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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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – DECEMBER 18: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts against the New England Patriots at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 18, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Houston Texans: 2006

Notable Selections

1: DE Mario Williams

2: LB DeMeco Ryans

3b: T Eric Winston

4: TE Owen Daniels

7: WR David Anderson

Best Pick: DE Mario Williams

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

While the team is struggling these days, it’s a franchise that over a nine-year span from 2011-19 won six AFC South titles. And that stretch of success began with some assistance from the 2006 NFL draft class. First overall pick Mario Williams final year with the club was 2011 and he lasted only five games. But he racked up 53.0 sacks and two Pro Bowl invitations in six seasons with the club.

Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans and tight end Owen Daniels were each named to the Pro Bowl twice while with the Texans. Reliable right tackle Eric Winston started every game during his final five years with the franchise (2007-11).

Indianapolis Colts: 2018

Notable Selections

1: G Quenton Nelson

2: LB Darius Leonard

2b: G Braden Smith

2c: DE Kemoko Turay

2d: DE Tyquan Lewis

4: RB Nyheim Hines

5b: RB Jordan Wilkins

7: LB Matthew Adams

7b: LB Zaire Franklin

Best Pick: LB Darius Leonard

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

This is easily the most recent of the 32 draft classes on this list. What a haul by general manager Chris Ballard in his second year with the Colts. He used the sixth overall pick to get University of Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson, who changed the mindset of the offensive line. And Ballard surprised some by selecting South Carolina State linebacker Darius Leonard with the 36th overall pick.

Both players are three-time All-Pros. Leonard was the first of four second-round picks as the team opted for guard Braden Smith, now a reliable right tackle. And running back Nyhiem Hines has proven to be a jack-of-all-trades.

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