The anticipation and excitement surrounding an NFL draft class is unmatched. Fans and analysts alike eagerly await the experts’ assessments of the first-round picks and discuss the potential impact these players will have on their respective franchises. Close attention is also paid to mid- and late-round selections to determine if any teams have pulled off a steal or discovered great players who slipped under the radar.

In this regard, the 2023 NFL Draft did not disappoint. Fans were surprised by some of the early selections, such as Nolan Smith going to the Eagles late in the first round and Will Levis slipping into the second round, where he was picked by the Tennessee Titans. Jahmyr Gibbs was also taken earlier than expected by the Detroit Lions, and Minnesota added Jordan Addison to form a formidable wide receiver duo with Justin Jefferson. The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, hinted at a new offensive identity with the addition of talented running back Bijan Robinson. 

The 2023 draft class boasts several highly-touted QB prospects, including Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, and Anthony Richardson, all of whom were selected within the top four picks. This year’s NFL Draft results will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the league’s future, since the drafted players are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the direction of both their respective teams and the NFL as a whole.

While only time will tell which players from the 2023 draft class go on to have successful NFL careers, other draft classes from past years have produced numerous Hall of Famers and standout talents. This begs the question: which NFL draft class is the greatest of all time?

What was the best NFL draft class ever?

While opinions might differ on the best NFL draft class, the general consensus typically leans in one direction.

Over the years, many draft classes have produced impressive talent, but the 1983 NFL Draft arguably stands out as the best draft class in NFL history. This draft class was particularly noteworthy for featuring three legendary quarterbacks in John Elway, Dan Marino, and Jim Kelly -- all of whom had incredible careers. Additionally, seven out of the 28 players selected in the first round went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, while two players, Richard Dent and John Elway, won Super Bowl MVP awards.

Ranking the Top 10 Best NFL Draft Classes of all time

10. 2012 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: None (yet)

The 2012 class was headlined by two outstanding college quarterbacks in Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. The buzz around those two prior to the NFL Draft was electric. Both showed elite talent at the NFL level before injuries took a hefty toll on their careers. Even though those two did not enjoy 15-plus-year careers in the league, the 2012 class is still one of the best in recent memory.

The 2012 NFL Draft produced several notable names, including Luke Kuechly, Stephon Gilmore, Chandler Jones, Bobby Wagner, and T.Y. Hilton. This draft class also featured two third-round selections who went on to become Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks -- Russell Wilson and Nick Foles.

While many players from this draft class are likely to earn a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the class is still relatively young, and there are currently no Hall of Famers among its ranks.

9. 2007 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: One

The 2007 draft class is largely remembered for LSU sensation JaMarcus Russell being the first overall pick. He was expected to be the best college quarterback in a long time to enter the NFL but is now considered one of the biggest draft busts in league history.

Despite the underwhelming performance of its top pick, this draft class overall was exceptional. One recent inductee to the Hall of Fame is Calvin Johnson, also known as “Megatron.” Meanwhile, offensive tackle Joe Thomas, who was selected right after Johnson at No. 3 overall, is widely expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame once he becomes eligible.

The 2007 draft class included several other notable players. These were running backs Adrian Peterson and Marshawn Lynch, safety Eric Weddle, corner Darrelle Revis, and linebacker Patrick Willis, who earned the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year award that season.

8. 2011 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: None (yet)

The 2011 draft class is widely regarded as one of the strongest in recent memory. Leading the pack was Cam Newton, who had just achieved an impressive feat of winning a national championship and sweeping all possible awards in his final year at Auburn. Newton went on to earn an NFL MVP award during his years with the Carolina Panthers.

Following Newton's selection, the second overall pick was Von Miller, followed by A.J. Green, Patrick Peterson, and Julio Jones, all of whom were chosen in the top 10 selections. The 11th pick was J.J. Watt, who was taken by the Houston Texans. Other notable first-round picks included Cameron Heyward and Cameron Jordan.

