been arguably the very best player at his position for years now, being selected to four consecutive Pro Bowls.
Don't let the 11 career interceptions fool you, he's an all-time caliber player. Nobody wants to dare throw anywhere near him. It's become common knowledge that when Asomugha is on the field, his area is a "dead zone" because quarterbacks refuse to test his immense skills.
Greatest No. 30 Pick: Eric Allen, 1988
3 of 32
Honorable Mentions: Keith Bulluck, 2000; Reggie Wayne, 2001
I really wanted to give Reggie Wayne some love here, but he'll have to settle for honorable mention.
Eric Allen was fantastic throughout his NFL career. He was selected to six Pro Bowls, including five straight from 1991-1995. He missed just three games in his career and intercepted quarterbacks 54 times. He scored eight touchdowns, including two seasons with at least three pick-sixes.
He's even a solid analyst for ESPN!
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Greatest No. 29 Pick: Steve Wisniewski, 1989
4 of 32
Honorable Mention: Chris Spielman, 1988
Let's be real here, would you want to try to get around this behemoth of a man?!
The eight-time Pro Bowler was also a member of the 1990's All-Decade Team. The former two-time All-American at Penn State played all 13 seasons in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders, where he is now the assistant offensive line coach.
Something tells me the Raiders' offensive line will be much improved in 2011...
Greatest No. 28 Pick: Darrell Green, 1983
5 of 32
Honorable Mention: Trevor Pryce, 1997; Derrick Brooks, 1995
The ageless wonder, I'd put money down that Darrell Green could actually still play in the league today.
Yes, he was that good and took incredible care of his body.
He was one of the fastest players in NFL history, winning the NFL's Fastest Man Competition four times. The Hall of Famer played all 20 seasons with the Washington Redskins and helped them win two Super Bowls.
He recorded an interception in 19 consecutive seasons and was a seven-time Pro Bowler. The 1996 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year winner was the oldest player to return an interception for at least 80 yards at 37 years young.
Greatest No. 27 Pick: Dan Marino, 1983
6 of 32
Honorable Mention: Roddy White, 2005; Larry Johnson, 2003
Really, not much needs to be said about Dan Marino. He may not have won a Super Bowl, but he is one of the most prolific regular-season passers of any generation.
He put in work during his tenure with the Miami Dolphins en route to being one of the greatest to ever do it. The nine-time Pro Bowler and 1984 MVP will never be matched in Miami.
Not the most outlandish statement I've ever made, but one I'll stick by to my dying days.
Marino set many passing records which were only topped in recent years by the longevity of former three-time MVP Brett Favre.
Drew Brees almost topped one record, but fell short. In 1984, Marino threw for an eye-popping 5,084 yards, which still stands. He is still also the only quarterback in NFL history to throw for at least 40 touchdowns twice.
Arguably the most impressive stat on Marino is his 36 fourth-quarter comeback victories.
Greatest No. 26 Pick: Ray Lewis, 1996
7 of 32
Honorable Mention: Clay Matthews, 2009; Alan Fancea, 1998; Dana Stubblefield, 1993
Ray Lewis is one of the most dangerous men to ever step on the football field. There is no man or thing that can stop one of the most intense players in gridiron history.
He's been the face of this Ravens defense since coming on board and has not let up one bit. The former Super Bowl champion may be the most inspirational leader the league has ever seen. He has the charisma to make even the most die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan follow him into battle. There may not be another man I want in my foxhole beside me in war than Ray Lewis.
The 12-time Pro Bowler only missed out on the honor twice in his career, in 2002 and 2005. Oh yeah, that measly Super Bowl victory, he was announced the MVP of the game. He's also been awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice.
He was the quickest to reach the 30-sack and 30-interception club at 204 games and also started 209 games as an inside linebacker, the most in NFL history.
I look forward to seeing Ray Lewis breaking more bones for years to come.
