Skip to content

Sky Sports assesses recent number one NFL Draft picks

CHICAGO, IL - APRIL 28:  Jared Goff poses with Roger Goodell after being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams during the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theate
Image: Sky Sports looks back at the players taken first overall over the last few years

The pressure is on as teams look to the 2017 draft ahead of the new season. How have teams fared in recent years?

Any team that holds the number one pick will face serious pressure from fans to select a player that can contribute immediately, and turn their franchise into a contender.

The Cleveland Browns have become the latest team to pick first, choosing defensive end Myles Garrett, in order to strengthen a team that finished 1-15 last year.

As NFL fans look forward to the final six rounds of this year's Draft, available live on Sky Sports, we take a look at previous number one picks, and how they've fared in the NFL so far.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28:  NFL COmmissioner Roger Goodell poses for a photo with Carolina Panthers #1 overall pick Cam Newton from Auburn during the 2011 NF
Image: Cam Newton is an MVP but missed out on the top prize at Super Bowl 50

2011 - Carolina Panthers - Cam Newton QB

Larger than life personality, with the skills to match, 'Super Cam' became an instant hit in Carolina. Having won the Heisman trophy earlier that year, the Panthers selected Newton over linebacker Von Miller.

Newton helped the Panthers return to the play-offs in 2013, and won Regular Season MVP as he led his team all the way to Super Bowl 50, before losing out to the Denver Broncos.

Despite a down year in 2016, Newton's athletic ability has made him one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, and the Panthers will be hoping for a bounce-back season this year.

Also See:

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 26:  Andrew Luck (R) from Stanford holds up a jersey as he stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after Luck was selected
Image: Andrew Luck has played in one AFC Championship, and fans will be hoping he can lead them back to the play-offs in 2017

2012 - Indianapolis Colts - Andrew Luck QB

Moving on from Peyton Manning, the Colts' terrible 2011 campaign secured them the following season's number one pick. With Manning released, Luck instantly became the face of the franchise.

His arrival heralded an immediate return to the post-season, and Luck's performances earned him the biggest contract in NFL history when he signed a six-year, $140m contract.

However, the Colts have struggled over the last two years, largely due to a depleted offensive line. Luck's hope for this year's Draft will be adequate protection, so he can lead the team back to the top of the AFC South.

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 25:  Eric Fisher (R) of Central Michigan Chippewas stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after Fisher was picked #1 over
Image: The Kansas City Chiefs selected Eric Fisher from Central Michigan

2013 - Kansas City Chiefs - Eric Fisher OT

The top seven picks all came from the line, but it was Fisher who led the way, joining the Chiefs and new head coach Andy Reid.

Hardly a marquee signing, Fisher has failed to make a Pro Bowl since his arrival in the league. However, he is a consistent starter, and the Chiefs have exercised his fifth-year option. How valuable he is to Kansas City will become apparent next off-season, when he is due to hit free-agency.

NEW YORK, NY - MAY 08:  Jadeveon Clowney of the South Carolina Gamecocks stands on stage with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was picked #1 overall
Image: Jadeveon Clowney showed his quality in 2016, and Texans head coach Bill O'Brien will hope for more of the same next year

2014 - Houston Texans - Jadeveon Clowney DE

Labelled a 'once in a generation' pass rusher, the Houston Texans made Clowney the first defensive player taken at No 1 since 2006.

It has taken the defensive end a couple of years to find his feet in the NFL; questions were raised over his motivation. However, with the absence of J.J. Watt this year, Clowney stepped up to lead the Texans back to the play-offs, and earning himself a Pro Bowl nomination in the process.

If Clowney continues to dominate, and Watt returns to full strength, the Texans have the foundations of an incredible defence.

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans display a sign asking for the team to draft Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston during the second h
Image: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans wanted Winston, and they must be pleased with what they've seen so far

2015 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Jameis Winston QB

Since arriving in Florida two years ago, Winston has steadily improved to become one of the league's most entertaining quarterbacks.

From impassioned motivational speeches, to athletic play-making ability, Winston has reignited the Bucs' hopes for a competitive franchise. The 23-year old is yet to taste the post-season, but fans hope that 2017 will be the Draft that GM Jason Licht uses to secure Winston some weapons.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

L.A. Rams QB Jared Goff received a rough start to life in the NFL when he met Richard Sherman!

2016 - Los Angeles Rams - Jared Goff QB

In a huge gamble, the recently-relocated Rams sold the farm to trade up for Cal QB Jared Goff. However, it quickly emerged that Goff wasn't ready to lead the team, and was kept on the bench behind Case Keenum.

Head coach Jeff Fisher lost his job, and it is now up to the league's youngest head coach, Sean McVay to get the best out of Goff.

Don't miss a moment of the 2017 NFL Draft. Rounds two and three continue on Sky Sports 2, from 12am on Saturday April 29.

Around Sky