NFL Draft: What The Top 10 Teams Last Did With Their Pick
By Erik Lambert
It’s a virtual guarantee that every teams has held every pick in the top 10 at least once. So based on history, how did those in the top 10 fare the last time they held their selection?
#1 Overall – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last Held: 1987
Selection: Vinny Testaverde (QB, Miami)
Though he was at the helm of some outstanding Miami teams, Vinny Testaverde came into the pros with a bad reputation for turning the ball over. His 267 career interceptions would reflect that mark as the Buccaneers never got much out of him though he would eventually become a two-time Pro Bowler for Baltimore and the Jets.
#2 Overall – Tennessee Titans
Last Held: 1984
Selection: Dean Steinkuhler (OT, Nebraska)
After a standout career in Nebraska, Dean Steinkuhler was called on to protect Warren Moon for the Houston Oilers, who would eventually become the Tennessee Titans. Despite his success there, his pro career was rather modest and ended after seven years.
#3 Overall – Jacksonville Jaguars
Last Held: 2014
Selection: Blake Bortles (QB, UCF)
It has to feel like deja vu for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Just one year after placing their future on the #3 overall pick in the NFL draft with Blake Bortles, they are right back where they started, hoping one more round of high choices will get them over the hump.
#4 Overall – Oakland Raiders
Last Held: 2008
Selection: Darren McFadden (RB, Arkansas)
This is a pick Oakland Raiders fans would like to forget. Darren McFadden came in with a lot of fanfair after a huge run at Arkansas. There was no denying his talent, but it became apparent early on that his body could not hold up to the pounding of the pros. While he is still playing, for where he went in the NFL draft he’s a bust.
#5 Overall – Washington Redskins
Last Held: 2004
Selection: Sean Taylor (S, Miami)
Bad memories continue to linger about Sean Taylor, not so much for being a bust but what could’ve been. There was no doubt that he was among the best safeties in the league for the Washington Redskins when he life was cut tragically short by a shooting during a home invasion.
#6 Overall – New York Jets
Last Held: 2008
Selection: Vernon Gholston (DE, Ohio State)
As ultimate whiffs in New York Jets history go, Vernon Gholston has to rank near the top. He’s another classic case of “looks like Tarzan, plays like Jane.” Physically he seemed like a can’t-miss prospect out of Ohio State but was clearly overmatched by the speed and tenacity of the pros.
#7 Overall – Chicago Bears
Last Held: 1993
Selection: Curtis Conway (WR, USC)
Wide receivers have traditionally been elusive for the Chicago Bears in the draft but one of the few exceptions came in 1993. Curtis Conway never became a Pro Bowl player, but he did play 11 years in the league and had some highly productive seasons in the Windy City.
#8 Overall – Atlanta Falcons
Last Held: 2007
Selection: Jamaal Anderson (DE, Arkansas)
Pass rush has been the boon of the Atlanta Falcons really for years. Their defense is just bad without it. Part of the reason it stinks today is because the team missed on draft picks like Jamaal Anderson who managed just 7.5 sacks in six seasons.
#9 Overall – New York Giants
Last Held: 1936
Selection: Art Lewis (OT, Ohio)
In a rather bizarre bit of intrigue, the New York Giants actually haven’t held the 9th overall pick in the NFL draft for 79 years. The crazier part is how many times they’ve held the 10th and 8th picks. Their first foray with #9 resulted in tackle Art Lewis. He only played three years of pro ball and was out of New York after his rookie season.
#10 Overall – St. Louis Rams
Last Held: 1993
Selection: Jerome Bettis (RB, Notre Dame)
From a pure pick perspective, this was a home run for the St. Louis Rams as they got one of the best running backs of an entire decade in Jerome Bettis. “The Bus” wouldn’t really earn his reputation until he was traded to Pittsburgh, but during his short stint with the Rams went to two Pro Bowls.