Who were the “Best” Draft Picks of All-Time in the NFL? Check out our Top 10 list

To build an amazing NFL team, you have to draft well. If you cannot draft your team will struggle. Last year, the New York Jets had an amazing draft and it potentially set them up for the next several years. We look back at the “best” draft picks of all time, and while they are subjective and open to interpretation, but I wanted to break down my top 10.
These players redefined the game in my opinion, and had a huge impact on the game, individual achievements, and team success. Here are a few players I consider the best draft picks of all time:
- Tom Brady: Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots, Tom Brady is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He has won multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards and holds numerous records.
- Jerry Rice: Drafted in the first round of the 1985 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Jerry Rice is often regarded as the greatest wide receiver in NFL history. He holds numerous records for receiving yards, touchdowns, and receptions.
- Joe Montana: Drafted in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, Joe Montana is a legendary quarterback who won four Super Bowls and earned three Super Bowl MVP awards.
- Lawrence Taylor: Drafted in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, Lawrence Taylor is widely considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history. He revolutionized the linebacker position and won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- Walter Payton: Drafted in the first round of the 1975 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Walter Payton, also known as “Sweetness,” is regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was a versatile and dynamic player, setting numerous rushing records.
- Jim Brown: Drafted in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Jim Brown is considered one of the most dominant running backs of all time. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time MVP during his nine-year career.
- Reggie White: Drafted in the first round of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, Reggie White is often regarded as one of the greatest defensive linemen in NFL history. He was a dominant pass rusher and won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards.
- Barry Sanders: Drafted in the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, Barry Sanders is considered one of the most elusive and talented running backs to ever play the game.
- Peyton Manning: Drafted in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft by the Indianapolis Colts, Peyton Manning had a remarkable career, setting numerous records and winning multiple MVP awards.
- Dick Butkus: Drafted in the first round of the 1965 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, Dick Butkus is regarded as one of the most fearsome linebackers in NFL history and a symbol of defensive excellence.
These are just a few examples, and there have been many other outstanding draft picks in NFL history.
The impact of a draft pick can extend far beyond individual accomplishments, as team success and contributions to the sport’s legacy also play a significant role in evaluating the best draft picks of all time.

NFL Draft Diamonds was created to assist the underdogs playing the sport. We call them diamonds in the rough. My name is Damond Talbot, I have worked extremely hard to help hundreds of small school players over the past several years, and will continue my mission. We have several contributors on this site, and if they contribute their name and contact will be in the piece above. You can email me at nfldraftdiamonds@gmail.com