By Darin NFL Draft Sections at Pick 30
With the 2026 NFL Draft just 30 days away, the latest episode of the Pigpen historical draft countdown tackled one of the most unpredictable slots in draft history: Pick Number 30.
Host Darin Hayes and guest Ed Kleese took a deep dive into the archives, labeling the 30th selection as “mostly forgettable” but punctuated by absolute legends. Statistically, defensive backs have been the flavor of the century at this spot, being selected 10% of the time over the last 90 years. However, in the modern era (since 1980), the conversation shifted from “who’s who” to “what happened?”
The Highs, the Lows, and the Head-Scratchers
The discussion kicked off with a cautionary tale. While finding a Hall of Famer at pick 30 is the dream, teams sometimes find a nightmare. Kleese highlighted Andre Johnson (the 1996 offensive tackle, not the legendary Texans receiver) as perhaps the ultimate “bust.” Despite being a first-round investment by Washington, Johnson never played a single down for the team that drafted him—a rare feat for a healthy first-rounder.
On the brighter side, the duo touched on solid “blue-collar” stars like Heath Miller, the beloved Steelers tight end, and Joseph Addai, who helped anchor the Colts’ backfield during their championship years.
The Top 5 Picks at No. 30 (Since 1980)
Ed Kleese ranked his top five selections from this slot, showcasing that you can find defensive anchors and perennial All-Pros if you scout correctly:
| Rank | Player | Position | Team | Notable Achievement |
| 1 | T.J. Watt | OLB | Steelers | 2017 Draft; 5 seasons with 13+ sacks. |
| 2 | Eric Allen | CB | Eagles | Hall of Famer; 8 career touchdowns. |
| 3 | Reggie Wayne | WR | Colts | 14 seasons in Indy; over 1,000 receptions. |
| 4 | Keith Bulluck | LB | Titans | Missed only 3 games in an entire decade. |
| 5 | Patrick Kerney | DE | Falcons | 11-year career with four 10-sack seasons. |
Players Discussed in This Episode
The transcript featured a wide-ranging list of names, from modern-day superstars to gridiron pioneers:
- Keith Browner (LB, Buccaneers) – Part of the famous four-brother NFL family.
- Andre Johnson (OT, Washington) – Noted as a significant draft “bust.”
- Joseph Addai (RB, Colts) – Reliable back during the Peyton Manning era.
- Ross Verba (OT, Packers) – A stalwart on the Green Bay offensive line.
- Heath Miller (TE, Steelers) – A fan favorite and 2x Super Bowl champion.
- Patrick Kerney (DE, Falcons/Seahawks) – A fierce pass rusher and All-Pro.
- Keith Bulluck (LB, Titans) – The durable heart of the Titans’ defense in the 2000s.
- Reggie Wayne (WR, Colts) – A prolific receiver and future Canton candidate.
- Eric Allen (CB, Eagles/Saints/Raiders) – A ball-hawking Hall of Fame cornerback.
- T.J. Watt (LB, Steelers) – Cited as the greatest No. 30 pick of all time.
- Cam Heyward (DT, Steelers) – Mentioned as another late-first-round Pittsburgh gem.
- Terry Hanratty (QB, Steelers) – The Notre Dame legend drafted in 1969.
- Sam Huff (LB, Giants) – Hall of Famer and one of the first “faces” of the NFL.
- Vic Bottari (B, Brooklyn Dodgers) – A 1939 selection from the early days of the draft.
- Gary Beban (QB, Redskins) – The 1967 Heisman winner drafted 30th overall.
As the countdown continues, one thing is clear: pick 30 might be late in the first round, but for teams like the Steelers and Colts, it has been the foundation of championship legacies.
