Shaping the Post-War NFL

The 1947 NFL Draft, held on December 16, 1946, at the Commodore Hotel in New York City, was a significant event in the history of the National Football League. Taking place in the immediate aftermath of World War II, the draft played a crucial role in replenishing team rosters and shaping the league's landscape for the years to come. As the nation transitioned back to peacetime, the NFL sought to rebuild and capitalize on the growing popularity of professional football.

✦ The Context of the 1947 Draft

The 1947 NFL Draft occurred during a period of significant change for the league and the nation. The end of World War II meant that many NFL players who had served in the military were either returning to their teams or had their careers altered. This influx of returning veterans, combined with the annual influx of college talent, created a unique dynamic in the draft. Teams were looking to fill gaps left by the war, as well as build for the future.

A notable aspect of this draft was the continuation of the "bonus pick" lottery system. The Chicago Bears, having won the lottery, held the first overall pick. This system, which aimed to distribute talent more evenly across the league, added an element of unpredictability to the draft proceedings.

✦ The First Round: A Mix of Talent

The first round of the 1947 NFL Draft showcased a variety of talent from across the nation's college football programs. Here's a brief overview of the first few selections:

✦ Chicago Bears: Bob Fenimore, a halfback from Oklahoma A&M, was selected first overall. Fenimore was a highly regarded college player known for his rushing abilities.

✦ Detroit Lions: The Lions selected Glenn Davis, a halfback from Army. Davis, a Heisman Trophy winner, was one of the most celebrated college football players of his time.

✦ Boston Yanks: The Yanks chose Fritz Barzilauskas, a guard from Yale.

✦ Washington Redskins: Cal Rossi from UCLA was picked by the Redskins.

Other notable first-round selections included:

✦ Hub Bechtol (Pittsburgh Steelers): An end from Texas, Bechtol went on to have a productive NFL career.

✦ Ernie Case (Green Bay Packers): A quarterback from UCLA.

✦ Dewitt "Tex" Coulter (Chicago Cardinals): A tackle from Army.

✦ Neill Armstrong (Philadelphia Eagles): An end from Oklahoma State.

✦ Herman Wedemeyer (Los Angeles Rams): A halfback from St. Mary's (CA).

✦ Don Kindt (Chicago Bears): A back from Wisconsin.

The early rounds of the draft demonstrated the diverse range of talent available, with players from major college football programs across the country being selected.

✦ Hall of Famers and Notable Selections

While the 1947 NFL Draft is not renowned for producing a large number of Hall of Fame players, it did yield some notable talent:

Glenn Davis: Selected by the Detroit Lions with the second overall pick, Davis was a Heisman Trophy-winning halfback from Army. Though his NFL career was shorter than many expected due to military service, he is still considered one of the greatest college football players of all time and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Don Kindt: Taken 11th overall by the Chicago Bears, Kindt had a solid NFL career as a defensive back and is in the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.

Don Paul: Drafted in the third round, 21st overall by the Los Angeles Rams, Paul became an All-Pro linebacker for the Rams and is a member of the Rams' All-Time Team.

It is important to note that the NFL landscape in the late 1940s was different from today's league. Many players had shorter careers due to military service, and the league was still developing into the powerhouse it is today. As such, the impact of the 1947 draft should be viewed within this historical context.

✦ The Impact of the 1947 NFL Draft

The 1947 NFL Draft played a vital role in the post-war rebuilding of the league. Teams used the draft to address immediate needs and lay the foundation for future success. The influx of new talent helped to revitalize the game and attract fans back to the stadiums.

The draft also highlights some of the challenges and peculiarities of the era. The presence of the bonus pick system, the impact of military service on player availability, and the varying levels of professional football's development all contributed to the unique character of this draft.

In conclusion, the 1947 NFL Draft was a significant event in NFL history. It not only brought new talent into the league but also reflected the broader societal changes taking place in the aftermath of World War II. While it may not be as star-studded as some later drafts, it played a crucial role in shaping the NFL's growth and development in the post-war era.