The third round saw the likes of DeMarco Murray, Justin Houston, and Jurrell Casey get drafted. Additionally, two hidden gems were unearthed later in the draft, with Richard Sherman taken by the Seattle Seahawks in the fifth round and Jason Kelce picked up by the Philadelphia Eagles in the sixth round. Both players went on to have successful careers, winning a Super Bowl championship with their respective teams. It's safe to say that these two are likely headed to the Hall of Fame in the future.

7. 1993 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Five

In 1993, Drew Bledsoe was the first overall pick by the New England Patriots, while Garrison Hearst was selected third by the Phoenix Cardinals. The first round of that year's NFL draft produced two eventual Hall of Famers in offensive tackle Willie Roaf and running back Jerome Bettis. Three more Hall of Famers were added on Day 2.

In the second round, the New York Giants picked Michael Strahan. The Kansas City Chiefs followed up by selecting Will Shields in Round 3, and the Denver Broncos drafted John Lynch later in the same round. All three players went on to have illustrious careers and were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Lynch and Strahan each won at least one Super Bowl championship during their time in the league.

Several other notable players from the 1993 draft class went on to become Pro Bowl selections, including fullback Lorenzo Neal, quarterback Steve Brunell, and tight end Frank Wycheck, who was a seventh-round pick.

6. 2004 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: None (yet)

Although no one from the 2004 draft class has yet been inducted into the Hall of Fame, there are several players from the first round who are considered strong contenders.

Of the first eight picks, seven went on to become standout players in the league. The San Diego Chargers drafted Eli Manning as the first overall pick, but he was quickly traded to the New York Giants, who had just selected Philip Rivers as the fourth overall pick. This trade has since become one of the most talked-about deals in draft history.

Larry Fitzgerald was chosen as the third pick, followed by safety Sean Taylor at No. 5, and then a run of tight end Kellen Winslow II, receiver Roy Williams, and cornerback DeAngelo Hall. Ben Roethlisberger was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the 11th pick, while Vince Wilfork was selected by the New England Patriots at No. 21 overall. Bob Sanders and Darnell Dockett were also picked up on the draft’s second day.

Although no one from this class is currently in the Hall of Fame, several strong contenders might very well be inducted in the future.

5. 1989 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Five

While the 1989 draft class might not have been the most stacked in terms of depth, it did produce some of the greatest superstars the league has ever seen. In fact, four out of the draft’s top five picks went on to become Hall of Famers.

Troy Aikman was selected first overall by the Dallas Cowboys and had a remarkable career, winning three Super Bowls and earning a Super Bowl MVP award. Barry Sanders was drafted third overall and won the league MVP award in 1997. Derrick Thomas was picked fourth overall, while Deion Sanders was selected fifth overall. Those two players went on to become legends in their own right.

Steve Atwater, who was selected 20th overall by the Denver Broncos, also became a Hall of Famer, rounding out the impressive list of players from this draft class. In addition to these five Hall of Famers, the class also included Pro Bowlers like wide receiver Andre Rison and defensive end Trace Armstrong.

4. 2001 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Three

The first round and early second round of the 2001 NFL Draft were loaded with talent. In fact, three players from this class have already been inducted in the Hall of Fame, including running back LaDainian Tomlinson, defensive end Richard Seymour, and guard Steve Hutchinson.

The first overall pick of the draft was quarterback Michael Vick, and the first round boasted other standout players such as defensive end Andre Carter, running back Deuce McAllister, and receiver Reggie Wayne.

The second round kicked off with the selection of future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees, followed closely by Chad Johnson. In the third round, the Carolina Panthers selected Steve Smith, who went on to become one of the league's most dynamic receivers. While the 2001 draft class already has three Hall of Famers, there are undoubtedly a few more players from this talented group who will soon join them in Canton.

3. 1981 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Seven

The class of 1981 now has seven Hall of Fame talents, three of whom were among the top 10 picks.

After being drafted second overall, linebacker Lawrence Taylor went on to become one of the most extraordinary talents the NFL has ever seen. The 1981 draft class also produced other standout defensive players, including safety Kenny Easley, who was selected fourth overall, and Ronnie Lott, who went eighth overall to the San Francisco 49ers.

