No. 1 Draft Picks
Do you remember Auburn’s two-sport phenom, running back Bo Jackson, running circles around every player in the SEC? Or how about "The Juice," who established himself at USC as one of the best college running backs ever. He was then picked in the first round of the NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills. Both of these athletes were both No.1 draft picks. So where are they now?
Russell was drafted first overall by the Oakland Raiders in the 2007 NFL draft. After an amazing career as a Bayou Bengal, high expectations were placed on Russell. But trouble seemed to follow him immediately, when Russell held out in training camp.
Vick was drafted as the No. 1 pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 2001 after leading his Hokies to the national championship game.Vick's stint with the Falcons was cut short when he was convicted of running an illegal blood sport. He served 18 months in prison, then the Philadelphia Eagles took a chance on him in 2009. Vick had an epic season with the Eagles in 2010, earning the starting role early in the season and leading the team to an NFC East title.
The Cleveland Browns drafted this No. 1 pick in 1999. A former Wildcat quarterback, Couch suffered many injuries in the NFL, which led to his early departure. He is now an analyst for this TV network.
Steve Emtman was the No. 1 pick by the Indianapolis Colts in 1992. The former Husky is now a successful real estate developer. After suffering some knee injuries, his pro career ended early, when he was just 27.
Earl Campbell is considered one of the greatest running backs of all time. He was drafted in 1978 by the Houston Oilers, now the Tennessee Titans. After an astonishing college career with the Longhorns, he went on to lead the NFL in rushing from 1978 to 1980. He now owns his own business.
A highly touted linebacker out of Auburn, Aundray Bruce was the first draft pick by the Atlanta Falcons in 1988. High expectations were placed on Bruce coming out of college, but he started just 42 games throughout his NFL career.
O.J. Simpson was the No 1. pick in 1969. Long before his starring role in one of the most infamous murder trials in US history, he broke records as a Trojan. He was drafted by the Buffalo Bills. Though he was cleared of murder charges, he later was convicted of other crimes
Bo Jackson was the first athlete to be named an All-Star in two major American professional sports. He won the Heisman trophy as a Tiger. He was a running back for the Oakland Raiders and played left field for the Kansas City Royals. What council is he the head of?
Smith is a former Hokie who was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 1985. He ended his career with 1,224 tackles and the all-time record for sacks.In 2009, Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Smith now works as a large-scale hotel designer with a commercial real estate company.
A Central Washington native, Bledsoe was drafted first overall in 1993 by the New England Patriots. After his retirement in 2007, Bledsoe founded the Doubleback Winery along with close friend Chris Figgins. He now lives in Bend, Ore., with his wife, Maura, and five children.
John Elway was drafted No. 1 overall by the Baltimore Colts in 1983, before being traded to the Denver Broncos. He led his team to five Super Bowls, winning the last two. He currently holds a front-office job with the Broncos.
Brown is a former defensive end for the Cleveland Browns. He was a No.1 pick out of Penn State. Brown had an average rookie season (70 tackles, 4.5 sacks) but played in less than half the games over the next four seasons because of injuries.
He was the only Beaver in school history to win a Heisman Trophy. That's where his legend as a football player both began and ended. He was the first pick in the 1963 draft by the Los Angeles Rams (where's the team now?). He played just three seasons there and was considered one of the first Heisman busts in NFL history. Baker is now a retired lawyer living in the Pacific Northwest
Carr was a highly reputable quarterback out of Fresno State. Winner of the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm award, he became the No. 1 pick by the Houston Texans in 2002. He has played for four NFL teams in his career, including the New York Giants and Carolina Panthers. He currently plays for this team.
