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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 Houston Oilers selected one of the best running backs of all time with their first pick in the 1978 NFL Draft out of Texas. The 5’11” 245-pound running back was one of the most decorated college athletes of all time, winning the Heisman Trophy award, being named First-team All-American twice, to go along with his player of the year awards.

But his success quickly translated to the NFL, getting things started his rookie season. He was named Offensive Rooke of the Year in 1978, as well as the NFL MVP award. Then he went on to win NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1979.

In 1979, he won the NFL MVP award once again and in 1980, he won the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award as well. He ended his career with five Pro Bowl selections, three AP First-team All-Pro selections, three NFL rushing titles and many more awards.

According to NFL.com, they rank him as the 55th best player in NFL History. Totaling 10,213 yards in his career and 74 touchdowns certainly makes him deserving of that title.

Next: 8. Troy Aikman

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