Football History

The NFL Draft – a spectacle of anticipation, dreams realized, and franchise-altering decisions. Every year, college football stars step into the spotlight, their futures hanging in the balance. But the draft is more than just a player selection process; it's a captivating story that unfolds over months.

This series dives deep into the captivating world of the NFL Draft, dissecting its rich history, legendary moments, and the strategies that shape the future of the league.

Prepare to be transported from the war rooms of NFL headquarters to the green rooms where hopeful rookies await their destiny. We'll explore:

-Draft Day Delights and Disasters: We'll analyze historic draft surprises, unexpected busts, and the game-changing picks that reshaped franchises.

-The Evolution of the Draft: Witness how the NFL Draft has transformed from a simple selection process to the media extravaganza we know today.

-Quarterback Conundrums: Delve into the endless debate surrounding quarterbacks in the draft – is he a surefire franchise leader or a risky gamble?

-Draft Day Steals: Unearth the stories of unheralded prospects who defied expectations and became NFL stars.

-Beyond the First Round: We'll explore the strategies and hidden gems found throughout the later rounds of the draft.

So, football fans, buckle up and get ready to experience the drama, history, and intrigue of the NFL Draft. From the iconic commissioner announcing the first pick to the day-long analysis, this series will reveal the stories that make the NFL Draft a truly captivating event. Let's explore the moments that changed the league, forever!

The NFL Draft. It's a spectacle ingrained in the American sports calendar, a night filled with anticipation, analysis, and franchise-altering decisions. But how did this behemoth of an event come to be? Buckle up, football fans, because we're embarking on a journey through the rich history of the NFL Draft.

This series will delve into the fascinating evolution of the draft, from its humble beginnings in a smoky hotel conference room to the multi-day extravaganza it is today. We'll explore the rule changes, the draft day dramas, and the iconic moments that have cemented the draft's place in NFL lore. Get ready to meet the visionaries who shaped the draft, the surprise picks that shocked the world, and the legendary players who were selected with hopes of gridiron glory.

So, whether you're a seasoned draft enthusiast or a curious newcomer, join us as we uncover the stories behind the selections, the strategies, and the legacies built on the foundation of the NFL Draft.

The first round of the 2000 NFL Draft started on April 15, 2000 at a cram -packed Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

The Number one overall pick was the coveted Penn State star Courtney Brown by the Cleveland Browns. His former Nittany Lion teammate LaVar Arrington went number two to the Washington Redskins. The Washington Franchise also held the third overall pick.

An injury-plagued second season, though, derailed the trajectory of the young player, and his stock value fell sharply. The Brown’s kept Courtney on their roster for five seasons, and then he played one final year in Denver before his playing career ended, according to the Pro Football Reference website.

The New York Jets set a record when they wheeled and dealed their way into four first-round draft picks.

-Top Ten Selected in the 2000 NFL Draft

1 Cleveland Browns Courtney Brown DE Penn State
2 Washington Redskins LaVar Arrington LB Penn State from New Orleans[R1 - 1]
3 Washington Redskins Chris Samuels OT Alabama from San Francisco[R1 - 2]
4 Cincinnati Bengals Peter Warrick WR Florida State
5 Baltimore Ravens Jamal Lewis RB Tennessee from Atlanta[R1 - 3]
6 Philadelphia Eagles Corey Simon DT Florida State
7 Arizona Cardinals Thomas Jones RB Virginia
8 Pittsburgh Steelers Plaxico Burress WR Michigan State
9 Chicago Bears Brian Urlacher LB New Mexico MWC
10 Baltimore Ravens Travis Taylor WR Florida

-Pro Football Hall of Fame Players from 2000 NFL Draft

To date, only one player selected in the 2000 NFL Draft has been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brian Urlacher, a linebacker from New Mexico, was taken 1st round, 9th overall by the Chicago Bears. His bronze bust was placed in the Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 2018.

The year 1966 wasn't just about the Beatles, flower power, and the Vietnam War. In East Lansing, Michigan, it marked a day unlike any other, a day where Spartan swagger sauntered onto the NFL draft stage, claiming four of the first eight picks and etching a legendary chapter in college football history.

This wasn't your average group of draftees. This was Duffy Daugherty's masterpiece, a team nicknamed "Duffy's Wonders" for their sheer brilliance and relentless grit. They dominated the Big Ten, co-claiming the national championship, and their talent ran as deep as the Spartan roots themselves.

First up, Bubba Smith, a monstrous defensive tackle built like a Greek god, went number one to the Baltimore Colts, his athleticism and fearsome power promising to reshape NFL defenses. Clinton Jones, a versatile linebacker with instincts honed on Spartan turf, followed close behind, claimed by the Minnesota Vikings. His leadership and defensive prowess would become a cornerstone for the Purple People Eaters.

