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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Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page (88) rushes the passer during a 45-41 victory over the win over the Los Angeles Rams on November 19, 1972, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by James Flores/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** /

Minnesota Vikings: 1967

Notable Selections

1: RB Clint Jones

1b: WR Gene Washington

1c: DT Alan Page

2: WR Bob Grim

7: CB Bobby Bryant

8: TE John Beasley

Best Pick: DT Alan Page

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The Purple Gang, who first took the field in 1961, had yet to reach the Super Bowl. They got pretty good production for several years from Clint Jones and Gene Washington. But the Vikings really hit the jackpot with the addition of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page, who earned NFL MVP honors in 1971 and was part of four Super Bowl squads.

Hall of Fame safety Paul Krause totaled 53 of his NFL record 81 interceptions with Minnesota but 1967 seventh-round pick Bobby Bryant spent 13 seasons with the franchise, picked off 51 passes, totaled 14 fumble recoveries and earned a pair of Pro Bowl invitations.

New England Patriots: 1995

Notable Selections

1: CB Ty Law

2: LB Ted Johnson

3: RB Curtis Martin

3b: CB Jimmy Hitchcock

4: C Dave Wohlabaugh

Best Pick: CB Ty Law

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

Bill Parcells would become the head coach of the New England Patriots in 1993 and in 1996 took them to Super Bowl XXXI. A year before that, he had one of his best drafts and many of those players were still around in 2001 when the Patriots’ dynasty began. Cornerback Ty Law is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The ball hawk earned three Super Bowl rings with New England.

Running back Curtis Martin is also enshrined in Canton and ranks sixth in NFL history in rushing yards, although most of that came with the Jets. Productive linebacker Ted Johnson also won three Super Bowl titles in 10 seasons with the club.

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