Just seven non-quarterbacks have gone first overall since 2000, proving how rare it is for a different position to claim the top spot. Edge rushers have dominated when it happens, but will history repeat itself this year? Here's a look at the last 10 non-QB No. 1 picks.

Last 10 Non-QB No. 1 Overall Picks in NFL Draft: DEs Declared cream of the crop

Last 10 Non QB No. 1 Overall Picks in NFL Draft: DEs Declared Cream of the Crop

Ki-Jana Carter was the first overall pick in the 1995 NFL Draft, selected by the Cincinnati Bengals to be their franchise running back. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career, limiting him to just 35 games, 747 rushing yards, 16 touchdowns, and 375 receiving yards. Despite flashes of talent, he never lived up to the expectations of a No. 1 overall pick.

10. Ki-Jana Carter – RB, Cincinnati Bengals (1995)

Keyshawn Johnson became the first wide receiver to go No. 1 overall in the modern draft era when the Jets selected him in 1996. During his four seasons in New York, he established himself as a dominant target before finishing his career with 10,571 receiving yards and 64 touchdowns. While his outspoken personality made headlines, his production on the field backed it up.

9. Keyshawn Johnson – WR, New York Jets (1996)

A dominant force on the offensive line, Orlando Pace was the Rams' top pick in 1997 and became the anchor of "The Greatest Show on Turf." A seven-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Pace's elite protection helped lead St. Louis to a Super Bowl victory. His legacy as one of the best tackles of his era earned him a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.

8. Orlando Pace – 1997 / T / St. Louis Rams

The Browns made Courtney Brown the first overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, hoping to build their defense around the Penn State standout. Over six seasons with Cleveland and Denver, he racked up 95 solo tackles, 19 sacks, and eight fumble recoveries. While his NFL career was relatively short, Brown made his mark as a disruptive force on the defensive line.

7. Courtney Brown – 2000 / DE / Cleveland Browns

The Texans shocked everyone by picking Mario Williams over Reggie Bush in the 2006 NFL Draft, handing him a massive six-year, $54 million contract. The four-time Pro Bowler lived up to the hype, racking up 97.5 sacks and 317 solo tackles across stints with the Texans, Bills, and Dolphins. And in true superstar fashion, he even had his own cereal—"MariO's"—which helped support children with cancer.

6. Mario Williams – 2006 / DE / Houston Texans

The Dolphins made Jake Long the first overall pick in 2008, and he quickly became one of the league's top tackles, earning four Pro Bowl nods. Over his career, he played 104 games—starting in 99—while protecting quarterbacks in Miami, St. Louis, Atlanta, and Minnesota. Though his Hall of Fame Monitor score (33.03) falls short of the legends, Long was a rock-solid force on the offensive line.

5. Jake Long – 2008 / T / Miami Dolphins

The Chiefs made Eric Fisher their first overall pick in 2013, and he anchored their offensive line for eight seasons, later playing for the Colts and Dolphins. Fisher, a two-time Pro Bowler, had his biggest moment in 2019 when he helped Kansas City win Super Bowl LIV. His resilience earned him the Chiefs' Ed Block Courage Award, and in 2024, he was honored in Central Michigan's Hall of Fame.

4. Eric Fisher – 2013 / T / Kansas City Chiefs

With no elite quarterbacks in the 2014 draft class, the Texans made the smart call by taking Clowney first overall, passing on names like Bortles and Manziel. The South Carolina standout was a freak athlete, bringing a rare blend of power and speed to Houston's defense. While injuries slowed his early years, Clowney still built a strong career as a disruptive pass rusher across multiple teams.

3. Jadeveon Clowney – 2014 / DE / Houston Texans

The Browns didn't overthink it in 2017, taking the 6-foot-4, 272-pound athletic monster out of Texas A&M first overall. Garrett has since become a dominant force, racking up over 100 sacks and earning five Pro Bowl selections. His 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award cemented his status as one of the league's most feared pass rushers—and the best in Brown's history.

2. Myles Garrett – 2017 / DE / Cleveland Browns

Jacksonville went all-in on Walker's raw potential, selecting him No. 1 overall after his dominant run at Georgia. His second season showed major improvement, capped by a career-high 61 tackles in 2024. With elite size and explosiveness, he's shaping up as a key piece of the Jaguars' defense.