I ran across an interesting piece in SI.com today, in which they researched all 86 drafts in NFL history to determine the best player chosen in each of the 259 draft slots. Of particular interest to me as an Iowa fan is that they selected 5 Hawkeyes as the best NFL draft picks at these slots:
18. Paul Krause, S, Washington, 1964. (16 seasons, 226 games) Hall of Fame. 8 Pro Bowls. 1964 NFL interception champion. NFL’s all-time interception leader with 81.
41. Andre Tippett, OLB, New England, 1982. (11, 139) Hall of Fame. All-decade. 5 Pro Bowls. 1985 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 100 career sacks.
156. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay, 2002. (10, 123) 2 Pro Bowls. 58 career sacks, including 15 ½ in 2006
167. Reggie Roby, P, Miami, 1983. (16, 238) All-decade. 3 Pro Bowls. 992 career punts, 43.3-yard average.
219. Mark Bortz, G, Chicago, 1983. (12, 171) 2 Pro Bowls. 1 Super Bowl ring. Voted one of the 100 greatest Bears of all-time.
As I read the list I was wondering if Bob Sanders might make it as the #44 pick, but unfortunately his great career was cut too short by injuries to make the cut. Can't really argue with Dermontti Dawson of Pittsburgh and his Hall of Fame, 7 Pro Bowl career at that slot.
Link: https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/the-greatest-draft-selections-of-all-time
18. Paul Krause, S, Washington, 1964. (16 seasons, 226 games) Hall of Fame. 8 Pro Bowls. 1964 NFL interception champion. NFL’s all-time interception leader with 81.
41. Andre Tippett, OLB, New England, 1982. (11, 139) Hall of Fame. All-decade. 5 Pro Bowls. 1985 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. 100 career sacks.
156. Aaron Kampman, DE, Green Bay, 2002. (10, 123) 2 Pro Bowls. 58 career sacks, including 15 ½ in 2006
167. Reggie Roby, P, Miami, 1983. (16, 238) All-decade. 3 Pro Bowls. 992 career punts, 43.3-yard average.
219. Mark Bortz, G, Chicago, 1983. (12, 171) 2 Pro Bowls. 1 Super Bowl ring. Voted one of the 100 greatest Bears of all-time.
As I read the list I was wondering if Bob Sanders might make it as the #44 pick, but unfortunately his great career was cut too short by injuries to make the cut. Can't really argue with Dermontti Dawson of Pittsburgh and his Hall of Fame, 7 Pro Bowl career at that slot.
Link: https://www.si.com/nfl/talkoffame/nfl/the-greatest-draft-selections-of-all-time
