Fansided

10 biggest what-ifs in NFL Draft history

By Russell S. Baxter

BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - CIRCA 2001: Ray Lewis #52 of the Baltimore Ravens reacts during an NFL football game circa 2001 at PNINet Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. Lewis played for the Ravens from 1996-2012 (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK – APRIL 18: First round draft picks (L-R) Curtis Enis of the Chicago Bear, Ryan Leaf of the San Diego Charger, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue poses for this photo during the NFL Draft April 18, 1998 at the Theatre at MSG in the Manhattan borough of New York City. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
NEW YORK – APRIL 18: First round draft picks (L-R) Curtis Enis of the Chicago Bear, Ryan Leaf of the San Diego Charger, Peyton Manning of the Indianapolis Colts, Charles Woodson of the Oakland Raiders and Commissioner Paul Tagliabue poses for this photo during the NFL Draft April 18, 1998 at the Theatre at MSG in the Manhattan borough of New York City. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

2. Colts draft Ryan Leaf, not Peyton Manning first overall (1998)

Hall of Fame executive Bill Polian was in charge of the Indianapolis Colts in 1998 and the franchise owned the first overall pick that year following a dreadful 3-13 season. There were two talented candidates for the first overall selection that year, one more physically imposing than the other. On the other hand, one had a very successful career in college and came with quite the pedigree.

University of Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning played in 45 games with the Volunteers in four seasons. He threw for a combined 11,201 yards and more than twice as many touchdown passes (89) than interceptions (33). Ryan Leaf saw action in 32 games with the Washington State Cougars from 1995-97. His final season saw him amass 3,968 yards through the air and 34 scores while being picked off just 11 times.

Obviously, Polian opted for Manning, and he became a five-time NFL MVP, a two-time Super Bowl champion, and a Pro Football Hall of Famer. Leaf’s story is also well known and was the epitome of disappointment on many levels. So where would the Colts have been if they had opted for Leaf? In a different environment, would he have thrived under Polian and head coaches Jim Mora, Tony Dungy, and Jim Caldwell?

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