Selecting the Best NFL Draft Pick Ever for Every Team

From Jim Brown to Tom Brady, the greatest selections in NFL history

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:56pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold colors depicting an abstract football scene, conveying the complexity and excitement of the NFL draft process.A cubist interpretation of the NFL draft captures the dynamic energy and strategic decision-making that goes into building a championship roster.New Orleans Today

Sports Illustrated takes a look at the best draft pick ever made by each of the 32 NFL teams, highlighting legendary players like Jim Brown, Walter Payton, Ray Lewis, and Tom Brady who were selected in the draft and went on to become all-time greats.

Why it matters

The NFL draft is one of the most anticipated events of the sports calendar, as teams look to find the next generation of star players to build their franchises around. This analysis showcases the incredible value that can be found in the draft, with many of the league's all-time greatest players being selected, often in the later rounds.

The details

The article examines the greatest draft pick for each NFL team, weighing factors like the player's overall talent, value of the draft position, and impact on the franchise. Some of the standout selections include Larry Wilson for the Cardinals, Ray Lewis for the Ravens, Walter Payton for the Bears, and Tom Brady for the Patriots. The piece highlights the scouting prowess of certain teams in unearthing diamonds in the rough, as well as the importance of making the right pick, especially for franchises seeking to build sustained success.

  • The NFL draft is coming up in less than two weeks.

The players

Larry Wilson

A seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time first-team All-Pro safety who was a seventh-round pick of the original NFL Cardinals franchise in 1960 and is considered one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Julio Jones

A five-time Pro Bowl and two-time first-team All-Pro wide receiver who the Atlanta Falcons traded up to select in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft, becoming one of the most dominant receivers of his era.

Ray Lewis

A first-ballot Hall of Fame linebacker who the Baltimore Ravens selected in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft, going on to become a 10-time All-Pro, two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and Super Bowl MVP.

Andre Reed

A seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver who the Buffalo Bills selected in the fourth round of the 1985 NFL Draft, becoming a key part of their K-Gun offense and helping the team reach four Super Bowls in the 1990s.

Julius Peppers

A nine-time Pro Bowl and six-time first-team All-Pro defensive end who the Carolina Panthers selected with the second overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft, emerging as one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era.

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What they’re saying

“For our picks, we weighed not only the best players (though that was the main factor), but also the value of the pick. If it was close between a first-round pick and a third-round choice, that value mattered.”

— Matt Verderame, Author

The takeaway

The NFL draft remains one of the most important events for teams looking to build sustained success, with many of the league's all-time greats being unearthed through the draft process. This analysis showcases the incredible value that can be found, even in the later rounds, when teams are able to identify and select players who go on to become transformative figures for their franchises.