The 1978 NFL Draft

The 1978 NFL Draft, held from May 2-3 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, is remembered as one of the most talent-rich drafts in NFL history. This draft not only produced several Hall of Fame players but also significantly impacted the landscape of the league for years to come. The Houston Oilers, holding the first overall pick (obtained via a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), selected Heisman Trophy winner Earl Campbell, a powerful running back from the University of Texas. This pick set the tone for a draft that would be defined by exceptional talent at various positions.

✦ A Wild 1st Round in the 1978 NFL Draft

The first round alone showcased an array of future stars. Following Campbell, the Kansas City Chiefs selected defensive end Art Still at number two. The New Orleans Saints picked wide receiver Wes Chandler third, and the New York Jets chose offensive tackle Chris Ward fourth. The Buffalo Bills selected running back Terry Miller fifth. With the sixth pick, the Green Bay Packers drafted wide receiver James Lofton from Stanford, who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career.

Other notable first-round selections included tight end Ken MacAfee by the San Francisco 49ers, and defensive end Ross Browner by the Cincinnati Bengals. The Cleveland Browns, at pick number twelve, selected linebacker Clay Matthews Jr., who, while not a Hall of Famer, had a long and incredibly distinguished career. The Atlanta Falcons picked offensive tackle Mike Kenn at thirteen, and the San Diego Chargers chose wide receiver John Jefferson at fourteen.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had traded the first overall pick, still made a significant selection in the first round, taking quarterback Doug Williams from Grambling State at pick number seventeen. Williams would later make history by leading the Washington Redskins to victory in Super Bowl XXII.

The latter part of the first round also yielded significant talent. The Cleveland Browns, with the 23rd overall pick, selected tight end Ozzie Newsome from Alabama. Newsome, another future Hall of Famer, became one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history and later a successful NFL executive. Other first-round picks included defensive end Larry Bethea by the Dallas Cowboys.

Moving into the second round, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected running back Johnny Davis with the 30th overall pick. While the second round may not have had the same volume of Hall of Fame talent as the first, it still produced players who contributed to their teams in significant ways. Al Baker, a defensive end selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round (40th overall), had a productive NFL career.

✦ In total, the 1978 NFL Draft produced four players who were eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame:

✦ Earl Campbell: Taken first overall by the Houston Oilers, Campbell's powerful running style earned him the nickname "The Tyler Rose." His impact on the Oilers was immediate, and he won the NFL MVP award in his first three seasons.

✦ James Lofton: Selected sixth overall by the Green Bay Packers, Lofton was known for his speed, leaping ability, and graceful route running. He was a prolific receiver for several teams throughout his career.

✦ Ozzie Newsome: Drafted 23rd overall by the Cleveland Browns, Newsome redefined the tight end position with his receiving skills. He was a reliable target and a leader for the Browns for many years.

✦ Clay Matthews Jr.: Selected 12th overall by the Cleveland Browns. While he is not in the Hall of Fame, Matthews had a remarkable 19-year career, primarily with the Browns. He was known for his toughness, longevity, and consistent performance as a linebacker.

✦ Other Signiificant players from the 1978 NFL Draft

✦ Mike Kenn: Selected 13th overall by the Atlanta Falcons, Kenn was a cornerstone of the Falcons' offensive line for 17 seasons. He was known for his durability and consistency, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and All-Pro honors. Although not a Hall of Famer, his contribution to the Falcons franchise was immense.

The 1978 NFL Draft stands as a testament to the importance of scouting and player evaluation. The impact of this draft extended beyond individual careers, shaping the fortunes of several franchises and leaving an indelible mark on NFL history. The contributions of Earl Campbell, James Lofton, Ozzie Newsome, and the numerous other talented players selected in this draft continue to be celebrated and remembered by football fans.

Info courtesy of Newspapers.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com