Greatest No. 25 Pick: Ted Washington, 1991
8 of 32
Honorable Mention: Santonio Holmes, 2005
Ted Washington was one of the better defensive tackles during his tenure in the league. The mammoth tackle was difficult to move and was an important piece to the New England Patriots' early success.
He started 119 consecutive games, which for a man his size is a fantastic feat. Washington was often too big and strong for opposing linemen to handle and is the type of athletic big-man incoming tackles strive to emulate.
Greatest No. 24 Pick: Aaron Rodgers, 2005
9 of 32
Honorable Mention: Chris Johnson, 2008; Ed Reed, 2002; Rodney Hampton, 1990
It's easy to say now, but at the time, I was yelling at the San Francisco 49ers for passing on Aaron Rodgers, especially for Alex Smith.
Things worked out in the end for Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. He's quickly becoming one of the most prolific passers in the current NFL. His time on the bench has prepared him for domination.
In just his third season as the Packers' starting quarterback, he led the team through a tumultuous season to a Super Bowl championship.
Now, everyone is debating whether or not Rodgers could lead the Packers into their next dynasty and win multiple Super Bowls. Yes, he's that good, becoming the only player to throw for at least 4,000 yards in his first two seasons as a starting quarterback.
Greatest No. 23 Pick: Ty Law, 1995
10 of 32
Honorable Mention: Bruce Armstrong, 1987; Jim Jeffcoat, 1983; Ozzie Newsome, 1978
Ty Law should have pulled a Chad Ochocinco and changed his name to "The Law," because he was the sheriff in town as one of the most dominant corners of his time.
He was the definition of a shutdown corner. He had immense coverage skills and could hang with any receiver in the league. He had great footwork and ball skills too, finishing his career with 53 interceptions.
Law, a five-time Pro Bowler, won three Super Bowl rings as an integral piece to Bill Belichick's defense.
Greatest No. 22 Pick: Andre Rison, 1989
11 of 32
Honorable Mention: William Perry, 1985; Hanford Dixon, 1981
Although Rison was a bit of a journeyman, having played for seven teams, he was a quality receiver. He was announced to the Pro Bowl five times in his career and won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers in 1996.
He finished his career with 743 receptions for more than 10,205 yards and 84 touchdowns.
Greatest No. 21 Pick: Randy Moss, 1998
12 of 32
Honorable Mention: Jerry Gray, 1985; Jerry Robinson, 1979; Lynn Swann, 1974
Randy Moss may go down as the greatest wide receiver not named Jerry Rice.
Moss has been criticized for his troublesome ways, big mouth and taking plays off, but sometimes you have to take a bit of bad for a gander of greatness.
Moss is easily one of the most talented receivers to ever grace the gridiron. He has elite size, speed, hands and, of course, leaping ability. There is not a single cornerback who could legitimately shut down Randy Moss in his prime; he was simply too talented.
The seven-time Pro Bowl honoree holds the single-season record with an astonishing 23 touchdown receptions. He also caught the most touchdown passes of any rookie with 17 for the Minnesota Vikings.
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are still kicking themselves for passing on him.
Greatest No. 20 Pick: Jack Youngblood, 1971
13 of 32
Honorable Mention: Dale Carter, 1992; Steve Atwater, 1989; Mark May, 1981
The seven-time Pro Bowler was one of the fiercest defensive ends in the game.
I mean, just look at the picture; not many would want to be the opposition.
Youngblood played in 201 consecutive games. In that span, he managed to block eight kicks and sack the passer 151.5 times.
Greatest No. 19 Pick: Marvin Harrison, 1996
14 of 32
Honorable Mention: Shaun Alexander, 2000; Jack Tatum, 1971; Roger Wehrli, 1969
Harrison was always an elite player, but was never the marquee name of his generation. He always let his play do the talking, so he was often overshadowed by Randy Moss and Terrell Owens throughout the 2000's.
Yet Harrison was arguably the most consistent receiver during this time. He and Peyton Manning finally won a Super Bowl in 2006, but the road to the big dance was filled with prolific statistics.
