Five greatest draft classes since 1967

[Splat]

Five greatest draft classes since 1967

FYI I'm not posting the whole thing if you want to read it click the link, I recommend that you do.

1.1983

Why it's the best: No other class came close using the point system from ESPN Stats & Information. The 1983 class finished in a virtual tie with the 1996 and 1981 classes even when I removed from consideration the three Hall of Fame quarterbacks -- Elway, Marino and Jim Kelly. No class had more combined Pro Bowls from its top-10 picks (42) or more combined Pro Bowls from players drafted later than the 200th overall choice (26). Five of the six Hall of Famers played their entire NFL careers with one team for 83 combined seasons, or 16.6 on average.

2.1996

Why it's No. 2: Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis arguably rank among the three best players at their positions in NFL history. Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens arguably rank among the 10 greatest receivers. Between four and seven members from this class have strong credentials for Canton. Only the 1983 class produced more total Pro Bowl appearances. Unlike some other classes -- 1988 comes to mind -- this one provided star power deep into the draft.

3.1981

Why it's No. 3: This was arguably the greatest defensive draft under consideration, particularly near the top. The NFL's best athletes typically played offense, but 1981 draftees Taylor, Lott and Easley helped change the dynamics. This draft wasn't as strong as some throughout, but its star power on defense set it apart. Key players from this draft helped the 49ers, Redskins, Giants, Bears and Raiders dominate at times during the decade. Only the 1986 draft produced more Super Bowl winners.

4.1969

Why it's No. 4: Roger Wehrli's 2007 Hall of Fame enshrinement gave this class five inductees. Only three other classes managed more combined Pro Bowl appearances. Some of the names in this class won't resonate with recent generations, and that is understandable. But this was still a strong class and one worthy of our consideration.

5.1985

Why it's No. 5: Just as the 1983 class featured more than quarterbacks, the 1985 version offered much more than the most prolific receiver in NFL history. Yes, Jerry Rice was the 16th overall choice, helping set apart this class from some others. But the supporting cast featured elite talent, from Bruce Smith to Chris Doleman and beyond.

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by Splat

Five greatest draft classes since 1967

FYI I'm not posting the whole thing if you want to read it click the link, I recommend that you do.

1.1983

Why it's the best: No other class came close using the point system from ESPN Stats & Information. The 1983 class finished in a virtual tie with the 1996 and 1981 classes even when I removed from consideration the three Hall of Fame quarterbacks -- Elway, Marino and Jim Kelly. No class had more combined Pro Bowls from its top-10 picks (42) or more combined Pro Bowls from players drafted later than the 200th overall choice (26). Five of the six Hall of Famers played their entire NFL careers with one team for 83 combined seasons, or 16.6 on average.

2.1996

Why it's No. 2: Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis arguably rank among the three best players at their positions in NFL history. Marvin Harrison and Terrell Owens arguably rank among the 10 greatest receivers. Between four and seven members from this class have strong credentials for Canton. Only the 1983 class produced more total Pro Bowl appearances. Unlike some other classes -- 1988 comes to mind -- this one provided star power deep into the draft.

3.1981

Why it's No. 3: This was arguably the greatest defensive draft under consideration, particularly near the top. The NFL's best athletes typically played offense, but 1981 draftees Taylor, Lott and Easley helped change the dynamics. This draft wasn't as strong as some throughout, but its star power on defense set it apart. Key players from this draft helped the 49ers, Redskins, Giants, Bears and Raiders dominate at times during the decade. Only the 1986 draft produced more Super Bowl winners.

4.1969

Why it's No. 4: Roger Wehrli's 2007 Hall of Fame enshrinement gave this class five inductees. Only three other classes managed more combined Pro Bowl appearances. Some of the names in this class won't resonate with recent generations, and that is understandable. But this was still a strong class and one worthy of our consideration.

5.1985

Why it's No. 5: Just as the 1983 class featured more than quarterbacks, the 1985 version offered much more than the most prolific receiver in NFL history. Yes, Jerry Rice was the 16th overall choice, helping set apart this class from some others. But the supporting cast featured elite talent, from Bruce Smith to Chris Doleman and beyond.

I think someday in the 2030s, we may be reading about the prolific 2010 class.

[RealityCheck]

2011 > all them.

[Splat]

I don't know about the whole draft but the 1989 first round was pretty epic.

Troy Aikman

Barry Sanders

Derrick Thomas

Deion Sanders

Trace Armstrong

Steve Atwater

Andre Rison

[WCH]

Originally Posted by Splat

I don't know about the whole draft but the 1989 first round was pretty epic.

I agree. Four HOF guy in the first five picks is hard to beat.

If weren't for an untimely death and a premature retirement...

[Babylon]

1983. When your last two picks in the 1st round are Dan Marino and Darrell Green it's pretty much the standard by what drafts are measured by.

[CC.SD]

2004
2004
2004
2004
2004

[Babylon]

Originally Posted by CC.SD

2004
2004
2004
2004
2004

Gee i wonder who was drafted in 04?

[GhostDeini]

Best first rounds ever :

1995 Bucs take W.Sapp 12th, D.Brooks 28th.
1996 Ravens take J.Ogden 4th, R.Lewis 26th.

[J-Mike88]

Originally Posted by WCH

I agree. Four HOF guy in the first five picks is hard to beat.

Ouch.... my Packers had the #2 pick that draft, and selected a blocker on steroids, with Barry, Derrick, and Deion still on deck.

I like the 1981 class better than the 1996 class.

[Babylon]

Originally Posted by GhostDeini

Best first rounds ever :

1995 Bucs take W.Sapp 12th, D.Brooks 28th.
1996 Ravens take J.Ogden 4th, R.Lewis 26th.

I'd add 73.

John Hannah
Sam Cunningham
Daryl Stingley