1st overall picks rated in the common era
Ben Liebenberg/Associated Press
42) Eric Fisher, offensive tackle
Drafted by: Kansas City Chiefs, 2013.
Eric Fisher has at least become a reliable starter in Kansas City, even if he hasn't been the sort of All-Pro level player most offensive linemen taken that high are expected to be (think Joe Thomas). Fisher has only missed six starts since being tabbed as the top prospect in the 2013 NFL Draft. He's definitely a better player now than he was then, although 2017 wasn't his best season. Perhaps he can get a stronger grip on the left tackle position as he grows older. Don't watch this if you're a Chiefs fan. Please do if you like the Steelers.
http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000797366
LOL, I guess it could have been 8 spots worse.
I should have kept scrolling:
3) John Elway, quarterback
Drafted by: Baltimore Colts, 1983.
You could make the argument that John Elway belongs even higher, but given that he never played a down for the team that originally drafted him, third seems right. Elway refused to play in Baltimore, so in May 1983, the Colts traded him to the Denver Broncos for Chris Hinton (a fantastic offensive tackle), backup QB Mark Herrmann and a 1984 first-round pick. Of course, Elway wound up starting five Super Bowls for the Broncos. The two Super Bowl wins at the end of his career pushed him into legendary status, but fans should remember that
Elway won the league MVP in only his fifth year, becoming one of the youngest quarterbacks to ever accomplish that feat.
1) Peyton Manning, quarterback
Drafted by: Indianapolis Colts, 1998.
Easy choice at the top of the list. Not only is Peyton Manning one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time (I have him at third), he remains at the top of the charts in most major passing stats. Manning threw 28 interceptions as a rookie but started picking things up over the back half of his debut season. By Year 2, he was a Pro Bowl-level player and had the Colts in the playoffs. Manning's total of five MVPs continues to boggle the mind. What player, in any sport, can lay claim to being the best of the best in five different years? Not many.