First defensive player
(Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)
Who were the first defensive players chosen in each of the NFL drafts during the Super Bowl era? A lot of the names are familiar, while some will send you to Profootballreference.com to see what they actually contributed.
1967: Bubba Smith
Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports
Michigan State’s Bubba Smith was the first overall pick by the Baltimore Colts—who acquired the choice in a trade with New Orleans for Gary Cuozzo. Forty-three of his 52.5 sacks came with Baltimore.