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

By Erik Lambert

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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Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Former New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells is greeting by Lawrence Taylor on stage during half time ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of their championship at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Former New York Giants head coach Bill Parcells is greeting by Lawrence Taylor on stage during half time ceremony honoring the 25th anniversary of their championship at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ed Mulholland-USA TODAY Sports /

#9:  1981

Total draft slots:  28

Pro Bowlers:  12

Probably the most underappreciated class on this list. Initially when looking at the 1981 group, it’s not overly impressive. Just a serious of really good players like Kenny Easley, Mark May, Freeman McNeil, Dennis Smith and Hanford Dixon among others. The depth of the class is okay but not exactly overwhelming. So where does the ranking come from. From a defensive duo that quite literally defined an entire decade and changed the way the game is played because of their presence.

Ronnie Lott was and still is considered one of the greatest defensive leaders in NFL history. In addition to being a superstar talent, it was his voice that commanded some outstanding defenses in the 1980s, becoming the unheralded key to a San Francisco 49ers dynasty that won four Super Bowls. Joining him (and often foiling him) is the iconic Lawrence Taylor. A freak of nature who was an unstoppable pass rusher but could do pretty much anything he wanted on the field.

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