The eight-time Pro Bowler finished his career with 1,102 receptions, 14,580 yards and 128 touchdowns. He has a remarkable single-season record that may never be broken, with 143 receptions in 2002. From 1999-2006, he scored double-digit touchdowns each year.
This list goes on and on. Just know that Marvin Harrison did it the right way in the NFL—with exceptional play, incredible hands and route-running on the field, instead of exceptional wordplay off of it.
Greatest No. 18 Pick: Art Monk, 1980
15 of 32
Honorable Mention: Chad Pennington, 2000
The three-time Pro Bowler was also a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Washington Redskins.
As a rookie, Monk set a Redskins record with 58 receptions. He finished his career with 940 receptions for 12,721 yards and 68 touchdowns.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and was the first player to amount 900 receptions in his career.
Greatest No. 17 Pick: Emmitt Smith, 1990
16 of 32
Honorable Mention: Steve Hutchinson, 2001; Gene Upshaw, 1967
It's always debatable who the greatest running back is, but by no means can anyone downplay Emmitt Smith's greatness.
He had deceptive speed, great power, excellent vision and footwork. He was arguably the most important piece to the Cowboys' dominance in the 1990's. It's difficult to envision any player surpassing his records.
The Hall of Famer was sent to the Pro Bowl eight times and led the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories. He was named the MVP in just his third season in the league.
Smith holds career records for 18,355 rushing yards, 164 rushing touchdowns and 78 100-yard rushing games.
Greatest No. 16 Pick: Jerry Rice, 1985
17 of 32
Honorable Mention: Troy Polamalu, 2003; Gene Washington, 1969
Jerry Rice may just be the greatest football player of all-time.
He played in 20 seasons and holds most records for wide receivers. Rice never had the best speed, but he was an exceptional route-runner with the best hands I've ever seen.
The 13-time Pro Bowl honoree was also a two-time Offensive Player of the Year. He was the vital piece to the San Francisco 49ers' excellence, leading the team to three Super Bowl victories with Joe Montana and Steve Young, and was awarded the Super Bowl XXIII MVP.
The Hall of Famer finished his epic career with 1,549 receptions, 22,895 yards and 208 touchdowns.
Greatest No. 15 Pick: John Mobley, 1996
18 of 32
Honorable Mention: Wayne Simmons, 1993; Anthony Miller, 1988; Dennis Smith, 1981
Mobley helped John Elway win a Super Bowl when he deflected a Brett Favre pass to seal the game. A spinal injury cut his career short, but he was a fine linebacker during his time and started in 102 of 105 games played.
The two-time Super Bowl winner had 10.5 sacks and a touchdown in his career.
Greatest No. 14 Pick: Jim Kelly, 1983
19 of 32
Honorable Mention: Darrelle Revis, 2007; Eddie George, 1996
The four-time Pro Bowler led the Buffalo Bills to four straight Super Bowls from 1990-1993. That's unheard of and may never, ever, be matched by any quarterback, especially in today's ever-changing NFL.
Although he and the rest of his Bills came up short in the Super Bowl, four straight appearances is absolutely astonishing.
Kelly holds Buffalo Bills passing records with 35,467 yards and 237 touchdowns, which may never be duplicated in Bills history.
Greatest No. 13 Pick: Franco Harris, 1972
20 of 32
Honorable Mention: Tony Gonzalez, 1997; Kellen Winslow, 1979
The consecutive nine-time Pro Bowler is one of the great running backs in NFL history.
He was one of the most important pieces to the Pittsburgh Steelers dynasty. He helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowls and was named the Super Bowl IX MVP.
Harris finished his career with 12,120 rushing yards and 91 rushing touchdowns.
Greatest No. 12 Pick: Warren Sapp, 1995
21 of 32
Honorable Mention: Warrick Dunn, 1997; Jim Lachey, 1985; Clay Matthews, 1978
Sapp was one of the most outspoken players of his time. He turned off many of his fellow players and fans, but was still highly entertaining. What opposing players may have been more upset about was the fact that he could back it up on the field.
