With the Tennessee Titans trading the #1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft to the St. Louis Rams, its worth reviewing some of the trades that have happened at the top of the draft in the past. The history of trading up for the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft is not always one of beauty. From perennial disappointments to all-out disasters, the #1 pick has proven to be that of both a blessing–and sometimes a curse.
Washington Redskins, 2012
As all fans of football are aware, the Redskins giving up of a king’s ransom to take quarterback Robert Griffin III in the 2012 NFL Draft was that of complete failure. And while, we know, Griffin was the 2012 #2 pick, behind Andrew Luck’s being selected by the Indianapolis Colts at #1, the amount the Redskins gave up to take their now-former QB lands them on the list.
The Washington Redskins ended up giving the St. Louis Rams three first-round picks and two first-round picks for the quarterback, who was released by Washington this past offseason. Griffin is now a member of the Cleveland Browns.
Cincinnati Bengals, 1995
The then-expansion Carolina Panthers gave up their #1 pick to the Cincinnati Bengals, who would go on to pick running back Ki-Jana Carter with the top spot.
Carter tore his ACL in just his third NFL carry, in the preseason, to begin his career that could only be described as riddled with injury and disappointing. The Bengals missed out at the top of a quite talented 1995 NFL Draft that featured the likes of players such as Steve McNair, Derrick Brooks, Joey Galloway and more.
Indianapolis Colts, 1990
The Indianapolis Colts traded up in 1990 to grab who they thought would be their franchise quarterback in Jeff George. However, George ended up lasting only four years with the Colts.
George, who had what was described as a “cannon for an arm,” had little to no accuracy on his throws. His 14-35 record as a starter for the Colts showed him his way to the door. Four years later, the Colts would go on to select a little QB from the University of Tennessee by the name of Peyton Manning.
Dying for some football? We are. As the NFL prepares for the schedule release and the 2016 NFL Draft, relive the 2015 season in our Super Bowl Fan Guide!