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The 2026 NFL Draft kicks off Thursday night in Pittsburgh, where the Las Vegas Raiders will make the first pick.
It’s just the second time in franchise history the Raiders have owned the No. 1 overall selection.
Here’s a look at the NFL teams that have had the most and fewest No. 1 picks in the Super Bowl era (since 1967).
RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft with shocking top 3, latest trade buzz
April 18, 1998; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Peyton Manning of Tennessee appeared on April 18, 1998 after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning was joined by his parents Archie and Olivia. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY NETWORK
(Baltimore, Indianapolis): 1967, 1983, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2012
Best pick: Peyton Manning (1998)
It’s difficult to believe this actually came down to Manning or, ahem, Ryan Leaf as the choice at No. 1 in 1998. And, yes, the Colts did draft John Elway No. 1 overall in 1983, but he demanded a trade and was dealt to Denver without ever playing a down for Baltimore.
Nov 4, 1979; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Lee Roy Selmon (63) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 2015
Best pick: Lee Roy Selmon (1976)
As the first-ever pick in Tampa Bay’s history, Selmon became a three-time first-team All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. He remains the team’s all-time sack leader, and in 1979, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith pressured former teammate and New York Jets quarterback Frank Reich throughout the game in 1996. Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Buffalo Bills: 1969, 1972, 1979, 1985
Cincinnati Bengals: 1994, 1995, 2003, 2020
Cleveland Browns: 1999, 2000, 2017, 2018
New England Patriots: 1971, 1982, 1984, 1993
Best pick: Bruce Smith, Bills (1985)
This is where it starts getting tricky: Picking only one best pick from these four teams. Could have gone with O.J. Simpson (Bills 1969). Kidding, but just sayin’. Or Myles Garrett (Browns 2017), who’s closing in fast on my pick: Bruce Smith. Buffalo’s bad, bad man (Not O.J. bad, just sayin’) is the NFL’s all-time sack leader (200), was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and is a Hall of Famer (2009).
MORE: 5 Bold predictions for 2026 NFL Draft
James D. Smith-Imagn Images"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_big_lead_articles_114/39d1958d89694509b87b5d746c9d747e[/IMG]
Jan 30, 1994; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (8) prepares to throw against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
As much as I wanted to select Earl Campbell, I had to go with Troy Aikman. You could also make the case for Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace (No. pick 1997), but the Cowboys Hall of Fame QB (2006) led Dallas to three Super Bowl titles in four years (1993, 1994, 1996). Hard to beat that.
Atlanta Falcons: 1975, 1988, 2001
Dallas Cowboys: 1974, 1989, 1991
Houston Texans: 2002, 2006, 2014
Rams (St. Louis, Los Angeles): 1997, 2010, 2016
Tennessee Titans: 1973, 1978 (as the Houston Oilers), 2025
Best pick: Troy Aikman, Cowboys (1989)
Apr 25, 2009; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces quarterback Matthew Stafford (Georgia) as the number one overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers: 2011, 2023
Detroit Lions: 1980, 2009
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2021, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders: 2007 (as the Oakland Raiders), 2026
Best pick: Matthew Stafford, Lions (2009)
Stafford was stellar in Detroit, but Lions fans sure wish he had led them to a Super Bowl title, instead of MVP-ing the Rams to the top of the NFL world in 2015.
Sep 1977; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll talks with quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) on the sidelines during the 1977 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals: 2019
Chicago Bears: 2024
Kansas City Chiefs: 2013
Los Angeles Chargers: 2004 (as the San Diego Chargers)
Miami Dolphins: 2008
Minnesota Vikings: 1968
New Orleans Saints: 1981
New York Jets: 1996
Pittsburgh Steelers: 1970
San Francisco 49ers: 2005
Best pick: Terry Bradshaw, Steelers (1970)
Even if you think Bradshaw is, in the words of Charles Barkley, “turrible” as an NFL analyst, he was a terrific QB. The Hall of Famer guided the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979) during Pittsburgh’s incredible run in the 1970s under coach Chuck Noll.
