As diehard fans, you know how crucial the draft is for NFL teams in building their rosters for the upcoming season. But, did you know that the draft has a rich history that dates back to the 1930s? In this post, we'll take a deep dive into some fascinating facts and trivia about the draft, from the origin of the draft system to the most quarterbacks ever selected in a single year. The draft is one of the biggest events in American sports, followed closely by fans all over the world, do you keep up to take on Draft Weekend? Without further ado...
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The Philadelphia Eagles are responsible for the draft system in the NFL.
In the 1930s, the Eagles co-owner Bert Bell raised a significant problem with the other owners that his team didn't have the money to compete for the best players. As a solution to level the playing field, Bell proposed a draft system, which was agreed upon by other owners. On February 8, 1936, they met at the Ritz-Carlton hotel to choose from 90 prospective players.
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Three teams have never picked first overall.
Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos. However, Denver has come very close.
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QB Heavy Draft.
The most quarterbacks selected in a single year since the draft was cut to seven rounds in 1994 came in 2004, with 17 being taken. The top three quarterbacks that year were Eli Manning, Philip Rivers, and Ben Roethlisberger.
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The 2000 New York Jets are the only team to make four first-round picks in the same draft.
The players selected - Shaun Ellis, John Abraham, Chad Pennington, and Anthony Becht - served as the backbone of the Jets teams in the early 2000s.
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There have been two punter-less drafts in the history of the NFL draft.
In 2011 and 1998.
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The first-ever draft pick was Jay Berwanger in 1936, who never played in the NFL.
Berwanger is not only the first player to be selected in the NFL Draft but is also the first-ever winner of the Heisman Trophy. However, he never played in the NFL, as pro football wasn’t a lucrative career at the time.
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Only four undrafted players since 1970 have been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
They are Jim Langer - C (Browns, Dolphins, Vikings) in 1970, Warren Moon - QB (Oilers, Vikings, Seahawks, Chiefs) in 1984, John Randle - DT (Vikings, Seahawks) in 1990, and Kurt Warner - QB (Rams, Giants, Cardinals) in 1998.
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The Texans have only drafted an offensive lineman in the first round once.
Duane Brown (2008).
As you gear up for the next draft season, remember the history and legacy of this event and how it has shaped the NFL into what it is today. So whether you're a fan of the Seahawks, the Ravens, or the Broncos, take pride in knowing that your team has never picked first overall, or if you're rooting for the Texans, perhaps investing in your O-line might change your season hopes.