Sapp was a dominating defensive tackle and was sent to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1997 to 2003. The 1999 Defensive Player of the Year also helped lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a Super Bowl championship in 2002.
Greatest No. 11 Pick: Michael Irvin, 1988
22 of 32
Honorable Mention: Ben Roethlisberger, 2004; Dwight Freeney, 2002; Wilber Marshall, 1984
One of the best all-time wide receivers in the history of football, many would argue that Irvin was actually a more important piece to the Dallas Cowboys dynasty than either Emmitt Smith or Troy Aikman.
Irvin was an imposing wide receiver who didn't just rely on his speed, but also his size and strength to dominate opposing cornerbacks. The five-time Pro Bowler was also a three-time Super Bowl champion.
As if Irvin really needed something else to boast about after his immense talent.
The Hall of Famer finished his career with 750 receptions for 11,904 yards and 65 touchdowns.
Greatest No. 10 Pick: Rod Woodson, 1987
23 of 32
Honorable Mention: Terrell Suggs, 2003; Chris McAlister, 1999; Jerome Bettis, 1993; Marcus Allen, 1982
We finally get to the top 10 greatest selections.
We saw serious Hall of Fame talent already, and the pace is about to pick up if you can even believe that.
If Rod Woodson isn't the best safety who ever lived, he's 1B. Woodson had remarkable talent and was awarded 11 Pro Bowl selections, including six straight from 1989-1994.
The Hall of Famer, Super Bowl XXXV champion and 1993 Defensive Player of the Year ran back 12 of his 71 career interceptions for touchdowns.
Greatest No. 9 Pick: Bruce Matthews, 1983
24 of 32
Honorable Mention: Brian Urlacher, 2000; Fred Taylor, 1998; Jerome Brown, 1987
The Hall of Famer played 19 seasons with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans and was selected to 14 Pro Bowls.
He holds the all-time record for 296 games played by an offensive lineman and had his No. 74 jersey retired by the Titans.
Greatest No. 8 Pick: Ronnie Lott, 1981
25 of 32
Honorable Mention: Sam Adams, 1994; Willie Roaf, 1993; Mike Munchak, 1982; Ottis Anderson, 1973; Larry Csonka, 1968
The greatest safety who ever lived had fantastic coverage skills since he was first a cornerback. When Lott converted to safety, he became the most vicious hitter and fiercest competitor the NFL has ever seen.
Lott won four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers and was the most important defensive player on the team. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000 after finishing his career with 63 interceptions.
Legend has it that Lott actually had part of his pinky finger amputated to continue playing football. Talk about dedication!
Greatest No. 7 Pick: Phil Simms, 1979
26 of 32
Honorable Mention: Adrian Peterson, 2007; Kevin Williams, 2003; Champ Bailey, 1999; Sterling Sharpe, 1988; Bryant Young, 1994
I wanted to disagree with Mel Kiper and put Champ Bailey here, but I just can't knock the New York Giants' two-time Super Bowl champion quarterback.
Simms never had the gaudy stats, but he was a great leader for the New York Giants and was awarded the Super Bowl XXI MVP.
A member of the New York Giants' Ring of Honor, his No. 11 jersey has been retired.
Greatest No. 6 Pick: James Lofton, 1978
27 of 32
Honorable Mention: Richard Seymour, 2001; Torry Holt, 1999; Walter Jones, 1997; Tim Brown, 1988, John Riggins, 1971
Lofton was one of the greatest athletes to ever step onto a football field. I conceded to Kiper on this one, placing Lofton here over Tim Brown. This Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times with the team.
Lofton was also selected to the Pro Bowl once as a member of the Buffalo Bills and was a vital piece to their success in the early 1990's.
He played for 16 years and finished his career with 14,004 yards and 75 touchdowns.
Greatest No. 5 Pick: Deion Sanders, 1989
28 of 32
Honorable Mention: LaDainian Tomlinson, 2001; Junior Seau, 1990; Jim McMahon, 1982; Mike Haynes, 1976
What can possibly be said about Deion Sanders?
