Photo: Getty Images
The NFL Draft is back! Well, at least how we know it. The draft is finally back with fans in full force and we could not be happier. The draft is filled with kids having their lives changed, rabid fans, curveball picks, and amazing moments. But, which moments are the best moments? Well, I have good news for you! I present to you, the top 5 greatest moments in NFL Draft history.
Honorable Mention: The Broncos trade up to draft Tim Tebow (2010)
This one still doesn't make any sense. A projected 3rd or 4th round pick....going in the first round....um okay then Broncos. Do your thing I guess. It never panned out and John Elway is still looking for his franchise QB that's not named Manning. At least Tebow gave us an all time playoff moment.
The whole city of Pittsburgh still hates Tebow for this and I will always find that hilarious.
#5: Eli Manning Doesn't Want To Be A Charger (2004)
Eli Manning (more importantly, his dad Archie Manning) did not want to be drafted by the San Diego Chargers. The Manning's thought that a place like New York would have a better marketing opportunity as opposed to a city like San Diego. So, they played hard ball with the Chargers and got Eli traded to the Giants. It just didn't happen before the Chargers drafted Eli and he was forced on stage to hold the Chargers jersey.
Photo: Getty Images
This is the most depressing family photo I've ever seen. Yikes.
#4: Eagles Fans Meet Donavan McNabb For The First Time (1999)
Donavan McNabb was drafted by the Eagles as the #2 overall pick back in 1999. He just had his entire life changed, became an instant millionaire, and saw his dream that he worked his ass off for, finally come true. And now, cue the angry Eagles fans who mercilessly boo McNabb because he's not Texas RB Ricky Williams, the player who the fans wanted.
I love Philly fans so much for reasons like this.
#3: Jets Fans Don't Get Their Guy (1995)
In 1995 Warren Sapp was easily a can't miss, top 5 prospect. However, right before the draft, reports had come out that Sapp had major drug issues while at the University of Miami. Because of this, teams backed away from Sapp and he started to fall in the draft. Things got interesting with the Jets pick at #9. The fans that packed Radio City Music Hall in New York wanted Sapp desperately. The Jets however, well, they had other plans.
Jets fans are the best. RIP to my guy Fireman Ed attending Jets games.
#2: Mel Kiper vs Bill Tobin (1994)
People love fights. People love drama. People love to be entertained. All 3 of those things came together and happened at the NFL draft in 1994. The Colts had 2 top 10 picks and used the first on future Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk. A solid pick that got the Mel Kiper seal of approval. With their second pick, the Colts drafted LB Trev Alberts. This pick however, did not get the seal of approval, but, did get harsh criticism from Kiper who thought they should have taken QB Trent Dilfer. And, on top of that, he let his opinion be known on national TV. Colts GM Bill Tobin didn't take kindly to this, the gloves came off, and all hell broke loose.
This forever made the draft must see reality TV.
#1: Aaron Rodgers Falls, And Falls, And Falls (2004)
Poor Aaron Rodgers. Back in 2004, the 49ers held the #1 pick in the draft and were torn between Aaron Rodgers and Utah QB Alex Smith. Both players, along with others, were invited to Radio City Music Hall to attend the draft in person. The 49ers went with Alex Smith as their choice. As for Aaron Rodgers, the night was just beginning. It just wasn't a good night. He did eventually get drafted by the Packers at #24. However, this didn't happen until everyone else was already drafted and after an agonizing 4 hours and 35 minutes had already passed. The cleaners had already started cleaning the green room while he was still sitting there waiting to be drafted!
Photo: AP Photos
Just look at him! He's already plotting his revenge on all the teams that passed on him while he's still sitting in the green room. If only they knew how good he'd become. It's borderline unbelievable how far he dropped. And it's because of how good he became, that this is the #1 draft moment of all time.
Hope you guys enjoyed this list! Here's to many more draft moments this year and in the years to come.