1990 NFL Draft

The 1990 NFL Draft, held in New York City on April 22nd, was a significant event in NFL history, marked by several high-profile selections and the emergence of future Hall of Famers. The Indianapolis Colts kicked off the draft by selecting University of Illinois quarterback Jeff George with the first overall pick. George was a highly touted prospect, but his NFL career did not fully live up to the expectations that came with being the top pick.

The early part of the first round saw several defensive stars being chosen. The Seattle Seahawks, with the third overall pick, selected defensive tackle Cortez Kennedy from the University of Miami. Kennedy went on to become a dominant force in the NFL and was eventually inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Two picks later, the San Diego Chargers drafted linebacker Junior Seau from USC. Seau also established himself as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, earning numerous accolades and a place in the Hall of Fame.

✦ Here is a list of the first 30 picks from the 1990 NFL Draft:

✦ 1. Indianapolis Colts: Jeff George, QB, Illinois

✦ 2. New York Jets: Blair Thomas, RB, Penn State

✦ 3. Seattle Seahawks: Cortez Kennedy, DT, Miami

✦ 4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Keith McCants, LB, Alabama

✦ 5. San Diego Chargers: Junior Seau, LB, USC

✦ 6. Chicago Bears: Mark Carrier, DB, USC

✦ 7. Detroit Lions: Andre Ware, QB, Houston

✦ 8. New England Patriots: Chris Singleton, LB, Arizona

✦ 9. Miami Dolphins: Richmond Webb, T, Texas A&M

✦ 10. New England Patriots: Ray Agnew, DE, North Carolina State

✦ 11. Los Angeles Raiders: Anthony Smith, DE, Arizona

✦ 12. Cincinnati Bengals: James Francis, LB, Baylor

✦ 13. Kansas City Chiefs: Percy Snow, LB, Michigan State

✦ 14. New Orleans Saints: Renaldo Turnbull, DE, West Virginia

✦ 15. Houston Oilers: Lamar Lathon, LB, Houston

✦ 16. Buffalo Bills: James Williams, DB, Fresno State

✦ 17. Dallas Cowboys: Emmitt Smith, RB, Florida

✦ 18. Green Bay Packers: Tony Bennett, LB, Mississippi

✦ 19. Green Bay Packers: Darrell Thompson, RB, Minnesota

✦ 20. Atlanta Falcons: Steve Broussard, RB, Washington State

✦ 21. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eric Green, TE, Liberty

✦ 22. Philadelphia Eagles: Ben Smith, DB, Georgia

✦ 23. Los Angeles Rams: Bern Brostek, C, Washington

✦ 24. New York Giants: Rodney Hampton, RB, Georgia

✦ 25. San Francisco 49ers: Dexter Carter, RB, Florida State

✦ 26. Dallas Cowboys: Alexander Wright, WR, Auburn

✦ 27. Atlanta Falcons: Darion Conner, LB, Jackson State

✦ 28. New York Jets: Reggie Rembert, WR, West Virginia

✦ 29. Seattle Seahawks: Terry Wooden, LB, Syracuse

✦ 30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Reggie Cobb, RB, Tennessee

One of the most impactful picks of the draft came later in the first round. With the 17th overall selection, the Dallas Cowboys chose running back Emmitt Smith from the University of Florida. Smith went on to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher and a key player in the Cowboys' Super Bowl victories in the 1990s. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his place as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

In addition to Kennedy, Seau, and Smith, the 1990 NFL Draft also produced another Pro Football Hall of Famer. Tight end Shannon Sharpe, selected by the Denver Broncos in the seventh round with the 192nd pick, proved to be one of the biggest steals in draft history. Sharpe became one of the most productive tight ends in the league, winning multiple Super Bowls and earning a spot in Canton.

The 1990 NFL Draft is remembered for its strong class of Hall of Fame players and the significant impact several draftees had on their respective franchises.