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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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Easily one of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game, Orlando Pace was drafted first overall in the 1997 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Rams, playing all the way through 2009. His size is startling, checking in at 6’7″ 325-pounds during his playing days, serving as a stone wall for his quarterbacks and running backs.

At Ohio State, he had a memorable 1996 season, finishing fourth in the Heisman Trophy. It hadn’t been since 1973 since an offensive lineman finished that high in the voting. Since then, no offensive lineman has been a finalist for the award.

On his resumé, he can add seven-time Pro Bowler, three-time First-team All-Pro and Super Bowl XXXIV Champion. His Super Bowl win came against the Tennessee Titans in one of the most memorable games in NFL history.

He played in 169 games throughout his career, starting in all but four. He has since been inducted into the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Next: 6. Terry Bradshaw

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