Feb 11, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during the Super Bowl LX trophy celebration at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A bit of a surprise, no? It’s a testament to their consistency of winning year after year that these three franchises have never made the No. 1 pick. Instead, they have 61 total postseason appearances collectively and have accounted for seven Lombardi Trophies.
S. Niels Lauritzen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_big_lead_articles_114/b0d15459ec450ff034890f477e1e5b99[/IMG]
Green Bay Packer halfback Paul Hornung is airborne after a hit by Detroit Lion defender Bruce Maher during their game on Nov. 8, 1964 at New City Stadium in Green Bay. The Packers won 30-7
S. Niels Lauritzen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Best pick: Paul Hornung, Packers (1957)
Hornung was nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” but he was tough as bronze. Legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi called Hornung “the greatest player I ever coached”. Heavy praise for the bruising running back.
Dec 20, 2009; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) walks off the field after the Raiders’ 20-19 victory over the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Well, there’s little doubt that the Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza with the first pick on Thursday.
They can only hope the promising Heisman Trophy winner doesn’t become the next JaMarcus Russell, inarguably the worst No. 1 overall draft pick in NFL history.
Continue reading...
It’s just the second time in franchise history the Raiders have owned the No. 1 overall selection.
Here’s a look at the NFL teams that have had the most and fewest No. 1 picks in the Super Bowl era (since 1967).
RELATED: 2026 NFL mock draft with shocking top 3, latest trade buzz
Colts (6)
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April 18, 1998; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Peyton Manning of Tennessee appeared on April 18, 1998 after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning was joined by his parents Archie and Olivia. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kryger-USA TODAY NETWORK
(Baltimore, Indianapolis): 1967, 1983, 1990, 1992, 1998, 2012
Best pick: Peyton Manning (1998)
It’s difficult to believe this actually came down to Manning or, ahem, Ryan Leaf as the choice at No. 1 in 1998. And, yes, the Colts did draft John Elway No. 1 overall in 1983, but he demanded a trade and was dealt to Denver without ever playing a down for Baltimore.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5)
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Nov 4, 1979; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Lee Roy Selmon (63) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports
1976, 1977, 1986, 1987, 2015
Best pick: Lee Roy Selmon (1976)
As the first-ever pick in Tampa Bay’s history, Selmon became a three-time first-team All-Pro and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995. He remains the team’s all-time sack leader, and in 1979, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Bills, Bengals, Browns, Patriots (4)
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Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith pressured former teammate and New York Jets quarterback Frank Reich throughout the game in 1996. Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Buffalo Bills: 1969, 1972, 1979, 1985
Cincinnati Bengals: 1994, 1995, 2003, 2020
Cleveland Browns: 1999, 2000, 2017, 2018
New England Patriots: 1971, 1982, 1984, 1993
Best pick: Bruce Smith, Bills (1985)
This is where it starts getting tricky: Picking only one best pick from these four teams. Could have gone with O.J. Simpson (Bills 1969). Kidding, but just sayin’. Or Myles Garrett (Browns 2017), who’s closing in fast on my pick: Bruce Smith. Buffalo’s bad, bad man (Not O.J. bad, just sayin’) is the NFL’s all-time sack leader (200), was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and is a Hall of Famer (2009).
MORE: 5 Bold predictions for 2026 NFL Draft
Falcons, Cowboys, Texans, Rams, Oilers/Titans (3)
[IMG alt="Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (8) prepares to throw against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13.James D. Smith-Imagn Images"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_big_lead_articles_114/39d1958d89694509b87b5d746c9d747e[/IMG]
Jan 30, 1994; Atlanta, GA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman (8) prepares to throw against the Buffalo Bills during Super Bowl XXVIII at the Georgia Dome. The Cowboys defeated the Bills 30-13. Mandatory Credit: James D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
As much as I wanted to select Earl Campbell, I had to go with Troy Aikman. You could also make the case for Rams offensive tackle Orlando Pace (No. pick 1997), but the Cowboys Hall of Fame QB (2006) led Dallas to three Super Bowl titles in four years (1993, 1994, 1996). Hard to beat that.
