The first overall pick in the NFL draft is expected to alter the landscape of a team for the better. Once in a while teams strike gold, but oftentimes they fail miserably. There is a reason why teams like the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Rams find themselves in the same position year after year: they continue to make inept decisions.
Even though the jury is still out on last year’s top choice, you can argue that the Rams drafted the wrong player in the 2016 NFL Draft. With the 2017 NFL Draft about to start, it’s only right to go back to look at the past No.1 overall selections over the last 10 years.
Out of the previous 10 NFL drafts (2007-2016), who has been the best top overall pick? We know for damn sure it isn’t Sam Bradford! .
10. Jared Goff, QB, Los Angeles Rams, 2016
I know it’s early to rank Goff so low, but if we are going off potential, Goff’s ceiling is and was probably the lowest on the list. With only a few games under his belt—seven to be exact—Goff has ample time to climb up the rankings. Now that he is free from Jeff Fisher, we should see what Goff has in store for years to come.
9. JaMarcus Russell, QB, Oakland Raiders, 2007
Russell is arguably the biggest bust in NFL history because his skill set was through the roof. His arm strength and size were elite, but it wasn’t enough for him to succeed in the league. Despite having a rocket for an arm, he battled issues with weight and substance issues, which hindered him from reaching his potential.
The late great Notorious B.I.G. would have been proud of Russell's collection of Coogi Sweaters. (Getty Images)
Although he is the second lowest on the list, his bank account is one of the largest. During his brief tenure with Oakland, Russell made out like a bandit earning $60 million. Some will argue that he belongs at the bottom spot, but his Coogi sweater game gives him the nod over Goff.
8. Sam Bradford, QB, St. Louis Rams, 2010
Bradford has battled injuries for most of his career, especially in the earlier stages. Although he spent a lot of time hurt, it still doesn’t merit any excuses for him. The former No.1 selection has turned into a game manager that has an affinity for passing the ball to himself. He isn’t as awful as people think, but he has no business being a starting quarterback in the NFL.
7. Eric Fisher, OT, Kansas City Chiefs, 2013
It was expected that Andy Reid’s first draft pick in Kansas City was going to make an immediate impact. Fisher didn’t turn into the prototypical mainstay at left tackle like Walter Jones, Orlando Pace and Jonathan Ogden, but he turned out to be a solid pro.
6. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, Houston Texans, 2014
Before his third season, some prematurely labeled Clowney a bust. Playing opposite of J.J. Watt, many believed he would have instant success, but the injuries and lack of sacks seemingly derailed him from the start. Although it took longer than expected, he morphed into Kamehameha mode in year three. Clowney showed glimpses of sheer dominance while Watt battled injuries. He finished the season with six sacks and exhibited that he is a game-changer.
5. Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2015
Famous Jameis has yet to take the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to the playoffs, but it’s only a matter of time before it happens. In two seasons, Winston has made it to the Pro Bowl, won Rookie of the Year and thrown for over 4,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. As he enters his third season, the expectations will increase. If he continues his meteoric rise as one of the game's best quarterbacks, the rest of the NFL should look out.
4. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions, 2009
Like Sam Bradford, Stafford began his career battling injury after injury, but fortunately, that’s where the comparisons end. The former Georgia Bulldog has tallied up impressive numbers to say the least. He was the fastest quarterback in NFL history to reach 20,000, 25,000, and then 30,000 yards. A lot of his early success was due to playing with a likely Hall of Famer in Calvin Johnson. Last season he proved that no matter who lines up at wide receiver, he can get the ball to them by having one of the best years of his career. Stafford isn't in the tier of Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, but he’s a franchise quarterback that is closing in on 10 years as a starter.
3. Jake Long, OT, Miami Dolphins, 2008
As soon as Long stepped on the field, he was arguably one of the best left tackles in the NFL. In his first four seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl each season and twice made the All-Pro team. After a wildly successful start to his career, things slowed down because of injuries. The recurring injuries forced Long into an early retirement, which he announced earlier this week.
2. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts, 2012
Depending on whom you talk to, the top two spots can be interchangeable. Luck comes in at No.2 because he’s had minimal success in the postseason. While that is the case, he is still regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in the league.
1. Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers, 2011
Cam's closet might rival T.C. from the Wayans Brothers' show, but he can ball out of this world. He has an innate ability to get the best out of his teammates. Even though his supporting cast has been somewhat pedestrian during his tenure in Carolina, he’s been able to play at a high level. 2016 was a forgettable season for him as he failed to lead his team to the playoffs, but we can’t forget how magical he was prior to that.
In 2015 not only did he win the league MVP, he won the Offensive Player of the Year while falling just short of winning Super Bowl 50. His consistency coupled with winning and accolades is why he is the best No.1. overall pick in the last decade.