1994 NFL Draft

The 1994 NFL Draft, held in New York City from April 24-25, 1994, marked a significant moment in NFL history. This draft is notable for the players selected and the first draft with only seven rounds, a format that remains in place today. While opinions on the overall depth of the draft vary, it undeniably produced several players who would achieve considerable success and, in some cases, reach the pinnacle of the sport with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Cincinnati Bengals used the first overall pick to select defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson from Ohio State. Wilkinson had a solid NFL career but didn't reach the heights of other players in this draft.

✦ Here's a look at the first 30 selections from the 1994 NFL Draft:

✦ 1. Cincinnati Bengals: Dan Wilkinson, DT, Ohio State

✦ 2. Indianapolis Colts: Marshall Faulk, RB, San Diego State

✦ 3. Washington Redskins: Heath Shuler, QB, Tennessee

✦ 4. New England Patriots: Willie McGinest, LB, USC

✦ 5. Indianapolis Colts: Trev Alberts, LB, Nebraska

✦ 6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Trent Dilfer, QB, Fresno State

✦ 7. San Francisco 49ers: Bryant Young, DT, Notre Dame

✦ 8. Seattle Seahawks: Sam Adams, DT, Texas A&M

✦ 9. Cleveland Browns: Antonio Langham, CB, Alabama

✦ 10. Arizona Cardinals: Jamir Miller, LB, UCLA

✦ 11. Chicago Bears: John Thierry, DE, Alcorn State

✦ 12. New York Jets: Aaron Glenn, CB, Texas A&M

✦ 13. New Orleans Saints: Joe Johnson, DE, Louisville

✦ 14. Philadelphia Eagles: Bernard Williams, T, Georgia

✦ 15. Los Angeles Rams: Wayne Gandy, T, Auburn

✦ 16. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Taylor, T, Notre Dame

✦ 17. Pittsburgh Steelers: Charles Johnson, WR, Colorado

✦ 18. Minnesota Vikings: Dewayne Washington, CB, NC State

✦ 19. Minnesota Vikings: Todd Steussie, T, California

✦ 20. Miami Dolphins: Tim Bowens, DT, Mississippi

✦ 21. Detroit Lions: Johnnie Morton, WR, USC

✦ 22. Los Angeles Raiders: Rob Fredrickson, LB, Michigan State

✦ 23. Dallas Cowboys: Shante Carver, DE, Arizona State

✦ 24. New York Giants: Thomas Lewis, WR, Indiana

✦ 25. Kansas City Chiefs: Greg Hill, RB, Texas A&M

✦ 26. Houston Oilers: Henry Ford, DE, Arkansas

✦ 27. Buffalo Bills: Jeff Burris, CB, Notre Dame

✦ 28. San Francisco 49ers: William Floyd, FB, Florida State

✦ 29. Cleveland Browns: Derrick Alexander, WR, Michigan

✦ 30. Cincinnati Bengals: Darnay Scott, WR, San Diego State

While the draft featured a variety of positions in the early selections, several players went on to achieve significant success, with a select few earning Hall of Fame recognition:

Marshall Faulk: Selected second overall by the Indianapolis Colts, Faulk's early career was hampered by injuries. However, after being traded to the St. Louis Rams, he became a key component of "The Greatest Show on Turf." Faulk's exceptional versatility as a runner and receiver revolutionized the running back position, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Isaac Bruce: Chosen by the Los Angeles Rams with the 33rd overall pick in the second round, Bruce became one of the most productive wide receivers in NFL history. He was a primary target for the Rams for many years and played a crucial role in their Super Bowl XXXIV victory. Bruce's stellar career led to his Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2020.

Larry Allen: The Dallas Cowboys selected Allen in the second round (46th overall). Allen is considered one of the most outstanding offensive linemen ever, known for his incredible strength, athleticism, and versatility. He earned numerous Pro Bowl selections and Super Bowl rings and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.

Kevin Mawae: Drafted by the Seattle Seahawks with the 36th overall pick in the second round, Mawae established himself as one of the premier centers in the NFL. He played for the Seahawks, New York Jets, and Tennessee Titans, earning numerous accolades for his consistent excellence and leadership. Mawae was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Willie McGinest: Drafted 4th overall by the New England Patriots. McGinest was a dominant linebacker and defensive end for the Patriots, known for his versatility, leadership, and clutch performances in key moments. He played a crucial role in the Patriots' early Super Bowl victories and is considered one of the franchise's all-time greats.

The 1994 NFL Draft is remembered for the lasting impact of its Hall of Fame selections. These players achieved individual greatness and contributed significantly to their teams' success, shaping the NFL landscape for years to come.