With Fernando Mendoza locked in as the projected No. 1 overall pick, it’s the perfect time to look back at some of the greatest top selections in NFL history. They have been franchise-changing quarterbacks to generational defensive stars.
1. Peyton Manning (1998) – Manning is one of the greatest QBs ever. He’s a top 3 QB of all time. During his career he has 5 MVPs, 2 Super Bowls, 4 Super Bowl appearances and changed offenses forever with how he commanded the game pre-snap.
Photo Cred: The Denver Post
2. Lawrence Taylor (1981) – He is known as the greatest defensive player of all time. In his career he has a total of 132.5 sacks. His Highest Single-Season Sack Total was 20.5. Overall Taylor has 10-time Pro Bowler, 8-time All-Pro, 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1986 NFL MVP
3. John Elway (1983) – Elways is a top 5 QB of all time. Hall of Famer and 2× Super Bowl champ, iconic career with Denver. He made it to 5 Super Bowls and was on the quarterbacks to start the mobile QB trend that now has taken over the league.
4. Terry Bradshaw (1970) – While his physical traits may have been lacking he was a flat out winner. He led one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. He won four Super Bowls with the Steelers and was a clutch postseason performer.
5. Bruce Smith (1985) – He’s the all-time sack leader and dominant for nearly two decades. He’s the only player with 200 sacks. He won two defensive awards during his career.
Photo Cred: NFL
Other top picks
6. Troy Aikman (1989)
7. Orlando Pace (1997)
8. Cam Newton (2011)
9. Myles Garrett (2017)
10. Andrew Luck (2012)
