Ranking The 10 Greatest NFL Draft 1st Rounds of All-Time

Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (left) and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly on the field before the game at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (left) and former Buffalo Bills quarterback Jim Kelly on the field before the game at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

#10:  1998

Total draft slots:  30

Pro Bowlers:  9

Can one man actually carry an entire round onto this list? Not quite but if anybody could’ve done it, Peyton Manning is the guy. Easily the greatest 1st round pick at the quarterback position of all-time. He exemplified excellence at the position for almost two decades, went to four Super Bowls with four different head coaches and won two championships with two different teams. Last but not least he overcame four neck surgeries to break every conceivable passing record in existence. No doubt the 1998 class begins and ends with him.

Thankfully he didn’t have to do it alone. He had a couple other all-timers on his wings to help. Randy Moss may have been somewhat of a malcontent, but the man could catch passes with the greatest ever. He retired third on the career receiving list. Then there was Charles Woodson who thrived at both cornerback and safety until the ripe age of 38. Throw in a great guard in Alan Faneca and it becomes a group that can hold its own against the best.