1998 NFL Draft

The 1998 NFL Draft, held on April 18-19, 1998, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, was a draft class rich with talent that significantly shaped the league for years to come. The Indianapolis Colts held the first overall pick, a selection that would define their franchise for over a decade. The draft was particularly notable for the highly anticipated decision between quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf, a debate that dominated pre-draft discussions. Ultimately, the Colts chose Manning, a decision widely regarded as one of the best in NFL history, while Leaf, selected second by the San Diego Chargers, became one of the draft's biggest disappointments.

Beyond the quarterback debate, the 1998 draft yielded several other impactful players across various positions. The Oakland Raiders, at pick number four, selected cornerback Charles Woodson, a Heisman Trophy winner who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career. The Minnesota Vikings, later in the first round, picked wide receiver Randy Moss, a player with extraordinary talent who revolutionized the wide receiver position and is also enshrined in Canton. The draft also saw the selection of durable and high-performing players like running back Fred Taylor by the Jacksonville Jaguars and guard Alan Faneca by the Pittsburgh Steelers, both of whom enjoyed long and successful careers.

The depth of the 1998 draft extended beyond the first round, with several players selected in later rounds also achieving significant success and Pro Bowl recognition. This draft class is remembered not only for its top-tier talent but also for the stark contrast in the careers of its top two picks, a storyline that continues to be discussed in NFL circles. The impact of the players chosen in 1998 was felt for many years, with several leading their teams to Super Bowl contention and earning numerous individual accolades.

Top Ten Selections of the 1998 NFL Draft:

-1. Peyton Manning (QB) - Tennessee (Indianapolis Colts)

-2. Ryan Leaf (QB) - Washington State (San Diego Chargers)

-3. Andre Wadsworth (DE) - Florida State (Arizona Cardinals)

-4. Charles Woodson (CB) - Michigan (Oakland Raiders)

-5. Curtis Enis (RB) - Penn State (Chicago Bears)

-6. Grant Wistrom (DE) - Nebraska (St. Louis Rams)

-7. Kyle Turley (OT) - San Diego State (New Orleans Saints)

-8. Greg Ellis (DE) - North Carolina (Dallas Cowboys)

-9. Fred Taylor (RB) - Florida (Jacksonville Jaguars)

-10. Duane Starks (CB) - Miami (FL) (Baltimore Ravens)


-Pro Football Hall of Fame Players Drafted in 1998:

-Peyton Manning (Round 1, Pick 1 - Indianapolis Colts)

-Charles Woodson (Round 1, Pick 4 - Oakland Raiders)

-Randy Moss (Round 1, Pick 21 - Minnesota Vikings)

-Alan Faneca (Round 1, Pick 26 - Pittsburgh Steelers)


-College Football Hall of Fame Players Drafted in 1998:

-Peyton Manning (Round 1, Pick 1 - Indianapolis Colts)

-Charles Woodson (Round 1, Pick 4 - Oakland Raiders)

-Randy Moss (Round 1, Pick 21 - Minnesota Vikings)


-Other Notable Players from 1999 NFL Draft

-Kyle Turley (Round 1, Pick 7 - New Orleans Saints)

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The 1998 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in league history, marked by a high-profile quarterback debate and the emergence of several future stars. Here's a summary:

-The Manning vs. Leaf Saga:

The biggest storyline revolved around quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Ryan Leaf. The Indianapolis Colts, desperate for a franchise QB, selected Manning first overall. The San Diego Chargers, in a surprising move, traded heavily to secure the second pick for Leaf. This decision, fueled by Leaf's strong arm and perceived leadership, would later be considered one of the biggest draft busts.

-A Star-Studded Class:

Despite the Leaf disappointment, the draft produced several Hall of Famers and Pro Bowlers. Running back Edgerrin James (Arizona Cardinals) became a rushing force, while wide receiver Randy Moss (Minnesota Vikings) revolutionized the position with his speed and athleticism. Charles Woodson (Oakland Raiders) enjoyed a long and versatile career as a defensive back.

-Other Notable Picks:

The draft also saw the arrival of future Pro Bowlers like linebacker Takeo Spikes (Cincinnati Bengals), tight end Jeremy Shockey (New York Giants), and offensive tackle Walter Jones (Seattle Seahawks). It was a strong class for defensive ends with Andre Wadsworth (Arizona Cardinals) and Patrick Kerney (Atlanta Falcons) making their mark.

Legacy:

The 1998 draft, while not without its disappointments, is remembered for Peyton Manning's rise to superstardom, the emergence of several talented players, and its lasting impact on the NFL landscape.