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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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – CIRCA 1985: Defensive lineman Joe Klecko of the New York Jets looks on from the sideline during a National Football League game at Giants Stadium circa 1985 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

New York Jets: 1977

Notable Selections

1: T Marvin Powell

2: WR Wesley Walker

4: RB Scott Dierking

6: DT Joe Klecko

7b: P Bob Grupp

7c: RB Kevin Long

8: G Dan Alexander

9: QB Matt Robinson

Best Pick: DL Joe Klecko

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The franchise owns the longest current playoff drought in the league. But there was a time that the Jets were a pretty steady football team, making four postseason appearances in the 1980s and reaching the AFC title game during the strike-shortened campaign of ’82.

This class netted three players who would earn at least one Pro Bowl invitation and one All-Pro accolade for the Green and White. Tackle Marvin Powell was a steady force while blazing wide receiver Wesley Walker caught 71 TD passes and averaged 19.0 yards per catch. Joe Klecko earned Pro Bowl nods at three different positions on the defensive line.

Philadelphia Eagles: 1986

Notable Selections

1: RB Keith Byars

2: RB Anthony Toney

4: T Matt Darwin

8: LB Seth Joyner

9: DE Clyde Simmons

10: RB Junior Tautalatasi

12: G Reggie Singletary

Best Pick: OLB Seth Joyner

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

Buddy Ryan was the defensive coordinator of the Super Bowl XX champion Chicago Bears in 1985 and a year later was the Philadelphia Eagles’ head coach. He brought his aggressive style to the City of Brotherly Love. Running back Keith Byars personified versatility while Anthony Toney and Junior Tautalatasi helped as well.

Offensive lineman Reggie Singletary was a 12th-round steal and made 31 regular-season starts for the Birds in five seasons. And linebacker Seth Joyner and end Clyde Simmons were vital parts of the last NFL defensive unit (1991) that allowed the fewest total, rushing and passing yards in the same season.

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