Number One NFL Draft Picks Trivia Quiz

Answer: Jay Berwanger

Berwanger, who was the first Heisman winner, was also the first to be taken #1 as he was the top pick in the 1936 NFL draft. However, he never played pro football.

Answer: Bill Dudley

Dudley, chosen first in the 1942 draft, was a halfback out of the University of Virginia who starred for the Steelers, Lions, and Redskins. He was selected to two Pro Bowls, was the 1946 NFL MVP, and was named to the 1940s All-Decade Team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1966. Bednarik was the #1 pick of the 1949 draft and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1967. Trippi was the #1 pick of the 1945 draft and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968. Hornung was the #1 pick of the 1957 draft and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.

Answer: Jim Plunkett

Heisman winner Plunkett was drafted #1 out of Stanford by the New England Patriots in the 1971 NFL draft. He was chosen ahead of such notable quarterbacks as Joe Theismann and Archie Manning. He enjoyed a long career and helped the Raiders win two Super Bowls, but he was never selected to the Pro Bowl.

Answer: Ron Yary

The Vikings selected offensive lineman Yary #1 overall in the 1968 draft. He was selected to 7 Pro Bowls in his 15-year career, and inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1969, the Buffalo Bills chose Simpson with the first overall pick.

Answer: Colts

By then, he had played two summers of Minor League baseball for the New York Yankees organization. Prior to the draft, Elway had publicly stated that he would not play for the Colts, but they drafted him anyway. He said if they did not trade him, he would play baseball instead. The Colts relented and traded him to the Broncos.

Answer: Bart Starr

Terry Baker was selected #1 in 1963 by the Rams. Bartkowski was selected with the first pick in 1975 by the Falcons, and Bledsoe was selected #1 by the Patriots in 1993. Starr, a Hall of Famer, was picked by the Packers in the 17th round of the 1956 draft.

Answer: George Rogers

Rogers, the Heisman winner out of South Carolina, was taken first by the Saints, while Taylor went second to the Giants. Rogers had a decent career, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 1981, and being named to 2 Pro Bowls.

Answer: Buccaneers

Tampa Bay selected Jackson first, but he opted for a baseball career instead. Since he did not sign with the Buccaneers, they forfeited his rights. The Raiders then chose him in the 7th round of the draft, promising him that he could play baseball full-time and football part-time.

Answer: Deacon Jones

Hall of Famer Deacon Jones played at obscure South Carolina State and was not taken until the 14th round of the 1961 draft by the Rams. Bubba Smith was drafted #1 out of Michigan State by the Colts in 1967. Selmon was drafted #1 out of Oklahoma by the Buccaneers in 1976. Smith was drafted #1 out of Virginia Tech by the Bills in 1985.

Answer: Ed "Too Tall" Jones

Ed "Too Tall" Jones was the number #1 pick out of Tennessee State by the Cowboys in 1974. Payton was drafted #4 out of Jackson State by the Bears in 1975. Simms was drafted #7 out of Morehead State by the Giants in 1979. Rice was drafted #16 out of Mississippi Valley State by the 49ers in 1985.