Taylor won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants during his career, while Lott was a part of four championship-winning teams. In 1984, Seattle’s Easley was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his outstanding performance on the field. Together, these players helped make the 1981 draft class one of the most memorable in NFL history.

Round 2 of the 1981 NFL Draft produced three additional Hall of Famers -- linebackers Mike Singletary and Rickey Jackson, plus defensive end Howie Long. All three players made significant contributions to the league throughout their careers. In the third round, the Washington Redskins selected offensive guard Russ Grimm, who proved to be a steal. Grimm would go on to win three Super Bowl championships and become a Hall of Famer in 2010.

2. 1996 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Six

The 1996 NFL draft was a remarkable one. First overall pick Keyshawn Johnson, defensive end Simeon Rice, and running back Eddie George were just a few of the talented players taken in the opening round, while the second round featured fullback Mike Alstott and safety Lawyer Milloy.

The class also included linebacker Tedy Bruschi in Round 3 and offensive tackle Jon Runyan in Round 4. All of these players were impressive, but the pride of the class is its group of six Hall of Famers.

The Baltimore Ravens selected both Jonathan Ogden and Ray Lewis, who formed the core of their franchise and won two Super Bowls together. The Indianapolis Colts also picked up a future Hall of Famer in Marvin Harrison at 19th overall.

Not only did this draft produce these three Hall of Famers in the first round, but it also had some late-round gems. Brian Dawkins was picked 61st overall, Terrell Owens went 89th overall, and the Miami Dolphins selected linebacker Zach Thomas with the 154th pick in the fifth round. Thomas, who had to wait a while for his induction, finally earned a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2023. All in all, 1996 was an outstanding year for talent and its draft class can certainly make a case for being the NFL’s best.

1. 1983 NFL Draft Class

Hall of Famers: Eight

The 1983 NFL draft class was truly special, with several NFL legends selected in the first round alone. Out of the 28 picks in the first round, seven would eventually earn a place in the Hall of Fame, including three exceptional quarterbacks.

John Elway was selected first overall by the Baltimore Colts, followed by Eric Dickerson, who went second and had a tremendous career as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Jim Kelly was taken by the Buffalo Bills with the 14th pick, while the Miami Dolphins landed Dan Marino at No. 27. Like Elway, quarterbacks Kelly and Marino went on to achieve great success, reaching Super Bowls and breaking passing records.

That’s not all, however, since the first round also produced four more Hall of Famers. Jim Covert, selected sixth overall by the Bears, played his entire career in Chicago and was part of their 1985 championship team. Offensive guard Bruce Matthews went ninth to the Houston Oilers and would go on to be a seven-time First Team All-Pro, cementing his place as one of the greatest offensive guards in NFL history. Cornerback Darrell Green went 28th overall to the Washington Redskins and won two Super Bowls with the franchise. The eighth Hall of Famer from this draft class was Richard Dent. Picked 203rd overall by Chicago, Dent was the MVP of Super Bowl XX with the Bears and also won Super Bowl XXIX with the San Francisco 49ers.

A class featuring just Dan Marino, John Elway, and Jim Kelly would likely have a case for this list’s No. 1 spot all by itself, but the combination of Super Bowl winners and countless accolades make the players picked in 1983 likely the very best NFL draft class of all time.

Parameters for Ranking

This list of the best NFL draft classes has been ranked based on the star power of the players within each draft and the impact they had on the league. Factors such as Hall of Fame recognition, Super Bowl victories, Pro Bowl selections, and other individual accolades were all taken into account in compiling the list.

Bet on NFL odds at Betway

Find season-long NFL betting odds on the Betway sportsbook. You'll find all the latest spreads, parlays, totals, NFL prop bets, moneylines, and NFL futures. Or call it how you see it with our NFL live betting in-play. All your NFL betting needs are covered at our online sportsbook.

Visit Betway’s NFL picks page for picks and predictions throughout the regular season.