Camila Sosa
We continue our series leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, decorating the top picks in the history of the NFL Draft since its implementation in 1936. We are getting closer and closer to the top positions, and, in this third part, we will cover the most successful selections from the 15th to the 9th overall pick. In any of these sections the competition gets even tighter, but all the names on this list are worthy of a spot.
Without further ado, having done part 1 and part 2 of this ranking, here are the top picks in the history of the NFL Draft, from the 15th to the 9th spot.
15.- Alan Page, DT – Minnesota Vikings (1967)
As the first defensive player to win the NFL MVP award in history (1971), Page changed the format of defensive tackles within the league, causing teams to focus less on physicality when technique and the ability to manipulate his body ended up being more of a determining factor in the nine-time Pro-Bowl running back’s career (all in a row).
The Notre Dame graduate was also a five-time All-Pro selection, league champion (1969), and Defensive Player of the Year on one occasion.
14.- Gino Marchetti, DE – Dallas Texans/Baltimore Colts (1952)
In a pivotal era for American soccer, Marchetti became at the time of his retirement the most recognized defensive end in history without a doubt for those who were able to witness him during the era. He earned 11 Pro-Bowl selections, seven All-Pro selections and two NFL championships over a 14-year career with the Baltimore Colts, establishing himself as one of the best in franchise history.
13.- Tony González, TE – Kansas City Chiefs (1997)
As another member of this list who came to the NFL to change a position forever, González is considered by many to be the greatest tight end in the history of the sport, having done with the rules of the position what he wanted. Breaking records for total yards (15,127) and receptions (1,325) for a TE, he also ranks in the overall charts for those statistics (third in receptions, fifth in yards, sixth in touchdowns).
With all this, plus 14 Pro-Bowl selections and six All-Pro quintets, there is no doubt that the University of California product deserves this mention. However, Aaron Donald (selected in the same position, during the 2014 contest) is also worthy of appearing in our ranking (eight Pro-Bowls, seven All-Pro, one Superbowl, three-time Defensive Player of the Year).
12.- Warren Sapp, DT – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1995)
With the talent to be one of the first three overall selections, but with an attitude questioned by many and rumors of extra-sports issues, Sapp dropped low enough in the 1995 draft that the Bucs got him at the position they wanted him. The rest was history: he became one of the NFL’s most dominant tackles of his era, he earned seven Pro-Bowl selections, four All-Pro selections, one SuperBowl and a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1999 over 13 seasons.
11.- J.J. Watt, DL – Houston Texans (2011)
As the decision to take him was highly criticized at the time it was made, Rick Smith (Texans general manager) would have the last laugh at the end: Watt became one of the defensive emblems of the entire league, capturing three Defensive Player of the Year awards (tying the record), five Pro-Bowls and five All-Pro awards in his career that still stands today in the NFL. After being criticized as a reach, Watt is one of the reasons franchise leaders know better than the average person what they are doing.
There were other names to highlight in this slot: Paul Warfield, Frank Gifford, Doug Atkins or Leo Nomellini, but Watt has the biggest impact in our view among all the candidates.
10.- Rod Woodson, DB – Pittsburgh Steeler (1987)
Holding records for most fumble recoveries (32) by a defensive player and most interception touchdowns (12), as well as having the third most interceptions in the NFL (71), it goes without saying that Woodson was a more than deserved decision in this ranking. What’s more, he has 11 Pro-Bowl selections, six All-Pro selections, a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1993 and a Super Bowl championship in 2001. Summing up, he has one of the most illustrious careers in American football.
However, Patrick Mahomes could change the course of this in the future if his potential takes him as far as he has indicated in his years in the NFL so far.
9.- Brian Urlacher, LB – Chicago Bear (2000)
This is probably one of the most complicated positions to choose from for the number of elite options available: Bruce Matthews (Houston Oilers tackle) had 14 Pro-Bowls, 7 All-Pro, and missed only seven games in his 19-year career with the Oilers and Tennessee Titans, which is incredible. But Brian Urlacher was someone no one projected as stay-in-the-NFL material, and they couldn’t have been more wrong.
In a 12-year career with the Chicago Bears, the New Mexico graduate was selected to eight Pro-Bowls, four All-Pro, and won a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005, and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000. He has been one of the most important players in the modern era of the franchise without a doubt.
