Every NFL team’s greatest draft class

PITTSBURGH, PA. - DECEMBER 30, 1978: (L to R) Wide receivers John Stallworth #82 and Lynn Swann #88 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrate Pittsburgh's victory after the AFC Divisional Playoff game on December 30, 1978 against the Denver Broncos at Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by: Bill Amatucci Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images) /

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Quarterback Dan Marino of the Miami Dolphins during a 29 to 10 loss in Super Bowl XIX to the San Francisco 49ers played on January 20, 1985 at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Sylvia Allen/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Rams: 1975

Notable Selections

1: DT Mike Fanning

1b: G Dennis Harrah

1c: T Doug France

2: CB Monte Jackson

2b: DE Leroy Jones

4: CB Rod Perry

7: QB Pat Haden

Best Pick: G Dennis Harrah

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The Los Angeles Rams won seven straight NFC West titles from 1973-79. Those teams were always solid on both the offensive and defensive lines. Mike Fanning was an unsung warrior for the club and totaled 35.5 sacks in eight seasons with the franchise.

Guard Dennis Harrah and tackle Doug France both made their presence felt for the team, as did two-time Pro Bowl cornerbacks Monte Jackson and Rod Perry. And seventh-round pick Pat Haden was the team’s primary starting quarterback for five of his six seasons. But the USC product was injured during the 1979 season and missed the team’s first Super Bowl appearance.

Miami Dolphins: 1983

Notable Selections

1: QB Dan Marino

2: NT Mike Charles

6: P Reggie Roby

8: WR Mark Clayton

9: LB Mark Brown

12: WR Anthony Carter

Best Pick: QB Dan Marino

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

Don Shula’s team was coming off a Super Bowl appearance during the strike-shortened season of 1982. University of Pittsburgh star Dan Marino lasted until the 27th pick in the first round in ’83 and would go on to make history in his second season on the way to a Hall of Fame career.

The Dolphins would also select two more performers who came up big for the franchise. Superior punter Reggie Roby earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition in his 10 seasons with Miami. And eighth-round steal Mark Clayton teamed with Marino for many years and they would become one of the top touchdown tandems in NFL annals.

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