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) /

9 of 31

Irving Fryar (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

NFL Draft: 30 best No. 1 overall picks in league history: number 23, WR Irving Fryar

Stats:

12,875 receiving yards
84 touchdowns
851 receptions

Awards:

5 time Pro Bowler

In most cases, the game tape that scouts and coaches watch of a certain player matches up. The speed and strength might be off by a hair, but all in all, everything is there.

In the case of wide receiver Irving Fryar, nothing seemed right. With cartoon-like numbers coming out of the University of Nebraska, there were few who didn’t believe Fryar would be a star. But while he seemingly checked all the boxes, his development took far longer than many anticipated.

The New England Patriots believed they were getting a generational wide receiver with the number one overall pick in 1984. When he got there, however, it took Fryar years upon years to prove his worth.

The immensely talented wide receiver wouldn’t crack a thousand yard season until year eight. Although he was much improved by then, the Patriots were essentially done with him and sent him off to Miami. An incredulous look came across the face of Patriots fans as they saw Fryar set career highs in yards and touchdown catches.

Fryar continued to thrive over the majority of his career in various stops but never quite lived up to his number one overall pick billing. Still, he managed to rack up 12,785 receiving yards, good for 21st on the all-time list and 84 touchdowns, good enough to land him the 19th spot all-time.

In no way, shape or form was Fryar a bust as he was also a five-time Pro Bowler. But fans of the talented wide receiver always wanted to see more.

Home/NFL