List Of NFL Draft 1st Overall Picks Since 2000

Bryce Young, the 2021 Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama Crimson Tide, made history in April 2023. He was selected as the Carolina Panthers’ 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft, etching a new chapter in his impressive football career.

Young’s journey to the top pick wasn’t without its twists. Initially slated as the 9th selection, the Panthers made a bold move, as they traded up several spots and their star WR D.J. Moore to secure the young signal-caller.

He made his mark in Alabama’s record books, boasting the most passing yards in a single game (559) and aiding the Crimson Tide to a National Championship appearance. His athleticism and accuracy, coupled with leadership qualities captivated scouts and fans alike.

The 2022 NFL Draft took an unexpected turn when the Jacksonville Jaguars surprised everyone by selecting Travon Walker, an undeniably talented defensive end filled with raw power from the University of Georgia, as the No. 1 OVR pick.

While Travon’s potential and massive athleticism were striking, his college stats weren’t exactly eye-popping. He had only 9.5 sacks in his UGA’s three-year career. However, the Jaguars saw something special in his 6’5″, 275-pound frame.

The pick was met with mixed reactions, but the Jaguars were confident in their decision regardless of the skepticism.

Walker’s rookie season wasn’t without its bumps. He adapted to the NFL’s speed and physicality, recording 49 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and 1 interception. He displayed his disruptive ability and playmaking potential.

All eyes in the 2021 draft were on Trevor Lawrence, the golden boy of Clemson football. Lawrence had been anointed the next big thing since his high school days, a QB with talent so undeniable he was destined for the top spot in the NFL Draft. And that’s exactly what occurred.

Jacksonville Jaguars were desperate for a franchise-altering talent and didn’t hesitate to pick Lawrence with the first overall choice. Lawrence immediately faced immense pressure but seemed unfazed. He carried the weight of a city’s hopes on his broad shoulders, ready to lead the Jags out of the NFL’s basement.

His rookie season was filled with flashes of brilliance that were overshadowed by inconsistency and growing pains. But in 2022, Lawrence started to find his groove, guiding the Jaguars to their first AFC South title since 2017 and a thrilling playoff victory over LA Chargers.

The 2020 NFL Draft spotlight landed fully on Joe Burrow, the LSU Tigers’ gunslinger with ice in his veins. After leading LSU to a National Championship and becoming the Heisman Trophy winner that shattered records, Burrow was the undisputed No. 1 overall selection by the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Bengals, mired in mediocrity for years, saw Burrow as their savior. Burrow’s arrival injected a jolt of excitement into the franchise and city. However, his rookie season saw him struggles that covered a season cut short by injury.

Fast forward to today, Burrow has led the Bengals to two consecutive playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl run in 2022. His confidence and swagger have made him loved in Cincinnati, and his on-field performance has earned him respect across the league.

Kyler Murray’s journey to the NFL is a typical QB fairytale. Undersized at 5’10” and overlooked by many top colleges, Murray defied expectations at every turn. He led the Oklahoma Sooners to a National Championship appearance and captured the Heisman Trophy, solidifying his status as a generational talent.

The Arizona Cardinals thirsted for a spark, and took a bold gamble, selecting Murray with the 1st overall pick in the 2019 draft night. The doubters were loud, questioning his size, accuracy, and NFL fit.

Murray silenced them quickly with his electrifying dual-threat play transformed the Cardinals’ offense. He scrambled for first downs, made pinpoint throws, and ignited a fan base hungry for success.

In his rookie season, Murray threw for an impressive 3,722 yards and 20 TD passes while retaining an 87.4 passer rating. He also rushed for 544 yards from 43 carries.

The Cleveland Browns, notorious for draft day blunders, defied expectations by selecting Baker Mayfield as the coveted 1st overall pick. Selecting the fiery undersized QB from Oklahoma sparked debate, ignited hope in Cleveland, and ultimately, wrote a new chapter in the franchise’s history.

A walk-on at Texas Tech, Baker transferred to Oklahoma, where he blossomed into a Heisman Trophy winner and college football’s most electrifying athlete.

Mayfield filled passion into Cleveland jaded by decades of disappointment. He brought national attention to the Browns, converting them from a laughingstock to playoff contenders.

He took the Browns franchise to a playoff position in 2002. Afterward, he aided the team to win their first playoff game in over 26 years (against Pittsburgh Steelers).

The Cleveland Browns stood at a crossroads in 2017. Years of disappointment had left the team yearning for a savior. Enter Myles Garrett, a young Texas A&M defensive end with a raw talent that couldn’t be ignored.

The Browns gambled on Garrett’s potential with the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. He was a physical powerhouse, sitting at a 6’4″, 272-pound force with a relentless drive and pass-rushing moves. But there were still questions about his maturity and consistency.

Those doubts quickly faded as Garrett exploded onto the scene by terrorizing opposing QBs His rookie year saw him rack up 7 sacks and 31 tackles.

