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As the 2024-25 NFL season approaches and the NFL Draft was the most recent big event, it’s a great time to take a look back at the best NFL Draft picks ever. There are many ways to define “best,” so keep in mind that we are focused on value.
For example, there is no denying that Joe Montana was a valuable pick in the third round, but there are other superstars drafted even later. With that in mind, let’s get into our best NFL Draft picks ever.
It likely comes as no surprise to any football fan where our list of the best NFL Draft picks ever begins. Much has been made about Tom Brady’s sixth-round status as he went on to win a ridiculous seven Super Bowl rings, including his infamous draft-day shirtless photo.
Brady went on to prove that a ripped physique is far from a necessity to excel in the NFL, as he is largely considered the greatest football player of all time. He had an illustrious 23-year career that ultimately ended with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 seasons with the New England Patriots.
There was never a shortage of storylines when it came to Brady, the Pats and head coach Bill Belichick, but the fact remains that it is still extremely difficult to argue that he is the most valuable NFL Draft pick ever.
While it was just a single pick number after Tom Brady, the drafting of Bart Starr back in 1956 was actually in the 17th round. Of course, times were much different than our modern seven-round NFL Draft, as was the game itself.
Passing for big chunks of yardage was not considered efficient, but rather a finesse, if not weak, way of approaching the game. Therefore, having quarterbacks stand out in this era was even more significant, which is somewhat of a theme when it comes to the best NFL Draft picks ever.
Paired with the famous head coach Vince Lombardi, of which the Super Bowl trophy is named after, Starr led the Green Bay Packers to a handful of titles. Three of those titles were NFL championships in 1961, 1962 and 1965. As for Super Bowls, he won each of the first two in 1966 and 1967, winning Super Bowl MVP in both victories.
While the Packers had a dynasty back in the 1960s, the Steelers dominated in the 1970s but was stopped from completely taking over by the Dallas Cowboys. That was the beginning of them being labeled as America’s team and why fans are getting so restless with their recent playoff performances.
Regardless, it was Roger Staubach that led the Cowboys to Super Bowl victories in 1971 and 1977. The Navy product was loved even more so thanks to his college of choice, and he helped receivers like Bob Hayes and Drew Pearson become household names. Staubach also went on to be named to the 1970s All-Decade team and 100th Anniversary Team.
That’s right, another quarterback of the 1950s through 1970s makes our list of the best NFL Draft picks ever, and a 17-year career certainly helps with that. Johnny Unitas was a proud Pittsburgh native, but after being drafted in the ninth round in 1955 out of Louisville, it was ultimately the Baltimore Colts that he would bring to prominence.
Despite being drafted by the Steelers, he was released before his first season, and he would make them regret it. Unitas went on to win three NFL championships in 1958, 1959 and 1968 before winning a Super Bowl in 1970. He is also one of just six players in NFL history to have won at least three MVP awards, and he was also nominated to 10 Pro Bowls.
The only non-quarterback on our list of the best NFL Draft picks ever isn’t even a running back or outspoken wide receiver. Instead, it is Shannon Sharpe, brother of Sterling Sharpe, who was drafted out of Savannah State, which was the first HBC (historically black college) in Georgia.
The tight end position has become far more respected and sought after in recent years, such as Kyle Pitts being drafted #4 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He has guys like Shannon Sharpe to thank, as they helped mold the current form of tight ends. Of course, Sharpe’s size helped him fill the most traditional role as well, and it also helped him win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and one with the Ravens.
Sharpe was also a five-time All-Pro to go along with eight Pro Bowl selections and being named to the 1990s All-Decade Team.
Mark has been a lifelong fan of all sports, and five years ago turned it into a profession, specializing in the NFL, NHL and MLB. He is a diehard Baltimore Ravens fan and has had his work published in sites such as Sports Illustrated, Pickswise and other top outlets.