The parade of green and white continued with George Webster, a dazzling wide receiver with hands of glue and moves that defied gravity, landing with the Houston Oilers. His explosiveness and acrobatic catches would transform the way teams thought about offensive threats. Gene Washington, a speedy wideout with blazing acceleration and a knack for the big play, rounded out the Spartan quartet, drafted by the Minnesota Vikings. His electrifying open-field moves would soon terrorize defenders across the league.

But the impact of these Spartans ran far deeper than individual accolades. They brought a swagger and a blue-collar work ethic to the professional game, a testament to Duffy Daugherty's emphasis on toughness and teamwork. They redefined positions, challenged offensive and defensive schemes, and proved that talent from the Midwest could blaze a trail on the national stage.

The 1966 NFL Draft wasn't just a day; it was a statement. It was the day Michigan State Spartans walked onto the NFL stage and declared, "We are here to stay. We are Duffy's Wonders, and we're rewriting the game."

And rewrite it they did. Their legacy echoes through the halls of Canton and the annals of NFL history, a testament to the power of teamwork, the grit of the Spartan spirit, and the unforgettable day when East Lansing claimed the NFL draft, proving that sometimes, the greatest moments in football are born not on the gridiron, but in the green room of dreams.

Explore the historic 1943 NFL Draft! Held amidst World War II, this April 8th event showcased how the league adapted to wartime. Discover the player selections and the unique circumstances shaping professional football during this pivotal era. A fascinating look at NFL history!

The 1943 NFL Draft, which took place on April 8th, occurred during the height of World War II, significantly impacting the league's operations and player pool. Many draftees were either already serving or would soon join the armed forces, leading to unique team-building strategies and roster uncertainties. This draft highlights the NFL's resilience during a challenging period in global history.

On April 8, 1943, the National Football League held its annual player draft at the Palmer House Hotel in Chicago, Illinois. The Detroit Lions, holding the first overall selection, chose halfback Frank Sinkwich from the University of Georgia. Notably, the 1943 draft stands out in NFL history as the only one that did not produce a future member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In this draft, each of the league's ten teams made a total of 30 selections. To promote competitive balance, the five teams with the poorest records from the 1942 season were granted exclusive picks in the second and fourth rounds. Conversely, the five top-finishing teams were relegated to sole participation in the 31st and 32nd rounds.

The first round of the 1943 NFL Draft unfolded as follows: the Detroit Lions picked Frank Sinkwich (Halfback, Georgia); the Philadelphia Eagles selected Joe Muha (Fullback, VMI); the Chicago Cardinals chose Glenn Dobbs (Tailback, Tulsa); the Brooklyn Dodgers drafted Paul Governali (Quarterback, Columbia); and the Cleveland Rams picked Mike Holovak (Fullback, Boston College). Continuing the first round, the New York Giants selected Steve Filipowicz (Fullback, Fordham); the Pittsburgh Steelers chose Bill Daley (Fullback, Minnesota); the Green Bay Packers drafted Dick Wildung (Tackle, Minnesota); the Chicago Bears picked Bob Steuber (Halfback, Missouri); and finally, the Washington Redskins selected Jack Jenkins (Fullback, Vanderbilt).

So far, none of the selections from this draft have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Relive NFL history! The pivotal 1945 NFL Meeting and Draft on April 8th shaped the league's future. Discover wartime decisions, groundbreaking player selections, and the strategies that defined an era. Explore the key moments of this historic NFL Draft event!

The 1945 NFL Meeting, held alongside the draft on April 8th, navigated the challenges of World War II, impacting team rosters and player availability. Discussions focused on league stability, potential mergers, and rules adjustments amidst wartime constraints. This crucial meeting set the stage for the player selections that followed, influencing the competitive balance of the NFL in the post-war years.

April 8, 1945 - The NFL held its spring meetings and had a busy itinerary.

First on the docket was to take the level of franchises from the war-torn count of ten to a higher amount. Pittsburgh co-owner Bert Bell suggested 16 teams to bring talent from the newly rising rival leagues of the All-America Football Conference, the U.S. Football League, and the Trans America Conference. The owners settled on 12 teams as the former Brooklyn franchise would merge with Boston, the Card-Pitt combined team would again split into two franchises, plus one new franchise, possibly in Buffalo but that would be determined at a later meeting after careful study.

