The 1979 NFL Draft

The 1979 NFL Draft, held on May 3-4, 1979, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, is notable for producing several Hall of Fame players who significantly impacted the league. While some top picks didn't quite live up to expectations, the draft yielded exceptional talent that shaped the NFL landscape for years to come.

The Buffalo Bills, holding the first overall pick, selected Tom Cousineau, a linebacker from Ohio State. Cousineau's career, while decent, did not reach Hall of Fame levels.

✦ Here's a look at the first 10 picks:

✦ 1. Buffalo Bills: Tom Cousineau, LB, Ohio State

✦ 2. Kansas City Chiefs: Mike Bell, DE, Colorado State

✦ 3. Cincinnati Bengals: Jack Thompson, QB, Washington State

✦ 4. Chicago Bears: Dan Hampton, DT, Arkansas

✦ 5. Buffalo Bills: Jerry Butler, WR, Clemson

✦ 6. Baltimore Colts: Barry Krauss, LB, Alabama

✦ 7. New York Giants: Phil Simms, QB, Morehead State

✦ 8. St. Louis Cardinals: Ottis Anderson, RB, Miami (FL)

✦ 9. Chicago Bears: Al Harris, DE, Arizona State

✦ 10. Detroit Lions: Keith Dorney, T, Penn State

The 1979 draft is particularly well-regarded due to the presence of future Hall of Famers. The Chicago Bears' selection of Dan Hampton from Arkansas with the fourth overall pick proved to be a franchise-altering move. Hampton was a versatile defensive lineman known for his toughness and skill, contributing significantly to the Bears' dominant defense of the 1980s. He earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Further down in the first round, the San Diego Chargers selected Kellen Winslow, a tight end from Missouri, with the 13th overall pick. Winslow revolutionized the tight end position with his exceptional receiving abilities and athleticism. He became a star for the Chargers, earning Hall of Fame honors for his outstanding career.

One of the most remarkable stories of the 1979 draft is the selection of quarterback Joe Montana. The San Francisco 49ers drafted Montana from Notre Dame with the 82nd overall pick in the third round. Montana's poise, leadership, and clutch performances led the 49ers to four Super Bowl victories, and he is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. His selection is often cited as one of the biggest steals in NFL draft history.

✦ Here are the remaining selections in the first round:

✦ New Orleans Saints: Russell Erxleben, K-P, Texas

✦ Cincinnati Bengals: Charles Alexander, RB, LSU

✦ San Diego Chargers: Kellen Winslow, TE, Missouri

✦ New York Jets: Marty Lyons, DE, Alabama

✦ Green Bay Packers: Eddie Lee Ivery, RB, Georgia Tech

✦ Minnesota Vikings: Ted Brown, RB, North Carolina State

✦ Atlanta Falcons: Don Smith, DE, Miami

✦ Seattle Seahawks: Manu Tuiasosopo, DT, UCLA

✦ Los Angeles Rams: George Andrews, LB, Nebraska

✦ Cleveland Browns: Willis Adams, WR, Houston

✦ Philadelphia Eagles: Jerry Robinson, LB, UCLA

✦ Denver Broncos: Kelvin Clark, T, Nebraska

✦ Kansas City Chiefs: Steve Fuller, QB, Clemson

✦ Miami Dolphins: Jon Giesler, T, Michigan

✦ New England Patriots: Rick Sanford, DB, South Carolina

✦ Los Angeles Rams: Kent Hill, T, Georgia Tech

✦ Dallas Cowboys: Robert Shaw, C, Tennessee

✦ Pittsburgh Steelers: Greg Hawthorne, RB, Baylor

The 1979 NFL Draft is remembered as a draft that produced both immediate impact players and long-term franchise cornerstones. The selection of Dan Hampton, Kellen Winslow, and especially Joe Montana cemented its place in NFL history.