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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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Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman on the field before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman on the field before the game between the Carolina Panthers and the Arizona Cardinals in the NFC Championship football game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

#4:  1989

Total draft slots:  28

Pro Bowlers:  10

It might be hard to believe that a class can rank this high considering they have such a few number of Pro Bowl players, indicating a lack of depth. At least in comparison to others on this list. However, the strength of the 1989 group was never about quantity but quality. Without question this year featured the richest top five picks in NFL draft history with Troy Aikman, Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders all going within that small space of times.

All four are now Pro Football Hall of Famers. Aikman was the trigger man for the Dallas Cowboys dynasty of the 1990s. Barry became the most electric running back football has ever seen, filling out the greatest highlight reel in history and retiring 2nd all-time in rushing. Deion brought a new level of swagger and entertainment to the game, in addition to being maybe the best cover corner there ever was. Last but not least, Thomas collected 133 career sacks before his career was tragically cut short by a car accident.

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