Another agenda item was that a draft of college players was conducted. The first round went like this:

1 Chicago Cardinals Charley Trippi Halfback Georgia
2 Pittsburgh Steelers Paul Duhart Halfback Florida
3 Brooklyn Tigers Joe Renfroe Back Tulane
4 Boston Yanks Eddie Prokop Back Georgia Tech
5 Cleveland Rams Elroy Hirsch Flanker Michigan
6 Detroit Lions Frank Szymanski Center Notre Dame
7 Chicago Bears Don Lund Back Michigan
8 Washington Redskins Jim Hardy Quarterback USC
9 Philadelphia Eagles John Yonakor Defensive end Notre Dame
10 New York Giants Elmer Barbour Quarterback Wake Forest
11 Green Bay Packers Walt Schlinkman Fullback Texas Tech

The 1946 NFL Draft produced a remarkable class of future Pro Football Hall of Famers, each leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Here's a look at those legends:

-Charley Trippi: Selected first overall by the Chicago Cardinals, the halfback from Georgia earned his place in Canton in 1968.

-Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch: The Cleveland Rams drafted the dynamic wide receiver from Michigan fifth overall, and he joined Trippi in the 1968 Hall of Fame class.

-Pete Pihos: The Philadelphia Eagles found a defensive powerhouse in the fifth round, selecting the defensive end from Indiana University. Pihos was inducted in 1970.

-Tom Fears: Also drafted by the Cleveland Rams, the end from UCLA was a steal in the 11th round. Like Pihos, he entered the Hall of Fame in 1970.

-Arnie Weinmeister: The Brooklyn Tigers selected the defensive tackle from Washington in the 17th round, and he was enshrined in 1984.

Source New York Daily News - Mon, Apr 09, 1945 ·Page 166

Relive the 1976 NFL Draft! April 8th saw legends like Leroy Selmon and Steve Largent enter the league. Discover the strategic picks that shaped NFL history. Dive into the stories behind these Hall of Famers and the impact of this pivotal draft!

The 1976 NFL Draft, held on April 8th, featured a talented class that would significantly impact the league. This draft is notable for producing two Hall of Fame players, Leroy Selmon, a dominant defensive force, and Steve Largent, a prolific wide receiver. Teams carefully evaluated college prospects, seeking to build their rosters for long-term success.

The National Football League held its annual player selection meeting, the 1976 NFL Draft, on April 8th and 9th, 1976, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, New York.

This draft spanned seventeen rounds, with the league's newest additions, the expansion Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks, holding the coveted first two selections. A draw determined the order of these top picks, with the Buccaneers winning the right to select first overall.

The 1976 NFL Draft is a particularly fruitful year for future Pro Football Hall of Famers, yielding a remarkable five inductees who would leave an undeniable mark on the league. Leading the pack was defensive end Lee Roy Selmon from Oklahoma, selected first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Selmon's dominant presence on the defensive line earned him a place in the Hall of Fame class of 1995.

Joining Selmon in the class of 1995 was wide receiver Steve Largent from Tulsa. Despite being a fourth-round pick (117th overall) by the Houston Oilers, Largent's exceptional route running and sure hands paved the way for a legendary career. The New England Patriots also struck gold in the first round, selecting cornerback Mike Haynes from Arizona State with the fifth overall pick. Haynes' shutdown coverage skills earned him Hall of Fame enshrinement in 1997.

The Los Angeles Rams found a cornerstone of their offensive line in the third round, drafting offensive tackle Jackie Slater from Jackson State (86th overall). Slater's longevity and consistent excellence secured his place in the Hall of Fame class of 2001. Rounding out this exceptional group was linebacker Harry Carson from South Carolina State, a fourth-round selection (105th overall) by the New York Giants. Carson's leadership and impactful play were recognized with his induction into the Hall of Fame in 2006. The 1976 draft is a testament to the unpredictable nature of player selection and the enduring impact of these five remarkable athletes.

1944 NFL Draft unearthed gridiron legends like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who shaped pro football's future.

Ten teams were selected in the 1944 NFL Draft in Philadelphia, with the Boston Yanks picking first. This pivotal event unearthed talents like Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who would go on to redefine the sport.

The 1944 season occurred during a transformative time, yet the allure of American pro football remained strong. That year's draft laid the groundwork for future gridiron greatness, shaping destinies and leaving an indelible mark on the sport's history.

The 1944 NFL Draft was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on April 19, 1944. In this draft, each of the ten NFL teams made 32 selections. The Boston Yanks, a new expansion team, held the first overall pick.

The top ten selections of the 1944 NFL Draft were:

-1. Angelo Bertelli, QB, Boston Yanks

-2. Pat Harder, FB, Chicago Cardinals

-3. Creighton Miller, HB, Brooklyn Tigers

-4. Otto Graham, Back, Detroit Lions

-5. Steve Van Buren, HB, Philadelphia Eagles

-6. Billy Hillenbrand, HB, New York Giants

-7. Merv Pregulman, G, Green Bay Packers

-8. Mike Micka, Back, Washington Redskins

-9. Ray Evans, HB, Chicago Bears

-10. Johnny Podesto, B, Pittsburgh Steelers

This draft featured notable talent, Otto Graham and Steve Van Buren, who were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Otto Graham (drafted 4th overall by the Detroit Lions) is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He led the Cleveland Browns to multiple championships in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the NFL. Graham is also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame.