Atlanta Falcons: 1975, 1988, 2001
Dallas Cowboys: 1974, 1989, 1991
Houston Texans: 2002, 2006, 2014
Rams (St. Louis, Los Angeles): 1997, 2010, 2016
Tennessee Titans: 1973, 1978 (as the Houston Oilers), 2025
Best pick: Troy Aikman, Cowboys (1989)
Panthers, Lions, Jaguars, Raiders (2)
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Apr 25, 2009; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell introduces quarterback Matthew Stafford (Georgia) as the number one overall pick to the Detroit Lions in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Carolina Panthers: 2011, 2023
Detroit Lions: 1980, 2009
Jacksonville Jaguars: 2021, 2022
Las Vegas Raiders: 2007 (as the Oakland Raiders), 2026
Best pick: Matthew Stafford, Lions (2009)
Stafford was stellar in Detroit, but Lions fans sure wish he had led them to a Super Bowl title, instead of MVP-ing the Rams to the top of the NFL world in 2015.
Cardinals, Bears, Chiefs, Chargers, Dolphins, Vikings, Saints, Jets, Steelers, 49ers (1)
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Sep 1977; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll talks with quarterback Terry Bradshaw (12) on the sidelines during the 1977 season. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals: 2019
Chicago Bears: 2024
Kansas City Chiefs: 2013
Los Angeles Chargers: 2004 (as the San Diego Chargers)
Miami Dolphins: 2008
Minnesota Vikings: 1968
New Orleans Saints: 1981
New York Jets: 1996
Pittsburgh Steelers: 1970
San Francisco 49ers: 2005
Best pick: Terry Bradshaw, Steelers (1970)
Even if you think Bradshaw is, in the words of Charles Barkley, “turrible” as an NFL analyst, he was a terrific QB. The Hall of Famer guided the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979) during Pittsburgh’s incredible run in the 1970s under coach Chuck Noll.
Ravens, Broncos, Seahawks (0)
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Feb 11, 2026; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold holds the Vince Lombardi trophy during the Super Bowl LX trophy celebration at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A bit of a surprise, no? It’s a testament to their consistency of winning year after year that these three franchises have never made the No. 1 pick. Instead, they have 61 total postseason appearances collectively and have accounted for seven Lombardi Trophies.
Other NFL franchises with No. 1 draft picks prior to 1967
[IMG alt="Green Bay Packer halfback Paul Hornung is airborne after a hit by Detroit Lion defender Bruce Maher during their game on Nov. 8, 1964 at New City Stadium in Green Bay. The Packers won 30-7S. Niels Lauritzen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images"]https://media.zenfs.com/en/the_big_lead_articles_114/b0d15459ec450ff034890f477e1e5b99[/IMG]
Green Bay Packer halfback Paul Hornung is airborne after a hit by Detroit Lion defender Bruce Maher during their game on Nov. 8, 1964 at New City Stadium in Green Bay. The Packers won 30-7
S. Niels Lauritzen / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel-USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Green Bay Packers
New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles
Washington Commanders
Best pick: Paul Hornung, Packers (1957)
Hornung was nicknamed “The Golden Boy,” but he was tough as bronze. Legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi called Hornung “the greatest player I ever coached”. Heavy praise for the bruising running back.
Conclusion
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Dec 20, 2009; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell (2) walks off the field after the Raiders’ 20-19 victory over the Denver Broncos at Invesco Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports
Well, there’s little doubt that the Raiders are going to take Fernando Mendoza with the first pick on Thursday.
They can only hope the promising Heisman Trophy winner doesn’t become the next JaMarcus Russell, inarguably the worst No. 1 overall draft pick in NFL history.
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Continue reading...
