Who Is the Most Successful 1st Overall Pick?

Just 14 days to go for the 2024 NFL Draft. Like other years, this draft season too is expecting to bring some great players into the league. But who will be the no. 1 overall pick?

Generally, every player wishes to join this elite class. However, with this pick, comes a lot of responsibilities and expectations. As this offseason is still waiting for their No. 1, many fans are wondering who was the best overall. So, let’s dive into finding who is the most successful player chosen at no. 1 pick.

The no. 1 pick who created history in the league!

Some players fulfill the high hopes placed on them when they’re drafted, but others don’t. Examples like JaMarcus Russell and Tim Couch illustrate this. Despite being top overall draft picks, they couldn’t replicate the success they had in college at the professional level. However, there are certain players who have been ranked as one of the successful players in the history of the NFL Draft.

As per multiple sources, Peyton Manning is referred to as the top favorite. Peyton was a QB from Tennessee who was drafted by the Colts in the 1998 NFL Draft. He went on to win a Super Bowl with two different teams and retired as the all-time leader in passing yards (71,940) and touchdown passes (539). He was also named NFL MVP a record five times.

Besides him, his younger brother, Eli Manning, also had a successful career. He played for Ole Miss and was drafted by the New York Giants, including one where he defeated Tom Brady and the Patriots in a legendary game known for the “Helmet Catch.” Interestingly, Eli initially refused to play for the Chargers, who drafted him, leading to a trade that sent him to the Giants. This decision proved fortunate for the Giants, as they went on to win two championships with Eli as their quarterback.

Besides these two brothers, there are other no. 1 overall picks that are equally popular and successful.

Which other players have proved their NFL draft ranks?

As per the reports, in recent times, Matthew Stafford played college football at the University of Georgia and was drafted by the Lions in the NFL. Throughout his career in Detroit, Stafford showed immense talent, but his team struggled to support him effectively. After spending twelve years with the Lions, Stafford moved to the Rams. in 2021. He achieved his dream of winning a Super Bowl with the Rams. Notably, Stafford also set records for being the fastest quarterback to reach milestones like 20,000, 30,000, and 40,000 passing yards.

On the other hand, many consider the much previous NFL draft picks like Earl Campbell. He was a running back from the University of Texas who was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1978. His arrival transformed the AFC Championship game in his first two seasons. However, Campbell’s aggressive playing style took a toll on his body, leading to a relatively short eight-year career. Despite this, his outstanding performance during his playing years earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Other than them, players like Cam Newton, Terry Bradshaw, Michael Vick, Chuck Bednarik, Joe Burrow, O. J. Simpson, Myles Garrett, and Bruce Smith, are also considered as popular and successful top picks in the league. Now fans are awaiting this year’s overall pick to see how he performs in the future.

Read more: What Was the Worst Draft Class in NFL History?