The first NFL draft took place humbly on Feb. 8, 1936, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia. Designed to create parity in a new, growing league, the draft has since become an annual event shaping the competitive balance of professional football. With the 2025 NFL Draft less than a month away and fast approaching, here’s a look back at how it all began.

1936’s First Rounders Taken

This was the only draft to have 9 rounds, as the number increased to ten in 1937.

  1. Chicago back Jay Berwanger – Philadelphia Eagles
  2. Alabama back Riley Smith – Boston Redskins
  3. Notre Dame back Bill Shakespeare – Pittsburgh Pirates
  4. Iowa back Dick Crayne – Brooklyn Dodgers
  5. TCU back Jim Lawrence – Chicago Cardinals
  6. West Virginia tackle Joe Stydahar – Chicago Bears
  7. San Fransisco guard Russ Letlow – Green Bay Packers
  8. Michigan State guard Sid Wagner – Detroit Lions
  9. Ohio tackle Art Lewis – New York Giants

Jay Berwanger

NFL draftee Jay Berwanger never played in the NFL.

The first player ever drafted and the first Heisman Trophy winner, Jay Berwanger, never even played a snap in the NFL. Most players in this draft opted for more secure and stable professions, many of which paid better than being a professional athlete.

“Rather than play pro football, the star halfback opted for a career as a foam rubber salesman”, according to Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Hall Of Famers Drafted In The 1936 NFL Draft

  • West Virginia tackle Joe Stydahar – 6th overall by the Chicago Bears, class of 1967
  • George Washington back Alphonse “Tuffy” Leemans – 18th overall by the New York Giants, class of 1978
  • Notre Dame end Wayne Millner – 65th by the Boston Redskins, class of 1968
  • Colgate guard Dan Fortmann was 78th overall by the Chicago Bears, class of 1965

2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft presented by Bud Light is set for April 24-26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The event will take place at the Green Bay Packers’ Lambeau Field, Titletown District, the Resch Complex, and surrounding lots.

Colorado wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter toses a football as he watches drills at the NFL football souting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo)
Colorado wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter toses a football as he watches drills at the NFL football souting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025. (AP Photo)

Leading first-round mock draft boards are talented players, including: 

  • Penn State edge Abdul Carter
  • Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders
  • Colorado wide receiver/ cornerback Travis Hunter
  • Miami quarterback Cam Ward
  • Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty 

The 2025 NFL Draft will occur over three days, beginning with Round 1 on Thursday, April 24, at 8 p.m. ET. Rounds 2 and 3 will follow on Friday, April 25, starting at 7 p.m. ET, while Rounds 4 through 7 will conclude the event on Saturday, April 26, beginning at noon ET.

End Of My First NFL Draft Rant

81 total players, including four Hall of Famers, selected from a pool of only 90 athletes in nine rounds by nine teams, defined the first-ever NFL Draft.

Who will ultimately define the 2025 NFL Draft in 90 years?