NFL Draft: Best first-round draft pick in each slot in history

By Brad Weiss | Jun 10, 2019

IRVING, UNITED STATES: Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys rushes as Atlanta Falcons defenders pursue during the fourth quarter at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas 20 September. Smith rushed for two touchdowns and passed Tony Dorsett to become the NFL's fourth all-time leading rusher in the Cowboys 24-7 win. AFP PHOTO Paul BUCK (Photo credit should read PAUL BUCK/AFP/Getty Images) /

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1991: Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers. (Photo by Icon Sportswire) /

. DB. 1981- USC. Ronnie Lott. 8. player. 42

When you think back on all of the punishing defensive backs in NFL history, you cannot write the list without Ronnie Lott. A star during his time at USC, Lott came into the NFL and dominated early on, winning the San Francisco 49ers starting left cornerback job out of camp as a rookie, and proceeding to rack up seven interceptions in year one.

From there, Lott eventually made the move to safety in 1985, and had just as much success as he did as a cornerback. A member of the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, Lott is regarded as one of the toughest players in NFL history, and even had a trainer cut off his finger so that he could go back into a game.

Lott spent ten seasons in the 49ers secondary, winning four Super Bowls, and being named to nine Pro Bowls. He did go to a tenth Pro Bowl with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1991, his last, before finishing up his career between the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and back to the 49ers on the practice squad.

Still, Lott was twice named to the NFL’s First-Team All-Pro squad eight times, led the league in interceptions twice, and is a member of the league’s 75th Anniversary team. The 49ers eventually retired his No. 42 jersey, and his 63 career interceptions are still tied for No. 8 overall with former Green Bay Packers defensive back Darren Sharper.

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