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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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Honorable Mentions

Of course, there are more great No. 1 overall picks in NFL history, many of which could not make the initial 25. But here are a few other notable guys who went first in the NFL Draft, finding success at the next level throughout their career and leading their team to victory.

Eli Manning: As the most sought out prospect in the 2004 NFL Draft and the San Diego Chargers on the clock, the Manning family expressed their sincere disinterest in playing for the Chargers, forcing a trade that led him to the New York Giants where he has played out his entire career thus far. He’s since won two Super Bowls, adding Super Bowl MVP’s for each of those wins as well.

Vinny Testaverde: Vinny was a journeyman in the NFL, playing for eight different NFL teams over the span of his 20- year career. He started out with Tampa Bay following the 1987 NFL Draft and has since become their franchise leader in pass attempts, yards and interceptions. He also played a bulk of his career with the New York Jets, with his best season coming in 1998, earning Pro Bowl bid and owning the AFC Passer Rating record for that season.

Andrew Luck: The heir apparent to Peyton Manning, many believed that the Colts tanked to finish with the No. 1 overall pick in 2012 in order to obtain Andrew Luck, one of the most highly regarded quarterback prospects in draft history. He’s led the Colts to the playoffs in each of his first three years, advancing further each season. A Super Bowl victory is imminent for Luck.

Bubba Smith: A huge body out of Michigan State, checking in at 6’7″ 265-pounds, Smith was selected first overall by the Baltimore Colts, where he played for four seasons and helped lead the team to a victory in Super Bowl V. He was named to two Pro Bowls, playing in 111 career games throughout his 10 season career.

Russell Maryland: A 300-pound defensive tackle out of Miami was selected first by the Dallas Cowboys in 1991. That 300-pound defensive tackle then went on to win three Super Bowls for the Cowboys. He went on to play for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers as well. To end his career has brought down 375 ball carriers, accumulated 24.5 sacks and forced nine fumbles.

Carson Palmer: The USC quarterback landed himself a home in Cincinnati with the Bengals after the 2003 NFL Draft, playing there until 2011. Then he made the switch to the Oakland Raiders for two quick seasons, not finding nearly as much success as he had in Cincinnati, but could lead the Arizona Cardinals to a Super Bowl before his career is over.

Palmer has risen like a phoenix out in the desert, having three of the best seasons of his career with the Arizona Cardinals. This past season, Cam Newton was the runaway MVP candidate, but not too far behind him was Carson Palmer. Palmer has been selected to three Pro Bowls and has broken numerous records for the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals.

Next: 25. Jim Plunkett

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