The 1977 NFL Draft

The 1977 NFL Draft, held on May 3-4 at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, is remembered for the arrival of several transformative players who would go on to shape the league for years to come. This draft featured a wealth of talent at key positions, and while some selections didn't pan out as expected, the impact of those who did succeed is still felt today. The draft order was determined by the previous season's standings, with the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers holding the first overall pick.

✦ 1977 NFL Draft First Selections:

The Buccaneers, coming off a winless inaugural season, selected Ricky Bell, a star running back from USC, with the first pick. Bell was highly touted for his combination of size and speed, but his NFL career was ultimately cut short due to injuries.

With the second pick, the Dallas Cowboys selected Tony Dorsett, a Heisman Trophy-winning running back from the University of Pittsburgh. Dorsett's explosive speed and exceptional cutting ability made him an instant star. He became a key component of the Cowboys' offense, leading them to a Super Bowl victory in 1978 and earning a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Dorsett's selection is considered one of the greatest draft picks in NFL history.

The Cincinnati Bengals used the third overall pick to select defensive end Eddie Edwards from the University of Miami. The New York Jets followed by taking offensive tackle Marvin Powell from USC with the fourth pick. Powell went on to have a solid NFL career, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections.

✦ Other notable selections in the first round included:

✦ Gary Jeter, defensive tackle, USC (New York Giants)

✦ Warren Bryant, offensive tackle, Kentucky (Atlanta Falcons)

✦ Joe Campbell, defensive end, Maryland (New Orleans Saints)

✦ Wilson Whitley, defensive tackle, Houston (Cincinnati Bengals)

✦ Mike Butler, defensive end, Kansas (Green Bay Packers)

✦ Gary Green, cornerback, Baylor (Kansas City Chiefs)

✦ A.J. Duhe, Defensive End, LSU (Miami Dolphins). Duhe was named the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1977.

✦ Raymond Clayborn, Cornerback, Texas (New England Patriots)

✦ Stanley Morgan, Wide Receiver, Tennessee (New England Patriots)

✦ Tommy Kramer, Quarterback, Rice (Minnesota Vikings)

The first round of the 1977 NFL draft saw 28 players selected.

✦ Round 2 Notables

In the second round, with the 31st pick, the Los Angeles Rams selected Nolan Cromwell, a defensive back from Kansas. Cromwell became a cornerstone of the Rams' defense, earning multiple Pro Bowl honors and establishing himself as one of the premier safeties of his era. Cromwell is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

A notable player drafted later who also made it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame was Stanley Morgan, a wide receiver from Tennessee, selected by the New England Patriots with the 25th pick in the first round. Morgan became one of the most productive receivers in NFL history, known for his speed and deep-threat ability.

While the first round garnered much of the attention, the success of the 1977 draft class extended into the later rounds as well. Several players selected on day two and beyond went on to have lengthy and productive NFL careers, contributing to the success of their respective franchises.

The 1977 NFL Draft is significant not only for the individual talent it produced but also for the impact these players had on their teams and the league. The addition of players like Tony Dorsett, Nolan Cromwell and Stanley Morgan helped shape the landscape of the NFL for over a decade, and their contributions are still celebrated today. This draft class serves as a reminder of the importance of scouting, player evaluation, and the transformative power of finding the right talent to build a successful franchise.

The University of Pittsburgh boasts a rich tradition of running backs, leaving their mark on not just the Panthers' record books, but also etching their names into college football lore. These powerful runners have contributed significantly to Pitt's success, powering offenses and capturing the hearts of fans.

At the forefront stands Tony Dorsett, a name synonymous with Pitt football. He holds the program's all-time rushing record with 6,526 yards, leaving a legacy that includes a Heisman Trophy in 1976 and becoming the first player ever to rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season as a freshman.

James Conner follows closely in rushing yards with an impressive 3,733. He battled through adversity to become a fan favorite, using his powerful running style and determination to inspire teammates and fans alike.

Ray Graham also deserves recognition. His 3,271 rushing yards solidified his position as one of Pitt's most consistent and reliable runners. He played a vital role in the team's success, consistently exceeding expectations and leaving his mark on the program.

Curvin Richards rounds out this group with 3,192 rushing yards. His versatility and explosiveness made him a threat in both the run and pass game, contributing significantly to the offense during his time with the Panthers.

These exceptional runners represent just a glimpse into the rich history of Pitt's backfield. Their dedication, talent, and contributions to the program have established a legacy that continues to inspire future generations of Panthers to carry the torch and break records.