1962 NFL Draft

The 1962 NFL Draft, held on December 4, 1961, in Chicago, was a pivotal event in professional football history, largely defined by the intense competition with the rival American Football League (AFL). This era of dual drafts meant that many top college prospects were courted by teams from both leagues, leading to bidding wars and often, players choosing the upstart AFL for better financial offers or perceived opportunities. Unlike today's unified draft, players could be selected by both an NFL and an AFL team, forcing them to make a critical decision about their professional future.

This unique landscape made the 1962 NFL Draft a fascinating gamble for general managers. Scouting was less sophisticated than today, and teams often relied on limited information or even territorial rights to assess prospects. The Washington Redskins, holding the first overall pick due to their dismal 1961 record, faced a tough choice, not just on talent, but on who they could actually sign. The shadow of the AFL's competing draft, held two days earlier, loomed large.

Here's a look at the top ten selections of the 1962 NFL Draft:

Ernie Davis, Back, Syracuse (Washington Redskins): Davis, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, was a phenomenal talent, drawing comparisons to Jim Brown. His selection by the Redskins was historic, as he was set to become the first African American Heisman winner to be the top overall pick in the NFL draft. Tragically, Davis was diagnosed with leukemia and never played a down in the NFL.

Roman Gabriel, Quarterback, North Carolina State (Los Angeles Rams): Gabriel was also the first pick in the AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. He ultimately chose the NFL, signing with the Rams, where he would go on to have a Hall of Fame career, leading the Rams to several division titles and earning NFL MVP honors in 1969.

Merlin Olsen, Defensive Tackle, Utah State (Los Angeles Rams): Another Hall of Famer, Olsen was a dominant force on the Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" defensive line. He was also drafted by the AFL's Denver Broncos. Olsen became a 14-time Pro Bowler and one of the most respected players of his era.

Gary Collins, Wide Receiver, Maryland (Cleveland Browns): Collins became a key receiver for the Browns, known for his sure hands and strong kicking game. He was a two-time Pro Bowler and played a crucial role in Cleveland's 1964 NFL Championship. The Boston Patriots also drafted him in the AFL.

Bob Ferguson, Back, Ohio State (Pittsburgh Steelers): Ferguson was a powerful running back who also had interest from the AFL's San Diego Chargers. His NFL career was unfortunately cut short by injuries, but he showed flashes of potential.

Fate Echols, Tackle, Northwestern (St. Louis Cardinals): Echols was a solid offensive lineman who also had been drafted by the New York Titans in the AFL. His NFL career was brief.

Ronnie Bull, Back, Baylor (Chicago Bears): Bull had a productive NFL career as a versatile running back and return specialist for the Bears. He earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors in 1962 and was also drafted by the Dallas Texans in the AFL.

Lance Alworth, Wide Receiver, Arkansas (San Francisco 49ers): Despite being an NFL pick, Alworth famously chose the AFL, signing with the San Diego Chargers after being traded there by the Oakland Raiders, who originally drafted him in the AFL. He went on to become a Hall of Fame receiver, revolutionizing the position with his speed and athleticism.

Wendell Harris, Back, LSU (Baltimore Colts): Harris played primarily as a defensive back in the NFL, having a respectable career with the Colts and later the Giants.

John Hadl, Back, Kansas (Detroit Lions): Hadl opted for the AFL, where he became a six-time Pro Bowl quarterback for the San Diego Chargers, known for his strong arm and leadership.

The 1962 NFL Draft highlights a fascinating period of intense competition between two professional football leagues. While some top NFL picks, like Ernie Davis, saw their careers tragically cut short, and others, like Lance Alworth and John Hadl, opted for the AFL, the draft still yielded iconic players like Roman Gabriel and Merlin Olsen, who cemented their legacies in the NFL. It's a testament to the talent pool of the era and the transformative power of a nascent rivalry that would ultimately shape the future of American football.