The 1984 NFL Draft

The 1984 NFL Draft featured Irving Fryar, Carl Banks, and the Supplemental Draft brought in Hall of Famers Reggie White and Steve Young, significantly impacting NFL history.

The 1984 NFL Draft, held from May 1-2, 1984, in New York City, is notable for the selection of several players who would go on to have significant NFL careers, though it is also remembered for some players who did not pan out as expected. The draft featured a unique supplemental draft later that year for players who had signed with the rival United States Football League (USFL). This essay will focus on the main 1984 NFL Draft, particularly the first 30 selections, and highlight any Hall of Fame players chosen.

The New England Patriots selected Nebraska wide receiver Irving Fryar with the first overall pick. Fryar had a long and productive NFL career, playing for 17 seasons with the Patriots, Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins. He amassed over 12,000 receiving yards and 84 touchdowns, earning five Pro Bowl selections. While Fryar had a successful career, some argue that other players in the draft had a greater impact on the league.

The Houston Oilers, with the second pick, chose Fryar's Nebraska teammate, offensive tackle Dean Steinkuhler. Steinkuhler had a solid career with the Oilers, contributing to their offensive line. The New York Giants selected linebacker Carl Banks third overall. Banks became a key member of the Giants' defense, helping them win two Super Bowls (XXI and XXV). He was known for his hard-hitting style and leadership.

The Philadelphia Eagles selected wide receiver Kenny Jackson with the fourth pick, and the Kansas City Chiefs took defensive tackle Bill Maas fifth. Maas was a two-time Pro Bowler and had a productive career with the Chiefs. The San Diego Chargers selected defensive back Mossy Cade sixth, but his career was cut short due to off-field issues.

Cincinnati Bengals selected linebacker Ricky Hunley seventh overall. The Indianapolis Colts chose defensive back Leonard Coleman eighth, and the Atlanta Falcons selected defensive end Rick Bryan ninth. The New York Jets rounded out the top ten by selecting defensive back Russell Carter.

✦ Here are the first 30 selections of the 1984 NFL Draft:

1984 NFL Draft: First 30 Selections

✦ New England Patriots: Irving Fryar, WR, Nebraska

✦ Houston Oilers: Dean Steinkuhler, OT, Nebraska

✦ New York Giants: Carl Banks, LB, Michigan State

✦ Philadelphia Eagles: Kenny Jackson, WR, Penn State

✦ Kansas City Chiefs: Bill Maas, DT, Pittsburgh

✦ San Diego Chargers: Mossy Cade, DB, Texas

✦ Cincinnati Bengals: Ricky Hunley, LB, Arizona

✦ Indianapolis Colts: Leonard Coleman, DB, Vanderbilt

✦ Atlanta Falcons: Rick Bryan, DE, Oklahoma

✦ New York Jets: Russell Carter, DB, SMU

✦ Chicago Bears: Wilber Marshall, LB, Florida

✦ Green Bay Packers: Alphonso Carreker, DE, Florida State

✦ Minnesota Vikings: Keith Millard, DT, Washington State

✦ Miami Dolphins: Jackie Shipp, LB, Oklahoma

✦ New York Jets: Ron Faurot, DE, Arkansas

✦ Cincinnati Bengals: Pete Koch, DE, Maryland

✦ St. Louis Cardinals: Clyde Duncan, WR, Tennessee

✦ Cleveland Browns: Don Rogers, DB, UCLA

✦ Indianapolis Colts: Ron Solt, OG, Maryland

✦ Detroit Lions: David Lewis, TE, California

✦ Kansas City Chiefs: John Alt, OT, Iowa

✦ Seattle Seahawks: Terry Taylor, CB, Southern Illinois

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers: Louis Lipps, WR, Southern Mississippi

✦ San Francisco 49ers: Todd Shell, LB, BYU

✦ Dallas Cowboys: Billy Cannon Jr., LB, Texas A&M

✦ Buffalo Bills: Greg Bell, RB, Notre Dame

✦ New York Giants: William Roberts, OG, Ohio State

✦ Cincinnati Bengals: Brian Blados, OT, North Carolina

✦ Houston Oilers: Doug Smith, DT, Auburn

✦ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith Browner, LB, USC

While the 1984 draft produced several successful players, the 1984 regular NFL draft did not result in any players inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. However, it's important to note the 1984 Supplemental Draft which took place in June 1984. The Supplemental Draft was held for players who had already signed with the USFL or CFL. This draft produced several notable players, including:

✦ Reggie White: Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the Supplemental Draft, White is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

✦ Steve Young: Taken by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Supplemental Draft, Young also went on to a Hall of Fame career as a quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, winning multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards.

✦ Gary Zimmerman: A Hall of Fame offensive tackle taken 3rd overall.

In the main 1984 NFL Draft, several players had notable careers, including Irving Fryar, Carl Banks, Louis Lipps, and John Alt. Carl Banks, a two-time Super Bowl champion, stands out among this group.

The 1984 NFL Draft is significant for the impact of its supplemental draft, which added Hall of Fame talent like Reggie White and Steve Young to the league.