1996 NFL Draft
"1996 NFL Draft"
The 1996 NFL Draft is considered one of the most talented and impactful in NFL history. It was a draft rich in Hall of Fame talent and produced many players who would become cornerstones of their respective franchises for years to come. Here's a look back at the top ten picks and some of the notable players from that draft.
✦ The Top Ten Picks[/]b
The 1996 NFL Draft kicked off with the New York Jets selecting wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson from USC with the first overall pick. Johnson was known for his confident persona and playmaking ability.
Here's a quick rundown of the top ten picks:
✦ 1. New York Jets: Keyshawn Johnson, WR, Southern California
✦ 2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Kevin Hardy, LB, Illinois
✦ 3. Arizona Cardinals: Simeon Rice, DE, Illinois
✦ 4. Baltimore Ravens: Jonathan Ogden, OT, UCLA
✦ 5. New York Giants: Cedric Jones, DE, Oklahoma
✦ 6. St. Louis Rams: Lawrence Phillips, RB, Nebraska
✦ 7. New England Patriots: Terry Glenn, WR, Ohio State
✦ 8. Carolina Panthers: Tim Biakabutuka, RB, Michigan
✦ 9. Oakland Raiders: Rickey Dudley, TE, Ohio State
✦ 10. Cincinnati Bengals: Willie Anderson, OT, Auburn
While many of these players had successful careers, some faced challenges. Lawrence Phillips' career was cut short due to off-field issues, but others, like Willie Anderson and Jonathan Ogden, became stalwarts at their positions.
✦ [b]Hall of Fame Talent
The 1996 draft is particularly notable for the number of Hall of Fame players it produced. Among them are:
✦ Jonathan Ogden: Drafted 4th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, Ogden is considered one of the greatest offensive tackles in NFL history. His exceptional size, athleticism, and technique made him a dominant force for over a decade.
✦ Marvin Harrison: Selected 19th overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Harrison became one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. His connection with Peyton Manning was legendary, resulting in numerous records and a Super Bowl victory.
✦ Ray Lewis: Picked 26th overall by the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis is considered one of the greatest linebackers of all time. His passion, intensity, and leadership were instrumental in the Ravens' success, including two Super Bowl wins.
✦ Terrell Owens: Selected in the third round (89th overall) by the San Francisco 49ers. Owens was a dynamic and controversial wide receiver known for his incredible talent and flamboyant personality. He ranks among the NFL's all-time leaders in receiving yards and touchdowns.
✦ Brian Dawkins: Selected in the second round (61st overall) by the Philadelphia Eagles. Dawkins was known for his hard hitting and versatility.
✦ Other Notable Players
✦ Beyond the Hall of Famers, the 1996 draft produced a number of other highly successful players, including:
✦ Eddie George: Drafted 14th overall by the Houston Oilers (later Tennessee Titans), George was a workhorse running back known for his durability and productivity.
✦ Keyshawn Johnson: A very successful wide receiver in the NFL.
✦ Willie Anderson: A dominant offensive tackle.
✦ Muhsin Muhammad: A very productive wide receiver for the Panthers and Bears.
✦ Amani Toomer: A long time contributor to the New York Giants.
The 1996 NFL Draft stands out as a remarkable class that shaped the landscape of the NFL for many years. Its combination of top-tier talent and Hall of Fame inductees makes it one of the most memorable drafts in league history.
- EVENTDAY: April 20
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