NFL Draft SMQ: Which school produces the most No. 1 picks?
By Zach Bigalke
Final thoughts
While the Heisman Trophy is awarded solely on the merits of one’s play in college, it has not necessarily signified a player’s likeliness to be selected first overall. Jay Berwanger, the first Heisman winner, was picked first overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the inaugural NFL Draft. Berwanger, though, never played a down of professional football, instead opting to preserve his amateur status for a shot at participating in the 1936 Olympics.
Including Berwanger, 17 of the 82 top selections in the NFL Draft over time have also won the Heisman. The selection of the Heisman winner has fluctuated over time, with Cam Newton the most recent Heisman recipient to go first in the NFL Draft. The odds are not that great for either 2016 winner Lamar Jackson or 2017 winner Baker Mayfield to go No. 1 overall in this year’s draft.
Given the position’s importance over time, we will probably see another quarterback go first overall this year. But as Garrett showed last year, shoring up a defense in the trenches remains another popular avenue for utilizing a top pick.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round through Pro Days
As the NFL Draft nears, it is worth keeping in mind the history of drafts from the past. Both recent and historic trends could help predict who comes off the board first this year and in the future.