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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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 21: Linebacker Tom Jackson #57 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Rich Stadium on October 21, 1984 in Orchard Park, New York. The Broncos defeated the Bills 37-7. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

Dallas Cowboys: 1991

Notable Selections

1: DT Russell Maryland

1b: WR Alvin Harper

2: LB Dixon Edwards

3: LB Godfrey Myles

3c: T Erik Williams

5: LB Darrick Brownlow

7: DE Leon Lett

12: CB Larry Brown

Best Pick: T Erik Williams

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

You can’t do much better than Jimmy Johnson and the Cowboys did in 1991 as this class paved the way for three Super Bowl titles in four years. Russell Maryland was the first overall pick that year and anchored the middle of the defensive front. Alvin Harper was the perfect complement to Hall of Famer Michael Irvin.

Tackle Erik Williams was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, while two-time Pro Bowler Leon Lett was a force on the defensive front. And who would have ever guessed that Dallas would wind up with a Super Bowl MVP (XXX) with the selection of cornerback Larry Brown in the 12th round?

Denver Broncos: 1973

Notable Selections

1: RB Otis Armstrong

2: DE Barney Chavous

3: G Paul Howard

4: LB Tom Jackson

7b: DT John Grant

9: S Lyle Blackwood

15: DB Calvin Jones

Best Pick: OLB Tom Jackson

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

From 1960-72, the Denver Broncos failed to produce a winning record in any of those 13 seasons. In 1973, they added some talented pieces that would propel the franchise into a different era. Running back Otis Armstrong won a NFL rushing title in 1974.

Three-time Pro Bowler Tom Jackson brought playmaking ability to a defense that added Randy Gradishar in 1974. The Broncos would make their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977 as the “Orange Crush” defense opened a lot of eyes. Like Jackson, guard Paul Howard played 14 seasons for the club. Unsung Barney Chavous racked up 75.0 sacks in 13 years with the team.

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