The NFL Draft is one of the most important events each year. It is an opportunity for NFL teams to build for their future and gives college football players a chance to fulfill their dreams by being drafted.
The number one overall pick is always a prestigious honor. Quarterbacks, pass rushers and offensive linemen have been the most common positions drafted first overall. Many colleges have had their players drafted first overall, but none more so than these schools.
College teams with most players selected first overall in the NFL Draft
#2 (tied) - Stanford - 4 players
Stanford has had four players selected as the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, all of whom have been quarterbacks. They are Bobby Garrett in 1954, Jim Plunkett in 1971, John Elway in 1983 and Andrew Luck in 2012. Most recently, Andrew Luck was selected by the Indianapolis Colts. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL before retiring early in his career due to various injuries.
#2 (tied) - Georgia - 4 Players
In just over a decade-long stretch between 1943 and 1953, Georgia had three first overall picks in the NFL Draft: Frank Sinkwich (1943), Charley Trippi (1945) and Harry Babcock (1953). They then had to wait over 50 years until they had another one in 2009, when Matthew Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions.
#2 (tied) - Auburn - 4 players
In 2011, Cam Newton joined three other Auburn players in NFL history to share the honor of being the first overall draft pick. They were Aundray Bruce in 1988, Bo Jackson in 1986 and Tucker Frederickson in 1965. Bo Jackson is one of the most dynamic athletes of all time, succeeding in both the NFL and MLB.
College football teams with most players selected as the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft
Schools with the most number one overall draft picks in NFL history.
#1 (tied) - Oklahoma - 5 players
Oklahoma is one of three college football teams to have five players selected first overall. The first two were Lee Roy Selmon in 1976 and Billy Sims in 1980. Over the last decade plus, they have had a recent run of success with quarterbacks. Sam Bradford in 2010, Baker Mayfield in 2018 and Kyler Murray in 2019 were all top selections.
#1 (tied) - Notre Dame - 5 players
Notre Dame has not had a first overall pick in 50 years but are still tied for most all time. Their group includes Angelo Bertelli in 1944, Frank Dancewicz in 1946, Leon Hart in 1950, Paul Hornung in 1957 and Walt Patulski in 1972. Hornung and Bertelli both won the Heisman Trophy in college.
#1 (tied) - USC - 5 players
Keyshawn Johnson is one of only three wide receivers in NFL history to be selected first overall. He is the last since 1996. The other top overall picks from USC are Carson Palmer in 2003, Ricky Bell in 1977, O.J. Simpson in 1969 and Ron Yary in 1968.
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