1992 NFL Draft History: The Indianapolis Colts’ Massive Double-Pick Gamble

The 1992 NFL Draft remains one of the most fascinating “what if” chapters in football history. Held at the Marriott Marquis in New York City, it wasn’t defined by a legendary quarterback class or a single dominant dynasty, but rather by massive gambles, defensive stalwarts, and the rare occurrence of a punter being taken in the first round.

Draft Storyline

The “Quarterback of the Future” That Wasn’t

April 26, 1992 – The headline story going into the draft was David Klingler. Coming out of Houston’s “Run and Shoot” offense, Klingler had put up video-game numbers, including an NCAA-record 11 touchdown passes in a single game. The Cincinnati Bengals took him at No. 6, hoping he’d be the heir to Boomer Esiason.

Unfortunately, the transition from a college system to the NFL was brutal. Klingler struggled with the speed of the pro game and a porous offensive line, eventually becoming one of the era’s most cited “busts.” It served as a cautionary tale for scouts about valuing raw stats over system compatibility.

The Defensive Powerhouse

While the quarterbacks fizzled, the defensive side of the ball flourished. The Indianapolis Colts held the first two picks of the draft—a feat that hasn’t been repeated since.

The Indianapolis Colts held the first two picks in the 1992 NFL Draft due to a combination of their own poor performance and a previous trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Colts held the #1 overall pick after finishing with a league-worst 1-15 record in 1991, and they obtained the #2 pick from the Buccaneers as part of a 1990 trade for quarterback Chris Chandler.

They used them on:

• Steve Emtman (DE): A defensive tackle from Washington who was considered a “can’t-miss” prospect.
• Quentin Coryatt (LB): Known for a legendary, bone-crushing hit in college at Texas A&M.

While injuries cut Emtman’s career short, the draft produced defensive legends later in the rounds. Troy Vincent, Darren Woodson, and Levon Kirkland all entered the league in ’92, proving that the real value was found in the secondary and linebacker corps.

The Great Punter Mystery

Perhaps the most “1990s” storyline was the New Orleans Saints using the 24th overall pick on Ray Guy Award winner Ray Klausman. Taking a punter in the first round is almost unheard of today, but the Saints were convinced his leg was a strategic weapon. While Klausman had a respectable career, the pick remains a point of intense debate among draft historians.

Legacy of 1992

The 1992 Draft didn’t have the star power of ’83 or the depth of ’04, but it changed how teams evaluated “system” quarterbacks and solidified the importance of defensive depth. It was a year of high-stakes gambling where the safest bets often turned out to be the most volatile.

Conclusion

Looking back from 2026, the 1992 draft serves as a masterclass in the unpredictability of the gridiron. It reminds us that while “can’t-miss” prospects and record-breaking stats dominate the headlines, the true legacy of a draft is often found in the durable defensive stars and the lessons learned from the gambles that didn’t pay off.

Complete List of Players in the NFL Draft (Round 1)

Big thanks to Pro-Football-Reference.com for the above information.