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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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 2, 1994: Linebacker Chris Spielman #54 of the Detroit Lions waits for the snap as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeat the Detroit Lions in an NFL football game 24-14 on October 2, 1994 at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Cleary/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions: 1988

Notable Selections

1: S Bennie Blades

2: LB Chris Spielman

2b: TE Pat Carter

4: DB William White

5: G Eric Andolsek

Best Pick: LB Chris Spielman

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

It’s not as if the team doesn’t have its share of Hall of Famers. From middle linebacker Chuck Schmidt to running back Barry Sanders, cornerback Lem Barney and wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

In 1988, the team used the third overall pick the grab University of Miami safety Bennie Blades and orchestrated a trade that eventually enabled them to grab relentless middle linebacker Chris Spielman. William White spent six seasons in the Motor City, picked off 13 passes and was part of the 1991 club that reached the NFC title game. And guard Eric Andolsek was a 16-game starter for the Lions his final three seasons in the league.

Green Bay Packers: 1990

Notable Selections

1: DE Tony Bennett

1b: RB Darrell Thompson

2: S LeRoy Butler

3: LB Bobby Houston

4: TE Jackie Harris

5: WR Charles Wilson

6: LB Bryce Paup

7: DE Lester Archambeau

Best Pick: S LeRoy Butler

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

The franchise was still a couple years away from obtaining future Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons. But the foundation for those teams that made 6 consecutive playoff appearances from 1993-98 began to be set foot in 1990.

Safety LeRoy Butler will make the leap into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. Defensive end Tony Bennett was solid and racked up 36.0 sacks and nine forced fumbles in four seasons with the club. First-round running back Darrell Thompson was a bit of a disappointment, tight end Jackie Harris and Pro Bowl linebacker Bryce Paup enjoyed strong careers.

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