The NFL Draft is where legends are born—and sometimes, they're found late in the rounds. From franchise quarterbacks to all-time defensive monsters, here are the top 20 draft picks in NFL history ranked by overall impact, accolades, and value.
1. Tom Brady – 199th Overall (2000, New England Patriots)
College: Michigan
Highlights: 7× Super Bowl Champion, 3× NFL MVP
Why He’s No. 1: The greatest quarterback in NFL history was a sixth-round pick. Enough said.
2. Jerry Rice – 16th Overall (1985, San Francisco 49ers)
College: Mississippi Valley State
Highlights: NFL all-time leader in receptions, yards, and touchdowns
Legacy: Set the gold standard for wide receivers—arguably the best player ever, regardless of position.
3. Joe Montana – 82nd Overall (1979, San Francisco 49ers)
College: Notre Dame
Highlights: 4× Super Bowl Champion, 3× Super Bowl MVP
Legacy: Cool under pressure and defined a dynasty in the Bay.
4. Lawrence Taylor – 2nd Overall (1981, New York Giants)
College: North Carolina
Highlights: 10× Pro Bowl, 2× Super Bowl Champion, 1986 MVP
Legacy: Revolutionized linebacker play and changed offensive schemes forever.
5. Peyton Manning – 1st Overall (1998, Indianapolis Colts)
College: Tennessee
Highlights: 5× NFL MVP, 2× Super Bowl Champion
Legacy: The ultimate field general and one of the smartest QBs to ever play.
6. Walter Payton – 4th Overall (1975, Chicago Bears)
College: Jackson State
Highlights: NFL MVP (1977), Super Bowl XX Champion
Legacy: “Sweetness” was as graceful as he was powerful, redefining the running back position.
7. Johnny Unitas – 102nd Overall (1955, Pittsburgh Steelers)
College: Louisville
Highlights: 3× NFL MVP, 10× Pro Bowler
Legacy: The prototype modern QB, Unitas brought leadership, toughness, and consistency.
8. Barry Sanders – 3rd Overall (1989, Detroit Lions)
College: Oklahoma State
Highlights: 10× Pro Bowl, NFL MVP (1997)
Legacy: Elusive, explosive, and humble—Sanders made magic behind a subpar offensive line.
9. Reggie White – 4th Overall (1984 Supplemental Draft, Philadelphia Eagles)
College: Tennessee
Highlights: 13× Pro Bowl, Super Bowl XXXI Champion
Legacy: One of the most dominant defensive linemen ever, a true game-wrecker.
10. Dan Marino – 27th Overall (1983, Miami Dolphins)
College: Pittsburgh
Highlights: 9× Pro Bowl, 1984 NFL MVP
Legacy: Changed the passing game forever, even without a ring.
11. Brett Favre – 33rd Overall (1991, Atlanta Falcons)
College: Southern Mississippi
Highlights: 3× NFL MVP, 11× Pro Bowl
Legacy: Ironman QB who brought grit and fire to every snap.
12. Aaron Rodgers – 24th Overall (2005, Green Bay Packers)
College: California
Highlights: 4× NFL MVP, Super Bowl XLV MVP
Legacy: Master of the deep ball and avoiding interceptions, Rodgers is one of the most efficient QBs ever.
13. Ray Lewis – 26th Overall (1996, Baltimore Ravens)
College: Miami (FL)
Highlights: 2× Super Bowl Champion, 2× Defensive Player of the Year
Legacy: Heart and soul of the Ravens’ legendary defenses.
14. Randy Moss – 21st Overall (1998, Minnesota Vikings)
College: Marshall
Highlights: 6× Pro Bowl, NFL single-season TD record (23)
Legacy: Revolutionized deep threat WR play with speed, swagger, and skill.
15. Emmitt Smith – 17th Overall (1990, Dallas Cowboys)
College: Florida
Highlights: NFL’s all-time leading rusher, 3× Super Bowl Champion
Legacy: Consistent and clutch, the ultimate workhorse back.
16. Tony Gonzalez – 13th Overall (1997, Kansas City Chiefs)
College: California
Highlights: 14× Pro Bowl, most receptions for a TE
Legacy: Transformed the tight end position into an elite receiving role.
17. Drew Brees – 32nd Overall (2001, San Diego Chargers)
College: Purdue
Highlights: NFL all-time passing leader (until recently), Super Bowl XLIV MVP
Legacy: Undersized and underestimated, Brees rewrote the record books.
18. Bruce Smith – 1st Overall (1985, Buffalo Bills)
College: Virginia Tech
Highlights: NFL’s all-time sack leader (200), 11× Pro Bowl
Legacy: An unstoppable force off the edge for nearly two decades.
19. Deion Sanders – 5th Overall (1989, Atlanta Falcons)
College: Florida State
Highlights: 2× Super Bowl Champion, 8× Pro Bowl
Legacy: Prime Time brought unmatched speed and flash to cornerback—and the return game.
20. Joe Greene – 4th Overall (1969, Pittsburgh Steelers)
College: North Texas
Highlights: 4× Super Bowl Champion, 10× Pro Bowl
Legacy: The cornerstone of the “Steel Curtain” defense and Pittsburgh’s dynasty.
Which NFL player is in your top 20?
