Skip to the content

Tennessee Titans - Best Number One Pick for Every Team in NFL Draft History

In 1996, then Houston Oilers owner Bud Adams did what many owners have done before him...moved his team to a new city. On to Nashville did the Oilers go retaining their nickname until 1999 when the team was renamed to the Titans. They left behind a void in Houston that remained until the Texans were established in 2002. This team was in Houston from the onset in 1961 as a member of the old American Football League and then in ‘96 bolted for the new city.

The Oilers' initial first-round draft pick came in 1964 when they selected Scott Appleton with the sixth overall choice. He was a tackle ironically from the University of Texas. The Oilers then made a splash in 1971 when Dan Pastorini was the third man drafted by Houston. But the Titans/Oilers' best player ever drafted in the first-round was Earl Campbell. A powerhouse running back who would simply mow down defenders, his selection as best might best be rivaled by the late Steve McNair but I think it should be Campbell.

Honorable Mentions: John Matuszak (1973), Robert Brazille (1975), Bruce Matthews (1983), Mike Rozier (1984), Ray Childress (1985), Alonzo Highsmith (1987), Lorenzo White (1988), Brad Hopkins (1993), Jevon Kearse (1999), Eddie George (1996), Albert Haynesworth (2002), Marcus Mariota (2015)

Harv Aronson

Harv Aronson

Harv currently writes for Abstract Sports, the Sports History Network, and the magazine Gridiron Greats. Harv wrote the published book "Pro Football's Most Passionate Fans" and as a professional writer has had articles published in an array of sports publications.

comments powered by Disqus