Nine Decades of NFL Draft History: From Jay Berwanger to Fernando Mendoza

The NFL Draft has evolved dramatically since its humble beginnings in 1936, when the Philadelphia Eagles selected University of Chicago halfback Jay Berwanger with the very first pick in league history. Ironically, Berwanger never played a single down in the NFL, setting an unfortunate precedent that would occasionally repeat throughout the decades.

As Pittsburgh prepares to welcome the 2026 NFL Draft from April 23-25, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the coveted first overall selection and are widely expected to choose Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This selection would continue a recent trend of quarterbacks dominating the top spot, with eight of the last ten first picks being signal-callers.

The quarterback position has indeed become synonymous with the first overall selection in recent years. From Joe Burrow's selection by Cincinnati in 2020 through Cam Ward's pick by Tennessee in 2025, teams have consistently prioritized finding their franchise quarterback at the draft's apex. Notable recent selections include Trevor Lawrence (2021), Bryce Young (2023), and Caleb Williams (2024), each representing their organization's hopes for long-term success.

However, the draft's history reveals fascinating patterns and unexpected choices. The 1970s and 1980s showcased greater positional diversity, with legendary players like Terry Bradshaw (1970), Earl Campbell (1978), and Bruce Smith (1985) being selected first. These picks often reflected different philosophies about building championship teams, with some organizations prioritizing defensive stars or elite running backs.

Perhaps most intriguingly, several teams have demonstrated remarkable faith in their scouting departments by making unconventional first overall selections. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as an expansion franchise, selected defensive end Lee Roy Selmon in 1976 and running back Ricky Bell the following year. Their approach proved successful, as both players became franchise cornerstones.

The draft has also witnessed its share of legendary busts and unexpected disappointments. JaMarcus Russell's selection by Oakland in 2007 remains one of the most criticized picks in NFL history, while other highly touted prospects like Ryan Leaf (though he was second overall in 1998) serve as cautionary tales about the inexact science of player evaluation.

Conversely, certain first overall picks have exceeded even the loftiest expectations. Peyton Manning's selection by Indianapolis in 1998 launched one of the greatest quarterback careers in NFL history, while more recent successes like Andrew Luck (2012) and Kyler Murray (2019) have validated their teams' investments.

The geographic distribution of the draft has also shifted significantly over the decades. Early drafts were often held in hotel conference rooms or league offices, a far cry from today's spectacle featuring elaborate stages, celebrity appearances, and massive television audiences. Pittsburgh's hosting of the 2026 draft continues the NFL's tradition of showcasing different cities and their football culture.

As Fernando Mendoza likely prepares for his life-changing moment in Pittsburgh, he joins an exclusive club spanning nine decades of NFL history. From Jay Berwanger's refusal to play professionally to the modern era's multimillion-dollar rookie contracts, the first overall pick represents both the league's evolution and its eternal optimism about discovering the next generational talent.

Whether Mendoza follows the path of Manning and Aikman or becomes another cautionary tale remains to be seen, but his selection will undoubtedly add another fascinating chapter to the rich tapestry of NFL Draft history.