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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CLEVELAND, OH – DECEMBER 19: Defensive lineman Tony Brackens #90 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on from the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 19, 1999 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Jaguars defeated the Browns 24-14. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

Jacksonville Jaguars: 1996

Notable Selections

1: LB Kevin Hardy

2: DE Tony Brackens

3: CB Aaron Beasley

4: WR Reggie Barlow

5: T Jimmy Herndon

6b: WR Chris Doering

Best Pick: DE Tony Brackens

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

It’s a franchise that was born in 1995 and then wound up in the playoffs the next four seasons – reaching the AFC title game in 1996 and in ’99 (with the NFL’s best record that season). And that first postseason appearance came with the aid of a solid rookie class in which linebacker Kevin Hardy, end Tony Brackens and cornerback Aaron Beasley all made solid contributions.

Hardy was a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 199 and in six years with the Jaguars rolled up 28.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles and 11 takeaways. Brackens is the franchise’s all-time sack leader (55.0) and forced 27 fumbles in his eight seasons with the organization.

Kansas City Chiefs: 1996

Notable Selections

1: FS Jerome Woods

2: SS Reggie Tongue

3: DT John Browning

4: LB Donnie Edwards

5: WR Joe Horn

7: C Ben Lynch

7b: C Jeff Smith

Best Pick: LB Donnie Edwards

How Did This Class Change The Franchise?

Marty Schottenheimer is too often noted for what he didn’t do. Although none of his teams reached the Super Bowl, they made their share playoff appearances. In 1996, while he was still in Kansas City, the club landed a pair of quality safeties in Jerome Woods and Reggie Tongue.

The former played for nine seasons with the club and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2003. Tongue was a physical performer who could do a little bit of everything in terms of defending the pass or getting after the quarterback. But the real bargain here was play-making linebacker Donnie Edwards, who totaled 20 takeaways in eight seasons with Kansas City.

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