He was so amazing that I even put him above my all-time favorite player, LaDainian Tomlinson. Everyone must bow down to the greatness of Deion Sanders. He was one of the finest athletes in NFL history.
Sanders' swag is still unrivaled. He was one of the best showmen in the game, on top of being one of the most exciting and charismatic.
He won wherever he went and was one of the cornerstones to the Dallas Cowboys dynasty in the 1990's. Sanders won consecutive Super Bowls with the team and was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times. He was also a great return man and even played wide receiver for the Cowboys, scoring three touchdowns.
The Hall of Famer and 1994 Defensive Player of the Year had 53 interceptions in his career and scored 19 touchdowns on defense and special teams.
Greatest No. 4 Pick: Walter Payton, 1975
29 of 32
Honorable Mention: Charles Woodson, 1998; Jonathan Ogden, 1996; John Hannah, 1973; Joe Greene, 1969; Bob Griese, 1967
Many would declare Walter Payton the greatest running back in NFL history.
He was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and won a Super Bowl in 1986.
The 1977 MVP paved the way for all future running backs with his incredible running style. He rushed for at least 1,000 yards in 10 seasons, finishing his career with 16,726 yards. Payton ran for at least 100 yards in nine consecutive games and also ran for at least 100 yards in 77 games in his entire career.
Payton was one of the most exceptional all-around talents ever.
Greatest No. 3 Pick: Barry Sanders, 1989
30 of 32
Honorable Mention: Larry Fitzgerald, 2004; Andre Johnson, 2003; Simeon Rice, 1996; Steve McNair, 1995; Anthony Munoz, 1980
I really don’t care that Sanders retired “prematurely,” like many others.
When he played, he was one of the very best players the game has ever seen. His footwork and cutting ability were at an elite level. Sanders was easily one of the smoothest and exciting players in history. Had he not retired, he definitely would have passed the greatest No. 4 selection in draft history in Walter Payton.
He was used to winning awards, having won the Heisman Trophy in 1988. The Hall of Famer also won the 1997 NFL MVP award, sharing the honors with Brett Favre, and went to 10 Pro Bowls.
Greatest No. 2 Pick: Lawrence Taylor, 1981
31 of 32
Honorable Mention: Marshall Faulk, 1994; Cornelius Bennett, 1987; Eric Dickerson, 1983; Tony Dorsett, 1977; Randy White, 1975
"LT" Lawrence Taylor may just be the greatest defensive player the NFL has ever seen and won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1981.
His intensity was rarely rivaled, and he was truly one of the baddest men in the game.
Taylor, a two-time Super Bowl winner, was also named to the Pro Bowl 10 times. Equally as impressive as winning two Super Bowls, LT won the Defensive Player of the Year award three times.
Taylor finished his career with a ridiculous unofficial sack total of 142; his sacks total is unofficial because they did not become an actual statistic until 1982.
Most impressive were his 20.5 sacks en route to his NFL MVP award in 1986, one of just two defensive players to be awarded the honor.
Greatest No. 1 Pick: John Elway, 1983
32 of 32
Honorable Mention: Peyton Manning, 1998; Troy Aikman, 1989; Bruce Smith, 1985; Earl Campbell, 1978; Terry Bradshaw, 1970; O.J. Simpson, 1969
Elway, for some reason, is always overlooked in conversations I have with others regarding the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Peyton Manning will soon pass Elway as a better quarterback, but right now, I must concede to Kiper and give the nod to Elway.
He seemed to do it all and, most importantly, went out on top.
He was one of the finest athletes at the quarterback position we have ever seen, finishing his career with 148 victories, more than 51,000 yards thrown and 300 touchdown passes.
A nine-time Pro Bowler, Elway led the Broncos to five Super Bowl appearances.
On the last legs of his career, he finally avenged his first three Super Bowl losses by leading the Broncos to two consecutive Super Bowl victories in 1997-1998 and 1998-1999. He was named the MVP of Super Bowl XXXIII and was the league MVP in 1987.
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