NFL Draft History: Analyzing the 20-Round Player Selections
The landscape of professional football has evolved significantly over the decades, but few things capture the anticipation of a new season like the draft. In an era where the draft spanned a staggering 20 rounds, teams had an expansive opportunity to build their rosters, selecting a vast array of talent from colleges across the United States. This deep dive examines a historic draft class, highlighting the legendary figures and the sheer volume of players selected to fill the ranks of the NFL.
From the highly coveted first-round picks to the late-round flyers, these selections shaped the trajectories of franchises and the careers of athletes. The process was a gamble on potential, with teams looking for the next great Pro Bowler (an all-star selection) or a future Hall of Famer (an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame).
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Key Facts
- Top Pick: Ernie Davis from Syracuse was the first overall selection, picked by the Washington Redskins.
- Draft Depth: The selection process extended for 20 full rounds, totaling 280 picks.
- Hall of Fame Talent: The first round featured elite talent, including Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen.
- Positional Variety: While backs and tackles dominated the early rounds, the draft covered every critical role from Quarterbacks to Centers.
- College Pipelines: Institutions like LSU, Ohio State, and Penn State provided multiple players across various rounds.
Draft Breakdown by Round
The Elite Tier: Rounds 1 to 4
The opening rounds were reserved for the most impactful collegiate stars. The Washington Redskins set the tone by selecting Ernie Davis, while the Los Angeles Rams secured two top-three picks in Roman Gabriel and Merlin Olsen. These early rounds focused heavily on Backs and Tackles, the foundational pillars of the era's offensive and defensive lines.
The Mid-Round Core: Rounds 5 to 12
As the draft progressed into the middle rounds, teams began filling specific depth needs. This section of the draft saw a rise in selections for Guards and Ends. Notable picks included John Havlicek (Round 7) and LeRoy Weaver (Round 10), demonstrating that high-value talent could be found well beyond the first few picks.
The Late-Round Speculations: Rounds 13 to 20
The final stages of the draft were characterized by high-risk, high-reward selections. By Round 20, teams were selecting players like Mike Snodgrass and Jim Moss to round out their training camp rosters. Despite the low probability of success for late picks, these rounds allowed teams to scout smaller colleges and unconventional prospects.
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Draft Summary Table
| Pick Range | Key Players | Primary Positions | Notable Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-14 (Round 1) | Ernie Davis, Merlin Olsen, Lance Alworth | Back, DT, WR | Syracuse, Utah State, Arkansas |
| 15-42 (Rounds 2-3) | Joe Hernandez, Bill Miller | Tackle, End | Arizona, Miami (FL) |
| 43-112 (Rounds 4-8) | John Havlicek, George Andrie | Tackle, End | Ohio State, Marquette |
| 113-280 (Rounds 9-20) | LeRoy Weaver, Buck Buchanan | Back, Tackle | Adams State, Grambling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first overall pick in this draft?
The first overall pick was Ernie Davis, a Back from Syracuse, selected by the Washington Redskins.
How many rounds were in this specific draft?
This draft consisted of 20 rounds, with a total of 280 players selected.
Which team had multiple picks in the top three?
The Los Angeles Rams held two of the top three picks, selecting Roman Gabriel at #2 and Merlin Olsen at #3.
Were there any Hall of Famers selected in the first round?
Yes, the first round included members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, such as Merlin Olsen.
What were the most common positions selected in the early rounds?
The early rounds saw a high concentration of Backs, Tackles, and Wide Receivers.