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NFL Draft: 25 best first overall picks of all-time

By Gabe Encinas

18 Apr 1998: First overall pick Peyton Manning shows off his jersey after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Mandatory Credit: Ezra C. Shaw /Allsport
18 Apr 1998: First overall pick Peyton Manning shows off his jersey after being selected by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan, New York. Mandatory Credit: Ezra C. Shaw /Allsport /
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The 6’5″ 255-pound offensive tackle out of USC was the first pick in the 1968 NFL Draft, taken by the Minnesota Vikings. He served in the league for 15 seasons, all but one with the Vikings. His final season of his career was with the Los Angles Rams.

During his career, he had quite a bit on his resume, with his peak years being between 1970-1977. In that span, he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times, earned six First-team All-pro selections and eight All-NFC selections as well. From 1973-1975, he was named NFLPA NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year, dominating the trenches.

The first offensive tackle to go first overall led the Minnesota Vikings to three NFC Championship and won an NFL championship in 1969, his second season in the league.

He played in 207 games, starting 180 of them. He has since been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and was named to the NFL 1970’s All-Decade Team.

Next: 10. Paul Hornung

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