Fansided

Every NFL team’s greatest draft class

By Russell S. Baxter

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)
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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NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 20: Ryan Kalil #67 of the Carolina Panthers jogs off the field before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Panthers defeated the Titans 26-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – AUGUST 20: Ryan Kalil #67 of the Carolina Panthers jogs off the field before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on August 20, 2016 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Panthers defeated the Titans 26-16. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Carolina Panthers: 2007

Notable Selections

1: LB Jon Beason

2b: C Ryan Kalil

3: DE Charles Johnson

5: TE Dante Rosario

Best Pick: C Ryan Kalil

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars first took the field in 1995. The former set an expansion record by winning seven games in its first season. The club reached Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2003 and returned with NFL MVP Cam Newton 12 years later.

Center Ryan Kalil and defensive end Charles Johnson were still part of the team that went to Super Bowl 50. The former spent 12 seasons with the franchise and earned five Pro Bowl nods and was named All-Pro twice. Johnson spent 11 years with the club and totaled 67.5 sacks. Three-time Pro Bowler Jon Beason totaled 120-plus stops in each of his first four seasons with Carolina.

Chicago Bears: 1983

Notable Selections

1: T Jimbo Covert

1b: WR Willie Gault

2: CB Mike Richardson

3: S Dave Duerson

4: G Tom Thayer

4b: TE Pat Dunsmore

8: DE Richard Dent

8b: G Mark Bortz 

Best Pick: DE Richard Dent

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

A reminder that this is the greatest draft class for each franchise dating back to the Common Era. So the first-round duo of 1965 linebacker Dick Butkus and running back Gale Sayers is noteworthy but not the choice.

The Super Bowl XX champion Bears were one of the most dominant teams in league annals. And with Pro Football Hall of Famers such as tackle Jimbo Covert and eighth-round steal Richard Dent, the team dominated in both trenches. Willie Gault put the big-play into the Chicago offense. And four-time Pro Bowl safety Dave Duerson picked off 18 passes and totaled 16.0 sacks in seven years with the club.

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