NFL Draft: 30 best No. 1 overall picks in league history

NEW YORK - APRIL 22: Quarterback Sam Bradford (R) from the Oklahoma Sooners poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as they hold up a St. Louis Rams jersey after the Rams selected Bradford numer 1 overall during the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 22, 2010 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

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Ed Too Tall Jones (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft: 30 best No. 1 overall picks in league history: number 17, DE Ed “Too Tall” Jones

Stats:

57.5 sacks (unofficial 106)

Awards:

3 time Pro Bowler
1 time All-Pro

Undoubtedly blessed with one of the greatest nicknames in football history, Ed “Too Tall” Jones was one of the greatest number one overall picks ever and the Dallas Cowboys were smiling from ear to ear when they selected him in 1974. His tall lanky frame wasn’t ideal for football but his skill set proved many of his doubters wrong.

Jones was a polished pass rusher, oftentimes, opposing quarterbacks had little to no time to set their feet and throw the ball as Jones was already breathing heavily down their necks. His length also allowed him to bat balls down at a high rate. While he enjoyed plenty of success in his first five years, Jones decided it was time to try something new. He placed his NFL career on hold and instead, began a career as a professional boxer.

Over the course of roughly three months, Jones would have six fights under his belt and win five of them via stoppage. Regardless of his newfound passion, Jones returned to the football field in 1980. Unlike past years where he was seemingly good, Jones came back as a great player. He was given three consecutive Pro Bowl nods and a slot on the First Team All-Pro.

Jones didn’t exactly change life in Dallas but he was a great player with a unique story to tell.

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