Keyshawn Johnson: The Last WR to Go No. 1 in the NFL Draft, 30 Years Ago

The wide receiver's rise to the top pick in 1996 remains an outlier in the modern NFL draft landscape.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:07pm

A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes that deconstruct the action on the field.A cubist interpretation of the evolving landscape of the NFL draft, where the quarterback position continues to reign supreme over the wide receiver.Oakland Today

It's been three decades since Keyshawn Johnson, a wide receiver, was selected as the number one pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Since then, no other wide receiver has claimed that coveted spot, despite the passing revolution that has transformed the game. The article explores the reasons behind this trend, including the NFL's preference for quarterbacks, pass rushers, and left tackles, as well as the abundance of talented receivers available throughout the draft.

Why it matters

Keyshawn Johnson's story highlights the evolving nature of the NFL draft, the strategic priorities of teams, and the enduring allure of the quarterback position. While wide receivers may not be the first overall pick, their value and impact on the field are undeniable, and they continue to shape the game in their own right.

The details

In 1996, Keyshawn Johnson, a wide receiver, was selected as the number one pick in the NFL Draft by the New York Jets. Since then, no other wide receiver has claimed the coveted top spot, despite the passing revolution that has transformed the game. The article explores the reasons behind this trend, including the NFL's preference for quarterbacks, pass rushers, and left tackles, as well as the abundance of talented receivers available throughout the draft. The article also notes that the earning power of wide receivers has skyrocketed, with modern-day receivers commanding salaries that were unimaginable in Johnson's era.

  • Keyshawn Johnson was selected as the number one pick in the 1996 NFL Draft.
  • It's been 30 years since a wide receiver was selected as the number one pick in the NFL Draft.

The players

Keyshawn Johnson

A wide receiver who was selected as the number one pick in the 1996 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

JaMarcus Russell

A quarterback who was selected over Calvin Johnson, a wide receiver, in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders.

Jeremiah Smith

A highly-rated wide receiver who might challenge the quarterback dominance in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Dante Moore

A top-tier quarterback prospect who is expected to be in the mix for the 2027 NFL Draft.

Arch Manning

A top-tier quarterback prospect who is expected to be in the mix for the 2027 NFL Draft.

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What’s next

The 2027 draft could be a pivotal moment, as Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith, a highly-rated receiver, might challenge the quarterback dominance. However, with top-tier quarterbacks like Dante Moore and Arch Manning also in the mix, it's unlikely that a receiver will break the quarterback stranglehold.

The takeaway

Keyshawn Johnson's story is a unique chapter in NFL history, highlighting the evolving nature of the game, the strategic priorities of teams, and the enduring allure of the quarterback position. While wide receivers may not be the first overall pick, their value and impact on the field are undeniable, and they continue to shape the game in their own right.