The 2006 NFL Draft

The 2006 NFL Draft is remembered for its strong class of defensive players, including multiple Pro Bowlers and some Hall of Fame talent. While the draft had its share of offensive stars, the defensive side of the ball proved to be particularly deep. The draft also featured some notable trades and a few surprising picks that didn't pan out as expected.

The 2006 NFL Draft featured a strong defensive class, headlined by Mario Williams. Demarcus Ware and Nick Mangold were selected in the first round and were Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductees.

Held on April 29-30, 2006, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the draft saw the Houston Texans select Mario Williams, a defensive end from North Carolina State, with the first overall pick. This pick was somewhat controversial, as many analysts expected the Texans to take Reggie Bush, the highly touted running back from USC.

Here's a look at the first 30 selections:

✦ 2006 NFL Draft: First 30 Selections

Houston Texans: Mario Williams, DE, NC State

New Orleans Saints: Reggie Bush, RB, USC

Tennessee Titans: Vince Young, QB, Texas

New York Jets: D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia

Arizona Cardinals: Matt Leinart, QB, USC

San Francisco 49ers: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

Oakland Raiders: Michael Huff, S, Texas

Buffalo Bills: Donte Whitner, S, Ohio State

Detroit Lions: Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State

Arizona Cardinals: Channing Crowder, LB, Florida

Denver Broncos: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

Cleveland Browns: Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State

Green Bay Packers: A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State

Seattle Seahawks: Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami (FL)

St. Louis Rams: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

Miami Dolphins: Jason Allen, S, Tennessee

Atlanta Falcons: Michael Turner, RB, Northern Illinois

Oakland Raiders: Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP

Tennessee Titans: LenDale White, RB, USC

Kansas City Chiefs: Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State

New England Patriots: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

San Francisco 49ers: Manny Lawson, DE, NC State

Washington Redskins: Devin Clark, LB, Oklahoma

Cincinnati Bengals: John McCargo, DT, NC State

New York Giants: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami (FL)

Buffalo Bills: John McCargo, DT, Texas Tech

Atlanta Falcons: Jerious Norwood, RB, Mississippi State

Dallas Cowboys: Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State

New York Jets: Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State

Indianapolis Colts: Joseph Addai, RB, LSU

✦ The 2006 draft class produced several Pro Bowl players and one future Hall of Famer:

Demarcus Ware: Selected 11th overall by the Dallas Cowboys, Ware went on to become one of the premier pass rushers of his generation. He was known for his speed, athleticism, and versatility. Ware's illustrious career included multiple Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections, solidifying his place among the NFL's elite defensive players. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

Nick Mangold: Drafted 29th overall by the New York Jets, Mangold was a stalwart at center for the Jets for many years. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Mangold was known for his toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the offensive line.

Jahri Evans: Although drafted in the 4th round, his NFL Career merits note. Selected 103rd overall, Evans was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. An offensive lineman, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.

In addition to the Hall of Famers, several other players from the 2006 draft had notable careers. Mario Williams, despite some criticism of his first-overall selection, had a productive career with the Texans and Bills, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections. Reggie Bush, while not a Hall of Famer, was a dynamic player for the Saints and won a Super Bowl. Other notable picks include Vince Young and Jay Cutler, quarterbacks who had moments of brilliance but ultimately faced challenges in their careers, and Vernon Davis, a talented tight end with a long career.