Steve Van Buren (drafted 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles) was a dominant halfback known for his powerful running style. He led the NFL in rushing several times and helped the Eagles win back-to-back NFL championships in 1948 and 1949.

While the 1944 draft may not be as widely recognized as later drafts, it produced Hall of Fame-caliber players who significantly impacted the game.

-Pro Football Hall of Famers Taken in the 1944 NFL Draft

-Otto Graham, quarterback from Northwestern taken 1st round 4th overall by the Detroit Lions.

-Steve Van Buren, halfback from LSU taken 1st round 5th overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.

-Bob Waterfield, quarterback from UCLA taken 5th round 42nd overall by the Cleveland Rams.

-Ed Sprinkle, guard/defensive end from Navy taken undrafted by the Chicago Bears.

Jay Berwanger carved a unique path in football history, becoming the first recipient of the Heisman Trophy and a symbol of the sport's early rise in popularity. Here's a look at his career:

-College Domination: Berwanger starred as a halfback for the University of Chicago's "Maroons" in the 1930s. He earned All-America honors twice and was known as a "one-man team" due to his versatility, excelling in passing, running, punting, and even calling plays.

-The Birth of the Heisman: In 1935, Berwanger received the first Downtown Athletic Club Trophy, later renamed the Heisman Trophy. This award, initially given to the "most valuable player east of the Mississippi," recognized his exceptional college performance.

-NFL Draft Pioneer: In 1936, the fledgling National Football League held its first-ever draft, and Berwanger became the very first player selected. However, a salary dispute led him to decline the offer and pursue a career in the Olympics (though he didn't make the track team).

-Legacy: Despite not playing professionally, Berwanger's Heisman win and status as the first draft pick solidified his place in football history. He later became a successful businessman and a referee.

Harry Vincent Gilmer Jr. was born in Birmingham, Alabama on April 14, 1926. A talented athlete who excelled in multiple facets of the game, Gilmer left an enduring legacy in college and professional football.  

-College Career

Gilmer's college football career flourished at the University of Alabama from 1944 to 1947. He primarily played left halfback and quickly became known for his dynamic style of play. A unique aspect of his game was his "jump pass," a technique he developed in his youth while playing with taller teammates. This innovative approach became a signature move at the collegiate level. His freshman year saw him achieve a perfect 8-for-8 passing performance in the Sugar Bowl against Duke. His sophomore season was particularly outstanding, as he led the nation in touchdown passes (13) and also rushed for nine touchdowns. He amassed 1,457 yards of total offense, placing him second nationally, with a passing percentage of .648 on 88 attempts and a 7.0-yard average on 79 rushing attempts. Gilmer's versatility extended to punting and kickoff/punt returns. In his junior year, he led the nation in punt return average (14.5 yards on 37 returns). During the 1945 season, he guided Alabama to victory in the Rose Bowl against the University of Southern California (34-14). Over his Alabama career, Gilmer compiled impressive statistics, showcasing his all-around talent.  

-Road to the Pro Game

Gilmer's exceptional college performance made him the first overall pick in the 1948 NFL Draft, selected by the Washington Redskins. He played for the Redskins from 1948 to 1954, displaying his skills as both a halfback and quarterback. In 1955, he was traded to the Detroit Lions, where he played for two seasons (1955-1956) under head coach Buddy Parker.  

-Football Legacy

Harry Gilmer's football legacy is defined by his versatility, athleticism, and innovative playing style. His "jump pass" became a hallmark of his game and influenced future generations of quarterbacks. His college career at Alabama established him as one of the most talented players of his era, earning him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame. His professional career in the NFL further solidified his reputation as a dynamic and effective player. Beyond his playing career, Gilmer continued to contribute to the sport as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Steelers (under Parker) and the Minnesota Vikings. He later served as the head coach of the Detroit Lions starting in January 1965, demonstrating his leadership and football acumen.  

-Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats

-College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1993)

-Twice finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting (1945, 1947)  

-Alabama Career Stats:

-Passed for 26 touchdowns

-Ran for 24 touchdowns

-Passed for 2,894 yards

-Rushed for 1,673 yards

-Punting average: 36.4 yards  

-Kickoff return average: 28.7 yards  

-Punt return average: 13.5 yards  

Harry Gilmer's career spanned successful stints in college and the NFL, leaving behind a lasting impact on American football. He died on August 20, 2016.