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1990 NFL Draft

The 1990 NFL Draft, held in New York City on April 22nd, was a significant event in NFL history, marked...

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FOOTBALL | NFL Draft

"1990 NFL Draft"

Last updated 📅 2025-04-22

The 1990 NFL Draft, held in New York City on April 22nd, was a significant event in NFL history, marked by several high-profile selections and the emergence of future Hall of Famers. The Indianapolis Colts kicked off the draft by selecting University of Illinois quarterback Jeff George with the first overall pick. George was a highly touted prospect, but his NFL career did not fully live up to the expectations that came with being the top pick.

The early part of the first round saw several defensive stars being chosen. The Seattle Seahawks, with the third overall pick, selected defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy from the University of Miami. Kennedy went on to become a dominant force in the NFL and was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Two picks later, the San Diego Chargers drafted linebacker Junior Seau from USC. Seau also established himself as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, earning numerous accolades and a place in the Hall of Fame.

Here is a list of the first 30 picks from the 1990 NFL Draft:

1. Indianapolis Colts: Jeff George, QB, Illinois

2. New York Jets: Blair Thomas, RB, Penn State

3. Seattle Seahawks: Cortez Kennedy, DT, Miami

4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith McCants, LB, Alabama

5. San Diego Chargers: Junior Seau, LB, USC

6. Chicago Bears: Mark Carrier, DB, USC

7. Detroit Lions: Andre Ware, QB, Houston

8. New England Patriots: Chris Singleton, LB, Arizona

9. Miami Dolphins: Richmond Webb, T, Texas A&M

10. New England Patriots: Ray Agnew, DE, North Carolina State

11. Los Angeles Raiders: Anthony Smith, DE, Arizona

12. Cincinnati Bengals: James Francis, LB, Baylor

13. Kansas City Chiefs: Percy Snow, LB, Michigan State

14. New Orleans Saints: Renaldo Turnbull, DE, West Virginia

15. Houston Oilers: Lamar Lathon, LB, Houston

16. Buffalo Bills: James Williams, DB, Fresno State

17. Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida

18. Green Bay Packers: Tony Bennett, LB, Mississippi

19. Green Bay Packers: Darrell Thompson, RB, Minnesota

20. Atlanta Falcons: Steve Broussard, RB, Washington State

21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Green, TE, Liberty

22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ben Smith, DB, Georgia

23. Los Angeles Rams: Bern Brostek, C, Washington

24. New York Giants: Rodney Hampton, RB, Georgia

25. San Francisco 49ers: Dexter Carter, RB, Florida State

26. Dallas Cowboys: Alexander Wright, WR, Auburn

27. Atlanta Falcons: Darion Conner, LB, Jackson State

28. New York Jets: Reggie Rembert, WR, West Virginia

29. Seattle Seahawks: Terry Wooden, LB, Syracuse

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Reggie Cobb, RB, Tennessee

One of the most impactful picks of the draft came later in the first round. With the 17th overall selection, the Dallas Cowboys chose running back Emmitt Smith from the University of Florida. Smith went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a key player in the Cowboys' Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

In addition to Kennedy, Seau, and Smith, the 1990 NFL Draft also produced another Pro Football Hall of Famer. Tight end Shannon Sharpe, selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round with the 192nd pick, proved to be one of the biggest steals in draft history. Sharpe became one of the most productive tight ends in the league, winning multiple Super Bowls and earning a spot in Canton.

The 1990 NFL Draft is remembered for its strong class of Hall of Fame players and the significant impact several draftees had on their respective franchises.

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"The History of the NFL Draft"

The NFL Draft. It's a spectacle ingrained in the American sports calendar, a night filled with anticipation, analysis, and franchise-altering decisions. But how did this behemoth of an event come to be? Buckle up, football fans, because we're embarking on a journey through the rich history of the NFL Draft.
  • FOOTBALL: NFL Draft
This series will delve into the fascinating evolution of the draft, from its humble beginnings in a smoky hotel conference room to the multi-day extravaganza it is today. We'll explore the rule changes, the draft day dramas, and the iconic moments that have cemented the draft's place in NFL lore. Get ready to meet the visionaries who shaped the draft, the surprise picks that shocked the world, and the legendary players who were selected with hopes of gridiron glory. So, whether you're a seasoned draft enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we uncover the stories behind the selections, the strategies, and the legacies built on the foundation of the NFL Draft. The NFL Draft. It's a spectacle ingrained in the American sports calendar, a night filled with anticipation, analysis, and franchise-altering decisions...

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