By Darin The 1952 NFL Draft stands as a fascinating snapshot of a league in transition. Held on January 17, 1952, at the Hotel Statler in New York City, this draft occurred during an era when the NFL was beginning to solidify its dominance over the American sporting landscape. With 30 rounds and 360 total selections, the talent pool was deep, eventually producing some of the most iconic figures to ever grace the gridiron.
The Bonus Pick and the Top Ten
In this era of NFL history, a “bonus pick” system was still in place—a lottery-style selection that predated the modern parity-driven draft order. The Los Angeles Rams were the beneficiaries in 1952, using the first overall selection to bolster an already potent roster.
Here are the top ten selections of the 1952 NFL Draft:
| Pick | Tm | Player | Pos | College/Univ |
| 1 | RAM | Billy Wade | QB | Vanderbilt |
| 2 | DTX | Les Richter HOF | LB | California |
| 3 | CRD | Ollie Matson HOF | RB | San Francisco |
| 4 | GNB | Babe Parilli | QB | Kentucky |
| 5 | PHI | Johnny Bright | B | Drake |
| 6 | PIT | Ed Modzelewski | FB | Maryland |
| 7 | WAS | Larry Isbell | B | Baylor |
| 8 | CHI | Jim Dooley | B | Miami (FL) |
| 9 | SFO | Hugh McElhenny HOF | HB | Washington |
| 10 | CLE | Bert Rechichar | DB | Tennessee |
| 11 | NYG | Frank Gifford HOF | HB | USC |
| 12 | CLE | Harry Agganis | QB | Boston Univ. |
| 13 | RAM | Bob Carey | E | Michigan St. |
The “Million Dollar Backfield” and Hall of Fame Icons
What makes the 1952 draft truly legendary is the sheer concentration of talent that ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While many drafts struggle to produce one gold jacket, 1952 produced several foundational stars of the 1950s and 60s.
The San Francisco 49ers hit a home run with Hugh McElhenny at #4. Known as “The King,” McElhenny was a breathtaking open-field runner who became a cornerstone of the 49ers’ “Million Dollar Backfield.” He was joined in that backfield by fellow 1952 draftee Ollie Matson, who was selected third overall by the Cardinals before eventually moving to the Rams and Lions. Matson was a true Olympic-level athlete, having won bronze and silver medals in the 1952 Helsinki Games before starting his NFL career.
Perhaps the most famous name from this class is Frank Gifford. Selected 9th overall by the New York Giants, Gifford became the face of the franchise. A versatile weapon who could run, catch, and even throw, Gifford’s celebrity status helped elevate the NFL into the television era.
Defensive Giants and Late-Round Steals
Defense was not ignored in 1952. Les Richter, the second overall pick, became an eight-time Pro Bowler and a legendary linebacker for the Rams. Bobby Dillon, taken 10th by Green Bay, remains the Packers’ all-time interceptions leader with 52, a record that has stood for over half a century.
The Hall of Fame list from this year also includes:
- Les Richter
- Ollie Matson
- Hugh McElhenny
- Frank Gifford
- Gino Marchetti (DE, San Francisco): Drafted in the 2nd round, Marchetti became arguably the greatest defensive end of his era with the Baltimore Colts.
- Bobby Dillon
- Yale Lary
The 1952 NFL Draft was more than just a player selection meeting; it was the assembly of the “Old Guard” that would define the league’s toughness and growing popularity. From the glamour of Frank Gifford to the raw power of Gino Marchetti, the class of ’52 remains one of the most impactful groups in the history of professional football.
Big thanks to the resource of Pro-Football-Reference.com
