By Darin On December 21, 1948, the City of Brotherly Love hosted the annual selection meeting that would permanently alter the trajectory of several NFL franchises. The 1949 NFL Draft, held in Philadelphia, wasn’t just another talent acquisition event; it introduced two generational, Hall of Fame talents who defined the postwar era of professional football. In a time when the fledgling NFL was still battling the rival All-America Football Conference (AAFC) for supremacy, the selections made that day became absolutely critical. This draft laid a “concrete” foundation for future dynasties, proving that diligent scouting for talent across all rounds was paramount.
“Concrete Charlie” Sets the Standard
The cornerstone of this legendary draft was the very first pick. The Philadelphia Eagles, hosting the event, proudly selected center and linebacker Chuck Bednarik from the University of Pennsylvania. Known as “Concrete Charlie,” Bednarik embodied the toughness of early NFL football, playing both offense and defense with equal ferocity. He was one of the last true two-way players in the league, eventually leading the Eagles to the 1960 NFL Championship. Bednarik’s selection immediately elevated the Eagles to contender status and set a benchmark for future defensive superstars. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame cemented his legacy as arguably the greatest first-overall pick in franchise history.
The Steal of the Century
While Bednarik defined the top of the draft board, its true depth was revealed in the fourth round. The Los Angeles Rams used the 37th overall pick to select quarterback Norm Van Brocklin. A classic draft steal, “The Dutchman” went on to have a legendary career, throwing for nearly 24,000 yards, winning two NFL championships (one with the Rams and one with the Eagles, alongside Bednarik), and proving that franchise quarterbacks could be found outside the first round.
Furthermore, this draft was historically significant as it was the first to operate under the standardized “Rookie Rule.” This agreement, part of a crucial peace treaty with the AAFC, prevented teams from signing college players until after their graduating class completed its final season, effectively professionalizing the entire draft and talent acquisition process for both leagues.
1949 NFL 1st Round Draft Picks
Besides Bednarik, here are the rest of the first-round selections in the 1949 NFL Draft.
| Pick | Tm | Player | Pos | College/Univ | |
| 1 | PHI | Chuck Bednarik | LB | Pennsylvania | College Stats |
| 2 | DET | John Rauch | QB | Georgia | College Stats |
| 3 | NYB | Doak Walker | HB | SMU | College Stats |
| 4 | NYG | Paul Page | HB | SMU | College Stats |
| 5 | GNB | Stan Heath | QB | Nevada | College Stats |
| 6 | PIT | Bob Gage | DB | Clemson | |
| 7 | RAM | Bobby Thomason | QB | VMI | |
| 8 | WAS | Rob Goode | B | Texas A&M | |
| 9 | PHI | Frank Tripucka | QB | Notre Dame | College Stats |
| 10 | CRD | Bill Fischer | T | Notre Dame | College Stats |
| 11 | CHI | Dick Harris | C | Texas |
Future Hall of Fame Players Taken in 1949 Draft
There were a handful of players taken in this historic draft that would go on to play Pro Football Hall of Fame-worthy careers.
- Chuck Bednarik
- Doak Walker
- Norm Van Brocklin
- Jim Finks
- George Blanda
A Legacy of Scouting
The 1949 NFL Draft stands out as a masterclass in talent identification. From the immediate impact of Chuck Bednarik to the long-term brilliance of Norm Van Brocklin, the selections made in Philadelphia on that winter day in 1948 shaped the NFL’s identity for decades. It demonstrated that championships are built not just on high picks, but on diligent scouting for game-changing talent across all rounds, providing an enduring legacy for the league’s evolving structure.
Our thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com and Newspapers.com
