NBA & NFL Draft History
Where every legend got picked, and the drafts that produced more Hall of Famers than any other. 6 stories in this series.
1983 NFL Draft: Six Hall of Famers in One Class
Best NFL draft ever is widely considered 1983, with six Hall of Famers: Elway, Marino, Kelly, Dickerson, Matthews, Darrell Green.
1996 NBA Draft: Why It's the Best Class Ever
Best NBA draft ever? 1996: Iverson, Kobe, Nash, Ray Allen, four MVPs, 16 All-Stars. The case for 1996 over 1984 and 2003.
Aaron Rodgers Draft: Slid to 24th, Green Bay 2005
Aaron Rodgers' draft: 24th overall by Green Bay in 2005 after a four-hour green-room slide. He sat for three seasons behind Brett Favre.
Larry Bird Draft: Boston Took Him a Year Early in 1978
Larry Bird's draft: 6th overall by Boston in 1978 — a year before he played a pro game. Red Auerbach used the junior-eligibility rule.
Michael Jordan Draft: 3rd Overall, 1984 Bulls
Michael Jordan draft: 3rd overall in 1984 to the Bulls, after Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie. The most second-guessed pick in NBA history.
Peyton Manning Draft: 1st Overall, 1998 Colts
Peyton Manning's draft: 1st overall by the Indianapolis Colts in 1998, chosen over Ryan Leaf in the era's most-debated QB decision.
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