The 1989 NFL Draft: The Day the Stars Aligned (and One Fell Short)History of the 1989 NFL Draft

On April 23, 1989, the NFL landscape changed forever. Held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, this draft is often cited by historians as the most “top-heavy” in history. It was a day defined by transcendental talent, a massive scouting blunder, and a rule change that fundamentally altered how college players enter the pros.

The Hall of Fame “Big Four”

The players taken in this Draft class had many of them get their bronze busts in Canton, Ohio, including the third pick by the Detroit Lions, running back extraordinaire Barry Sanders, the fourth selection of linebacker Derrick Thomas by the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Atlanta Falcons pick of shutdown corner Deion Sanders with the fifth overall selection. That is 4 HOF’s in the first five picks! But wait, there was one more Gold Jacket bearer yet to come! Safety Steve Atwater was chosen by Denver at number 20 according to the Pro Football Reference website.

1. Troy Aikman (Dallas Cowboys): The quarterback who would lead the 90s dynasty.
2. Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions): Perhaps the most elusive runner to ever lace up cleats.
3. Derrick Thomas (Kansas City Chiefs): One of the most feared edge rushers in NFL history.
4. Deion Sanders (Atlanta Falcons): “Prime Time,” the man who redefined the cornerback position and sports celebrity.

The Cautionary Tale of Tony Mandarich

Of course, you can’t discuss 1989 without the “only exception.” Slotted at number two, between Aikman and Barry Sanders, was Michigan State offensive tackle Tony Mandarich. Dubbed “The Incredible Bulk” by Sports Illustrated, Mandarich was hailed as the greatest line prospect ever. His failure to transition to the NFL—contrasted with the legendary careers of those drafted around him—remains the ultimate cautionary tale for scouts and general managers. It serves as a reminder that “can’t-miss” prospects often do.

A Precedent for Underclassmen

Beyond the names, 1989 was a watershed year for NFL policy. It was the first draft since the AFL-NFL merger where underclassmen were officially eligible to be selected. Barry Sanders, a junior coming off a record-shattering Heisman season at Oklahoma State, became the poster child for this shift. His immediate success paved the way for the modern era, where college stars no longer had to wait four years to turn pro.

Legacy of the Class

While the top five get the glory, the depth was remarkable. Players like Steve Atwater (20th overall) and Andre Rison (22nd overall) also emerged from this first round. For the Dallas Cowboys, who were entering the first year of the Jerry Jones and Jimmy Johnson era, the selection of Aikman at number one signaled the official start of their climb from the cellar to three Super Bowl titles.

The 1989 NFL Draft wasn’t just an annual meeting; it was the assembly of a generation of icons who would define the “Golden Era” of the 1990s.

Complete List of Players Selected in the 1898 NFL Draft

Special Thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com