1950 NFL Draft

The 1950 NFL Draft was a significant event in professional football history, held from January 20-21, 1950, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This draft is notable for a few reasons, including the influx of talent from the dissolving All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the selection of several players who would go on to have Hall of Fame careers.

✦ Background

The 1950 NFL Draft took place in the context of a changing professional football landscape. The NFL had absorbed several teams from the AAFC, which had operated as a rival league for several years. This merger brought an influx of established talent into the NFL, and teams used the 1950 draft to further bolster their rosters.

✦ First Ten Selections

Here are the first ten picks of the 1950 NFL Draft:

✦ 1. Detroit Lions: Leon Hart, E, Notre Dame

✦ 2. Baltimore Colts: Adrian Burk, QB, Baylor

✦ 3. Chicago Bears: Chuck Hunsinger, B, Florida

✦ 4. Green Bay Packers: Clayton Tonnemaker, C, Minnesota

✦ 5. Detroit Lions: Joe Watson, C, Rice

✦ 6. Washington Redskins: George Thomas, B, Oklahoma

✦ 7. New York Giants: Travis Tidwell, B, Auburn

✦ 8. Pittsburgh Steelers: Lynn Chandnois, B, Michigan State

✦ 9. Los Angeles Rams: Ralph Pasquariello, B, Villanova

✦ 10 Chicago Bears: Fred Morrison, B, Ohio State

✦ Hall of Fame Players

The 1950 NFL Draft produced several players who were later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including:

✦ Leo Nomellini: Selected 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, Nomellini was a dominantforce as a defensive tackle and offensive lineman.

✦ Ernie Stautner: Drafted in the second round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Stautner became one of the greatest defensive tackles in NFL history.

✦ Bud Grant: Selected 14th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles, Grant is in the Hall of Fame primarily for his accomplishments as a coach, leading the Minnesota Vikings to multiple Super Bowl appearances.

✦ Gordy Soltau: Drafted in the 3rd round by the Green Bay Packers, Soltau was a versatile end and kicker.

✦ Other Notable Players

Besides the Hall of Famers, the 1950 draft also yielded other notable players who had long and productive NFL careers. Some went on to great success in other areas, such as coaching.

The 1950 NFL Draft is remembered for the quality and longevity of the careers of several players selected. It significantly impacted the league and helped shape the landscape of professional football for years to come.