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 – NOVEMBER 25: Chad Ochocinco #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals during a game against the New York Jets at Metlife Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Benjamin Solomon/Getty Images) /

Cincinnati Bengals: 2001

Notable Selections

Best Pick: WR Chad Johnson

1: DE Justin Smith

2: WR Chad Johnson

4: RB Rudi Johnson

7: WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The team has yet to win an NFL title but has now made three trips to the Super Bowl. Under head coach Marvin Lewis, the franchise made seven postseason appearances in 11 seasons from 2005-15 (albeit without a playoff win). Justin Smith, Rudi Johnson and the duo of Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh were all part of that ‘05 team that lost to the Steelers in the wild card round.

Chad Johnson is the club’s all-time reception leader (751) and Houshmandzadeh totaled 507 catches with the club. Smith racked up a solid 43.5 sacks with the Bengals but didn’t earn Pro Bowl recognition until he joined the 49ers in 2008.

Cleveland Browns: 1990

Notable Selections

2: RB Leroy Hoard

3: DE Anthony Pleasant

4: S Harlon Barnett

5: DE Rob Burnett

6: CB Randy Hilliard

7: TE Scott Galbraith

Best Pick: DE Rob Burnett

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

It’s one of four NFL franchises that have yet to play on Super Sunday. But that doesn’t mean that the Browns don’t have a successful history. And as has been well documented, the current franchise in Ohio is not the original team that joined the NFL in 1950.

Running back Leroy Hoard spent his first six NFL seasons in Cleveland and earned Pro Bowl honors in 1994. Reliable defensive end Anthony Pleasant and Rob Burnett wound up winning Super Bowl rings with the Patriots and Ravens, respectively. Both performers would wind up following the franchise to Baltimore in 1996, where Burnett spent six more seasons.

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