The 1963 NFL Draft

The 1963 National Football League Draft, held on December 3, 1962, stood as a pivotal moment, shaping the destinies of numerous franchises and introducing a wealth of talent that would go on to define an era. Comprising 20 rounds and 280 total selections, this draft class left an indelible mark, producing multiple future Hall of Famers and Pro Bowl stalwarts. It was also notable as one of the last drafts before the full intensity of the NFL-AFL bidding wars reached its peak.

The Top Ten Selections
The first ten picks of the 1963 NFL Draft were:

Terry Baker, QB, Oregon State (Los Angeles Rams)

Ed Budde, G, Michigan State (Philadelphia Eagles)

Bob Bell, DT, Minnesota (St. Louis Cardinals)

Dave Robinson, LB, Penn State (Green Bay Packers)

Pat Richter, TE, Wisconsin (Washington Redskins)

Don Brumm, DE, Purdue (St. Louis Cardinals)

Jim Smith, HB, Iowa (Washington Redskins)

Steve Barnett, G, Oregon (Philadelphia Eagles)

Rufus Mayes, OT, Ohio State (New York Giants)

Bobby Crespino, TE, Bowling Green (New York Giants)

While being a top-10 pick often implies future stardom, as seen, not all of these players ultimately achieved Hall of Fame status. However, several would carve out highly successful careers, becoming key contributors for their respective teams.

Hall of Fame Talent
The 1963 NFL Draft is particularly distinguished by the incredible concentration of talent that would eventually be enshrined in both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

College Football Hall of Famers (among others):

Terry Baker (No. 1 overall pick, QB, Oregon State): The 1962 Heisman Trophy winner.

Dave Robinson (No. 4 overall pick, LB, Penn State): A future Pro Football Hall of Famer, his college career was also celebrated.

Lee Roy Jordan (No. 10 overall, LB, Alabama): Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, a key figure in their defense.

Russel Erxleben (No. 11 overall, RB, LSU): Despite being a running back in college, he was an accomplished NFL player.

Paul Warfield (No. 11 overall, WR, Ohio State): Also a Pro Football Hall of Famer.

Pro Football Hall of Famers:

The true gems of the 1963 class, who went on to achieve legendary status in the NFL, include:

Dave Robinson (No. 4 overall pick, LB, Green Bay Packers): A dominant outside linebacker who was instrumental in Lombardi's Packers dynasty, earning three Super Bowl rings, three Pro Bowl selections, and two First-Team All-Pro honors.

Paul Warfield (No. 11 overall pick, WR, Cleveland Browns): An electrifying wide receiver known for his speed and big-play ability, Warfield earned eight Pro Bowl selections and two Super Bowl rings (with the Miami Dolphins).

Buck Buchanan (No. 1 overall pick in the AFL Draft, but famously also drafted by the NFL Giants): While the NFL Draft pick for Buchanan by the Giants (19th overall) is often overshadowed by his AFL legacy, he chose the AFL and became a dominant defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs, later inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. His inclusion highlights the unique drafting landscape of the era.

Deacon Jones (14th round, 186th overall, DE, Los Angeles Rams): Arguably the biggest steal of the entire draft. Jones invented the term "sack" and revolutionized defensive end play with his speed and head slap technique. A five-time First-Team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, his impact was immeasurable.

Bobby Bell (7th round, 122nd overall, LB, Kansas City Chiefs - AFL; drafted 18th overall by the NFL Minnesota Vikings): Another player famously caught in the NFL-AFL bidding war, Bell chose the Chiefs in the AFL and became a hybrid defensive end/linebacker, known for his athleticism and versatility.

The 1963 NFL Draft proved to be a goldmine for talent, particularly evident in the later rounds where future legends like Deacon Jones were discovered. This class not only provided key pieces for championship teams but also brought forth innovators who fundamentally changed how the game was played, solidifying its place as one of the most impactful drafts in NFL history.