1989 NFL Draft

The 1989 NFL Draft stands as one of the most pivotal and intriguing drafts in NFL history. Held on April 23-24, 1989, at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City, this draft is notable for its exceptional top-end talent, including an unprecedented number of future Hall of Famers in the early selections, as well as one of the most infamous draft busts of all time. This essay will delve into the context of the 1989 NFL Draft, highlight the key selections (focusing on the first 30 picks), and discuss the lasting impact of this draft on the landscape of the National Football League.

✦ Context of the 1989 NFL Draft

Several factors contributed to the unique nature of the 1989 NFL Draft. One significant aspect was the emergence of a group of highly touted prospects who were considered generational talents. Quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Barry Sanders, cornerback Deion Sanders, and linebacker Derrick Thomas were all projected to be superstars at the professional level. Their presence at the top of the draft created a buzz and anticipation that had rarely been seen before.

Additionally, the 1989 draft was the first since the AFL-NFL merger where college underclassmen were eligible to be drafted. This rule change had a profound impact on the draft, as it allowed teams to select younger players with immense potential but perhaps less collegiate experience. Barry Sanders was a prominent example of this, having only played one full season at Oklahoma State.

The draft also took place during a period of transition for several NFL franchises. The Dallas Cowboys, under new owner Jerry Jones and head coach Jimmy Johnson, were beginning a rebuilding process that would define the decade of the 1990s. The Green Bay Packers, on the other hand, were mired in mediocrity and desperately seeking a player who could turn their fortunes around. These contrasting situations added another layer of intrigue to the draft proceedings.

✦ The First Round: A Mix of Hits and Misses

The 1989 NFL Draft is perhaps best remembered for the stark contrast between its highly successful and profoundly unsuccessful selections. The first round saw the selection of four future Hall of Famers, but it also included one of the most notorious draft busts in NFL history. Here's a closer look at the first 10 picks:

✦ 1. Dallas Cowboys: Troy Aikman, QB, UCLA

The Cowboys, with the first overall pick, selected Troy Aikman, the polished and highly regarded quarterback from UCLA. Aikman's poise, accuracy, and leadership skills made him the consensus top choice. He went on to lead the Cowboys to three Super Bowl victories and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006.

✦ 2. Green Bay Packers: Tony Mandarich, OT, Michigan State

The Packers' selection of Tony Mandarich with the second overall pick is widely considered one of the biggest draft mistakes in NFL history. Mandarich, a massive and athletic offensive tackle from Michigan State, was touted as a "sure thing" and a future All-Pro. However, his NFL career was derailed by injuries and off-field issues.

✦ 3. Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders, RB, Oklahoma State

The Lions struck gold with the third overall pick, selecting Barry Sanders, the electrifying running back from Oklahoma State. Sanders's incredible agility, speed, and elusiveness made him one human highlight reel. He retired prematurely in 1999 as one of the greatest running backs of all time, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

✦ 4. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Thomas, LB, Alabama

The Chiefs selected Derrick Thomas, the dominant linebacker from Alabama, with the fourth overall pick. Thomas was a fearsome pass rusher and a disruptive force on defense. His career was tragically cut short by a car accident, but he was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

✦ 5. Atlanta Falcons: Deion Sanders, CB, Florida State

Deion "Prime Time" Sanders, the flashy and supremely talented cornerback from Florida State, was taken by the Falcons with the fifth overall pick. Sanders was a game-changing player with exceptional speed, coverage skills, and ball-hawking ability. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

✦ 6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Broderick Thomas, LB, Nebraska

The Buccaneers selected Broderick Thomas. He played for Tampa Bay, the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings.

✦ 7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Tim Worley, RB, Georgia

The Steelers selected Tim Worley. His career was ultimately cut short.

✦ 8. San Diego Chargers: Burt Grossman, DE, Pittsburgh

The Chargers selected Burt Grossman. His NFL career lasted several seasons, but was cut short by injuries.

✦ 9. Miami Dolphins: Sammie Smith, RB, Florida State

The Dolphins selected Sammie Smith from Florida State. He played for Miami and Denver.

✦ 10. Phoenix Cardinals: Eric Hill, LB, LSU

The Cardinals drafted linebacker Eric Hill. Hill played in the NFL for a decade.

The remaining first-round selections included Donnell Woolford (CB, Clemson) by the Chicago Bears, Trace Armstrong (DE, Florida) also by the Bears, Eric Metcalf (WR, Texas) by the Cleveland Browns, Jeff Lageman (DE, Virginia) by the New York Jets, Andy Heck (OT, Notre Dame) by the Seattle Seahawks, Hart Lee Dykes (WR, Oklahoma State) by the New England Patriots, Joe Wolf (OG, Boston College) by the Phoenix Cardinals, Brian Williams (C, Minnesota) by the New York Giants, Wayne Martin (DE, Arkansas) by the New Orleans Saints, Steve Atwater (S, Arkansas) by the Denver Broncos.

The round continued with Bill Hawkins (DE, Miami (FL)) by the Los Angeles Rams, Andre Rison (WR, Michigan State) by the Indianapolis Colts, David Williams (OT, Florida) by the Houston Oilers, Tom Ricketts (OT, Pittsburgh) by the Pittsburgh Steelers, Louis Oliver (S, Florida) by the Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Gary (RB, Miami (FL)) by the Los Angeles Rams, Shawn Collins (WR, Northern Arizona) by the Atlanta Falcons, and Keith DeLong (LB, Tennessee) by the San Francisco 49ers.

The second round saw the Dallas Cowboys select Steve Wisniewski, and then trade him to the Raiders. The Detroit Lions picked John Ford, and the Cleveland Browns selected Lawyer Tillman.

✦ Hall of Fame Selections Beyond the Top 5

While the top of the 1989 draft was loaded with Hall of Fame talent, the draft also produced additional Hall of Famers in later rounds. Steve Atwater, the hard-hitting safety from Arkansas, was selected by the Denver Broncos with the 20th overall pick. Atwater became a key member of the Broncos' Super Bowl-winning teams in the late 1990s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. Daryl Johnston, selected in the second round, also went on to have a long career with Dallas.

✦ Impact and Legacy

The 1989 NFL Draft had a profound and lasting impact on the league. The selection of Troy Aikman by the Cowboys marked the beginning of their dominant run in the 1990s, which included three Super Bowl victories. The Lions, despite never reaching the Super Bowl with Barry Sanders, were treated to some of the most exciting and memorable football in NFL history. The Chiefs and Falcons, with Derrick Thomas and Deion Sanders, respectively, became contenders in their conferences.

The draft also served as a cautionary tale about the risks of overvaluing potential over proven production. The selection of Tony Mandarich by the Packers became synonymous with draft busts, reminding teams to thoroughly evaluate prospects and avoid getting caught up in hype.

In conclusion, the 1989 NFL Draft was a landmark event that showcased both the incredible talent and the inherent unpredictability of the draft process. With its mix of Hall of Famers and draft busts, this draft left an indelible mark on the NFL and continues to be remembered as one of the most significant in league history.