Every NFL Team’s Best Draft Pick of All-Time

RB. Houston/Tennessee. Earl Campbell. 31. player. 35. <p>The Houston Oilers made Earl Campbell the No. 1 pick in 1978 after he won the Heisman at Texas and the 5-11, 244-pound back with 4.5 speed is still the most punishing and powerful back to play in the NFL. Campbell led the NFL in rushing his first three years with 1,450, 1,697 and 1,934 yards to open his career.</p> <p>He also led the NFL in touchdowns with 19 and 13 in his second and third seasons as he was the epitome of the workhorse running back. Campbell averaged 351 carries in his first four seasons for an average of 1,614 yards but the heavy workload took its toll on him and his body began to break down.</p> <p>After being named a first-team All-Pro and winning league MVP honors in his first three seasons, Campbell’s body betrayed him and he only had one more 1,000-yard season after his fourth year before his career was cut short due to injury after eight seasons.</p> <p>He was induced in the Hall of Fame in 1991 and is one of three players to win the Heisman Trophy, be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft and be in the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Paul Hornung and O.J. Simpson.</p> <p>His career wasn’t as long as Eddie George’s and the new generation of Tennessee Titans fans may not revere him in the same way they do Steve McNair, but Campbell was the type of player we may never see again whose best was better than any other player to wear the helmet for the Houston/Tennessee franchise.</p>