As of today, Myles has registered double-digit sacks in six consecutive seasons (including 2023), earning him four Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections along the way.

The Los Angeles Rams, fresh off a relocation, craved a new franchise face. Jared Goff was perfect for the role. So against all odds, the California Golden Bears quarterback became the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Goff’s rise was meteoric since he shattered Pac-12 records at Cali, and entertained scouts with his accuracy, poise, and leadership. But doubts still lingered over his raw talent. Some saw him as system-dependent, lacking the skills of his contemporaries.

Goff’s rookie season was riddled with interceptions and losses. However, the Rams remained undeterred and Goff persevered. He matured under Sean McVay’s offensive schemes, developing into a game-changer with a knack for clutch throws.

In 2018, the signal-caller led the Rams to their first playoff victory in 14 years, silencing the doubters and proving his talents.

Jameis Winston, the electrifying QB from Florida State became the No. 1 OVR pick in the 2025 draft night. Fresh off a Heisman Trophy honors and National Championship appearance, the QB wasn’t just the top prospect; he was a cultural phenomenon.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who were mired in mediocrity for years, saw their franchise savior in Winston. He had a cannon for an arm and dazzling athleticism that lighted up Raymond James Stadium with highlight-reel throws and electrifying runs.

Winston’s Bucs tenure was a rollercoaster ride. He achieved broke franchise records and led the team to the playoffs. Meanwhile, he threw interceptions with great frequency. He led the league with 30 INT in the 2019 season.

Clowney’s rise to dominance began in South Carolina, where he terrorized opposing QBs with his combo of speed and power. 

He earned the prestigious Ted Hendricks Award in 2013, provided to the nation’s top defensive end, and racked up an impressive 24 sacks and 47 Tackles for loss in only three seasons. His highlight reel was a display of athleticism and disruption, leaving fans in awe and NFL scouts salivating.

Clowney’s name was synonymous with “generational talent” as draft day approached. The Houston Texans, armed with the No. 1 pick, couldn’t resist his allure. With the first selection, they made Clowney the first defensive player to be drafted first overall since 2006.

The NFL world looked surprised as the Kansas City Chiefs grabbed Eric Fisher, a tackle from Central Michigan, with the 1st OVR pick. Coming from a relatively unknown school, Fisher’s selection defied expectations and created heated debate.

Fisher proved his worth as he anchored the Chiefs’ offensive line for eight seasons, earning two Pro Bowls and playing a pivotal role in their Super Bowl LIV win. His steady blocking skills protected Patrick Mahomes and paved the way for the Chiefs’ offensive juggernaut.

Fisher’s story is a symbol of hope for athletes from smaller schools, proving that talent can blossom anywhere.

While injuries ultimately led to his release in 2021, Fisher’s impact on the Chiefs remains undeniable with 113 starts and a good rushing offense.

The 2011 NFL Draft spotlight shined bright on a charismatic young QB from Auburn University: Cam Newton. With his electrifying playmaking skills and charming personality, Newton was widely expected to be the No. 1 OVR pick, and the Carolina Panthers didn’t disappoint.

He was a polarizing athlete, admired by some for his talent and swagger, and questioned by others for his perceived brashness.

Newton lived up to the 1st overall hype, as he quickly exploded onto the scene, shattering rookie records with his dual-threat play.

The signal-caller also guided the Panthers to a surprising 10-6 record and a playoff position, earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award and becoming one of the most epic QBs in the Panthers franchise.

Aka Sleeves, the Oklahoma QB Sam Bradford became the St. Louis Rams’ No. 1 overall pick in 2010. The pressure was great, while the expectations were sky-high. Bradford’s NFL journey would be a complex one, filled with moments of brilliance and soul-crushing injuries.

Bradford’s college career at Oklahoma saw him win the Heisman Trophy, displaying great accuracy and a poised demeanor. The Rams, yearning for a savior, traded heavily to secure the top spot, banking on the QB to lead them back to the top.

Bradford’s rookie season showed his raw potential. He threw for 3,512 yards, had 18 TDs, and earned the Offensive RoY. 

However, a string of shoulder injuries plagued him throughout his career, forcing him to miss lots of playtime.

The Detroit Lions, mired in a winless season, held the powerful first overall selection in the NFL Draft. Their choice? Matthew Stafford, the gunslinging Georgia QB. Stafford faced immense pressure was immense, but was ready for the challenge with his rocket arm.

Stafford’s impact was immediate as he led the Lions to their first playoff appearance in 12 years in the 2011 season. He also made up impressive stats, becoming the fastest NFL player to pass for 40,000 yards.

After 12 seasons in Detroit, the Los Angeles Rams traded for him in 2021. Paired with a strong supporting cast, Stafford led the Rams to a thrilling Super Bowl LVI victory in 2022, defeating Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals.

The Miami Dolphins took a gamble in 2008, choosing Michigan’s Jake Long as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft night. It was a bold move, picking an offensive tackle when QBs often dominate the spotlight. However, Long wasn’t just an average lineman.

