The National Football League held its first draft in 1936. The first pick was Jay Berwanger who had just been selected as the first Heisman Trophy winner. Berwanger played for the University of Chicago, a national power at the time but one that de-emphasized football a few years later.
This was Joe Dimaggio’s rookie year with the Yankees
In other words, a long, long time ago.
One hundred and fifty three Duke Blue Devils have been selected in the draft. George McAfee was the second pick in 1940, Steve Lach the fourth pick in 1944, Ace Parker the 13th pick in 1937.