NFL Draft history: Heisman winners and a pair of Chicago backs chosen fourth
From the NFL Draft: History of the top 10 NFL picks series
A defensive Heisman winner and a pair of notable Chicago Bears running backs highlight the fourth pick in the NFL Draft. Who else was taken with this pick? Find out.
The NFL draft, instituted in 1937, has served as the building block for franchises. It started as an attempt to ensure each team had a fair shot to land college talent, since college players were considered free agents before the draft began. ESPN began televising the draft in 1980 and it now has grown into a three-day affair.
In preparation for the NFL draft, scheduled for April 23 to 25, we are taking a closer look at the history of the top 10 picks, with plenty of help from pro-football-reference.com. From “Mean” Joe Greene to Edgerrin James, here’s a closer look at the history of the No. 4 pick.
In this Series
NFL Draft: History of the top 10 NFL picks
From Hall of Famers to draft busts, an in-depth look at the players chosen with each of the top 10 picks in the NFL Draft.