He was a Big Ten champion, two-time All-American, and a beacon of offensive hope for a struggling Dolphins team. His athleticism and techniques were undeniable, making him a rare talent at the position.

Long negotiated a record-breaking rookie deal and stepped onto the field with the weight of the franchise’s hopes on his broad shoulders. He showcased his pass-blocking prowess and played 74 games (and started all 74 of them). 

JaMarcus Russell stood atop the 2007 NFL Draft as the No. 1 overall pick chosen by the Oakland Raiders. An LSU superstar, his cannon arm matched with athleticism had scouts drooling. But Russell’s NFL career would become a story of unrealized potential and colossal disappointment.

His tenure with the Raiders franchise was filled with inconsistencies and work ethic issues. The “blank tape” incident became quite infamous.  

After spending just three seasons with a losing 7-18 record, Russell was released.

Some blame the poor coaching style and lack of development for his failure, while others state it was due to his shortcomings. Nevertheless, his story serves as a stark reminder that talent alone cannot make you a legend.

Mario Williams is a former towering defensive end with a relentless motor who became the first-overall pick in 2006. The Houston Texans faced great pressure to select Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, but they went with Williams and chose otherwise.

Debates grew, but Mario proved his worth. In his rookie season, he recorded 4.5 sacks, 47 tackles, and forced a fumble, showcasing his raw talent potential.

Over the next six seasons with the Texans, Williams became a two-time Pro Bowler and amassed an astonishing 53 sacks, proving his worth as the top pick.

Alex Smith, the Utah quarterback known for his precision and poise, was drafted 1st overall by the San Francisco 49ers in 2005. Expectations soared, but early struggles drove whispers of “bust.” However, his career took a dramatic turn, rewriting the narrative.

Inconsistent play calls and injuries filled Smith’s first few seasons. His completion percentage dipped below 50%, and critics started to question the team’s decision.

The signal-caller made a comeback in the 2011 season, recording his personal best of 3144 passing yards. He also guided the team to a 13-3 season, winning the NFC West title. The QB went on to play in three Pro Bowls.

A lifelong Giants player, Eli Manning had originally been a San Diego Chargers’ No. 1 pick. Instead of celebrating, Manning’s awkward expression became a draft night meme at the time, signaling the drama to come.

Within an hour, the Giants received Manning via a pre-arranged trade, where he would become a legend.

Manning found his perfect fit in New York. He thrived under the pressure, aiding the Giants to two Super Bowl victories (both victories came against the Patriots under legendary Tom Brady).

He eventually became the face of the franchise, and cemented his place in Giants lore while earning the nickname “Eli the Man”.

Carson Palmer stood on the NFL Draft stage in 2003 as the No. 1 OVR pick chosen by the Cincinnati Bengals. A Heisman Trophy winner at USC, his golden arm and confidence had fans dazzled.

However, Palmer faced early struggles as he spent his rookie season on the sidelines, learning the ropes under veteran signal-caller Jon Kitna. Finally, he burst onto the scene in 2005, leading the Bengals to their first playoff berth in 15 years and earning Pro Bowl honors.

A blockbuster trade sent him to the Oakland Raiders in 2011, where injuries derailed his further impact. After his trade to the Cardinals, the QB flourished again under coach Bruce Arians.

QB David Carr stood tall in 2002 as the No. 1 overall pick by the Houston Texans. He had the honor of being the first player ever drafted by the newly-created franchise. The pressure was huge, but Carr embraced the challenge, becoming a key figure in the early years of the Texans.

Carr’s rookie season was a success as he guided the Texans to their first-ever win, defeating the Dallas Cowboys and earning the All-NFL Rookie Team honors.

With his strong arm and leadership skills, Carr instilled hope in the Houston fans. He quickly became the face of the franchise, leading the Texans for five seasons and contributing 13,391 passing yards and 59 TD passes.

Michael Vick’s name echoed through the halls of Radio City Music Hall as the Atlanta Falcons’ No. 1 draft pick. His electrifying talent, dazzling speed, and playmaking skills turned the NFL Draft into his coronation ceremony.

His rookie season erupted with promise. He broke rushing records for quarterbacks (6,109 yards) over his career, showcasing a dual-threat ability. Vick became a cultural phenomenon who inspired kids to imitate his signature arm swing.

After the “Dogfighting Ring” scandal, Vick went on a remarkable journey of redemption. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he rebuilt his image and won the 2010 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Courtney Brown, the 2000 NFL Draft’s No. 1 pick, was hailed as a generational talent. He dominated NCAA with Penn State football, receiving the unanimous All-American and setting school records for sacks and tackles for loss. The Cleveland Browns saw Courtney as a franchise cornerstone.

Displaying his athleticism and pass-rushing prowess, Brown’s rookie season started brightly. But injuries derailed his momentum fast. He faced knee problems throughout his career.

Despite great moments Brown never lived up to the high expectations placed on him. He finished his six-year career with 19 sacks and is considered one of NFL’s biggest draft busts.