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](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3233771163c6e49e971aa89bbfe12639b259b931556fcddf4f082e2ea33353d4.jpg)
#7: 1957
Total draft slots: 13
Pro Bowlers: 11
The 1957 class is incredible for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the hit rate for success. Out of 13 players, 11 of them would end up being at least above average. That’s an 84.61% chance of getting a hit. In order to reach similar levels in today’s draft structure, no fewer than 27 teams would have to end up getting a Pro Bowl players. Absolutely unheard of. Not only that but it turns out the overall talent of the group was also impressive. Of course it starts with Jim Brown.
To this day many still believe he’s the best football player the sport has ever seen. He held every major rushing record after just nine seasons in Cleveland and won a championship. Paul Hornung didn’t put up near the numbers but did claim four rings of his own in Green Bay. Len Dawson was one of the great QBs of his era and helped establish the rival AFL in Kansas City. Jim Parker transformed how the left tackle position was viewed. All are Hall of Famers.