The 6 Best Draft Classes in NFL History | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Sports

The 6 Best Draft Classes in NFL History

A look inside the best draft classes ever.

27
The 6 Best Draft Classes in NFL History
http://boltbeat.com

This year’s NFL Draft featured some of the biggest names in collegiate football finally realizing their dream of reaching the big leagues. The talent level in this draft class was clearly evident, and it could go down as one of the top draft classes in recent memory if the top players reach their full potential. For this week’s Pick-Six, it only felt right to take a look at some of the best draft classes in history, with some of the biggest and best names the NFL has ever seen.

6. Class of 1981

This class may go down in history as the best defensive class in NFL history. With big Hall of Fame names like Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, Mike Singletary, Howie Long and Rickey Jackson, this class set up some of the best defensive groups in the league’s history. It also produced Hall of Fame guard Russ Grimm and All-Pro receiver (and NBC commentator) Cris Collinsworth. It produced historic talents on both sides of the ball, and will go down as one of the all-time great draft classes.

5. Class of 1967

This class will go down in history for its production of NFL legends and Hall of Famers. The class of 1967 has more total Hall of Famers than any other class in NFL history, and may hold that title for a long time. Bob Griese, Gene Upshaw, Ken Houston and Floyd Little all made appearances in this draft class, which ended up being packed with legendary talents. This class probably won’t crack the list in 20 years after the current crop of talent has run its course, but for now it makes its way on the list at number five.

4. Class of 2001

This class is one of the more recent on the list, but the talent on this class gives it the chance to produce some quality Hall of Famers as they become eligible. All-Pro talents like LaDainian Tomlinson (eligible for the Hall of Fame next year), Drew Brees (still in the league) and Steve Hutchinson (future Hall of Famer) all came from the 2001 class. If not for a suspension, this class could’ve produced one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history in Michael Vick (Vick still produced great numbers in his shortened prime). Add in superstars like Michael Vick, Reggie Wayne, Steve Smith, Richard Seymour and Santana Moss, and this class was absolutely loaded.

3. Class of 2011

This class obviously hasn’t produced any Hall of Famers just yet, as it only occurred five years ago. However, this class could go down in history as the best ever once all of the players’ careers are over. Big names like Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, Richard Sherman, Cam Newton have all appeared in Super Bowls in their short careers, as well as Colin Kaepernick and Torrey Smith. Future Hall of Famer J.J. Watt also made an appearance in this draft class, and solid talents on both sides of the ball like A.J. Green, Patrick Peterson, Julio Jones, Justin Houston, and DeMarco Murray were drafted in 2011. With all of this talent, we may be talking about this draft class as the best ever at some point down the line.

2. Class of 1996

This class hasn’t created a lot of Hall of Famers just yet, but the talent in this draft is endless. The lone Hall of Famer, Jonathan Ogden, is one of the best offensive linemen in the league’s history and isn’t the only talented member of the Baltimore Ravens from this class. Future Hall of Famer Ray Lewis came out of the 1996 class, as well as Brian Dawkins, Terrell Owens, and 2016 Hall of Fame inductee Marvin Harrison. Other big names like Keyshawn Johnson, Eddie George, Mike Alstott, Lawyer Milloy and Tedy Bruschi were drafted in 1996, showcasing the huge star-power to come from this class.

1. Class of 1983

You can’t argue with the talent level in this draft class. 1983 went down in history as one of, if not the best quarterback class ever, producing talents like number one pick John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly, all Hall of Famers. It also added in Hall of Famers like running back Eric Dickerson, lineman Bruce Matthews, defensive end Richard Dent, and cornerback Darrell Green. It produced the second-most Hall of Famers in history, and its talents appeared in endless Super Bowls over their time in the league

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

184920
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11229
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455260
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24959
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments