NFL Draft SMQ: Which school produces the most No. 1 picks?

Which positions are most often drafted No. 1 overall?

It will probably come as little shock to see quarterbacks atop the list of positions drafted No. 1 overall by NFL teams. In the NFL Draft, 30 out of the 82 first overall selections have been passers. An additional three out of seven top picks in the AFL Draft were quarterbacks.

But beyond the quarterback position, which other positions are most coveted by pro teams? Here are the top five positions in terms of No. 1 pick frequency:

1. Quarterback (33)
2. Running back (24)
3. Defensive end (12)
4t. Receiver (4)
4t. Offensive tackle (4)
4t. Defensive tackle (4)

It will also probably come as little surprise that running back is the second-most coveted position among teams drafting first overall. Two dozen rushers have been plucked from the pool of candidates as the No. 1 overall pick.

Offense has traditionally been the main focus for teams picking first

In addition to the bulk of the selections in the backfield, receivers have gone atop the draft board on four occasions. The same is true of offensive tackles, especially as passing has become more commonplace in the professional game.

Perhaps more surprising is the love found on the defensive line. A dozen defensive ends have been picked first overall. That is more surprising when you take into account the fact that no defensive ends were selected between 1936 and 1971. Edge rushers went No. 1 for three straight years between 1972 and 1974, and have been the top choice in 12 of the past 46 NFL Drafts. Defensive tackle is also well represented, with four top selections.