1995 NFL Draft

The 1995 NFL Draft, held on April 22, 1995, was a significant event for many franchises, as they looked to secure the next generation of NFL talent. The Cincinnati Bengals, holding the first overall pick, selected Penn State running back Ki-Jana Carter. Carter was a highly touted prospect with explosive speed and potential to be a star, but his career was unfortunately hampered by injuries.

The 1995 draft was notable for the number of highly talented defensive players selected, particularly in the first round. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an especially successful draft, selecting two future Hall of Famers. With the 12th overall pick, they chose defensive tackle Warren Sapp from the University of Miami. Sapp went on to become one of the most dominant and disruptive defensive tackles in NFL history. Later in the first round, with the 28th pick, the Buccaneers selected linebacker Derrick Brooks from Florida State University. Brooks also became a Hall of Famer, renowned for his speed, intelligence, and leadership at the linebacker position.

The New England Patriots also had a strong draft in 1995, selecting two future Hall of Famers. They picked cornerback Ty Law from the University of Michigan with the 23rd overall pick. Law developed into one of the premier cornerbacks of his era, known for his aggressive style and ball-hawking skills. The Patriots also drafted running back Curtis Martin from the University of Pittsburgh. Martin, chosen in the third round, went on to have aHall of Fame career.

✦ Here is a list of the first 32 picks from the 1995 NFL Draft:

✦ 1. Cincinnati Bengals: Ki-Jana Carter, RB, Penn State

✦ 2. Jacksonville Jaguars: Tony Boselli, OT, USC

✦ 3. Houston Oilers: Steve McNair, QB, Alcorn State

✦ 4. Washington Redskins: Michael Westbrook, WR, Colorado

✦ 5. Carolina Panthers: Kerry Collins, QB, Penn State

✦ 6. St. Louis Rams: Kevin Carter, DE, Florida

✦ 7. Philadelphia Eagles: Mike Mamula, DE, Boston College

✦ 8. Seattle Seahawks: Joey Galloway, WR, Ohio State

✦ 9. New York Jets: Kyle Brady, TE, Penn State

✦ 10. San Francisco 49ers: J.J. Stokes, WR, UCLA

✦ 11. Minnesota Vikings: Derrick Alexander, DE, Florida State

✦ 12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Warren Sapp, DT, Miami

✦ 13. New Orleans Saints: Mark Fields, LB, Washington State

✦ 14. Buffalo Bills: Ruben Brown, G, Pittsburgh

✦ 15. Indianapolis Colts: Ellis Johnson, DT, Florida

✦ 16. New York Jets: Hugh Douglas, DE, Central State (OH)

✦ 17. New York Giants: Tyrone Wheatley, RB, Michigan

✦ 18. Oakland Raiders: Napoleon Kaufman, RB, Washington

✦ 19. Jacksonville Jaguars: James Stewart, RB, Tennessee

✦ 20. Detroit Lions: Luther Elliss, DT, Utah

✦ 21. Chicago Bears: Rashaan Salaam, RB, Colorado

✦ 22. Carolina Panthers: Tyrone Poole, CB, Fort Valley State

✦ 23. New England Patriots: Ty Law, CB, Michigan

✦ 24. Minnesota Vikings: Korey Stringer, OT, Ohio State

✦ 25. Miami Dolphins: Billy Milner, OT, Houston

✦ 26. Atlanta Falcons: Devin Bush, S, Florida State

✦ 27. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mark Bruener, TE, Washington

✦ 28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Derrick Brooks, LB, Florida State

✦ 29. Carolina Panthers: Blake Brockermeyer, OT, Texas

✦ 30. Cleveland Browns: Craig Powell, LB, Ohio State

✦ 31. Kansas City Chiefs: Trezelle Jenkins, OT, Michigan

✦ 32. Green Bay Packers: Craig Newsome, CB, Arizona State

In addition to the aforementioned Hall of Famers, the 1995 NFL Draft also produced other notable players. Tony Boselli, taken second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, became one of the league's premier offensive tackles, though his career was cut short by injury. Steve McNair, drafted third overall by the Houston Oilers (later the Tennessee Titans), was a tough and talented quarterback who led the Titans to a Super Bowl appearance.

Another Hall of Famer, Terrell Davis, was selected by the Denver Broncos in the sixth round with the 196th overall pick. Davis became one of the greatest running backs of his era, leading the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories and earning MVP honors.