What position usually gets drafted first?

Who Goes First in the Draft?

When it comes to the NFL Draft, one name consistently rises to the top: the quarterback. Historically, teams building for the future tend to prioritize this position above all else. Out of the past several drafts, quarterbacks have been selected first overall a remarkable 40 times—far more than any other position. That’s no accident.

Quarterbacks are the face of the franchise, the on-field leaders who call the plays and carry the weight of the offense. A franchise quarterback can transform a struggling team into a contender overnight, which makes drafting one a high-stakes gamble teams are often willing to take.

Running backs, while crucial, come in second in terms of first-overall selections, with 23 picks in that spot. But their prominence has waned in recent years as the league has evolved into a passing-dominated game. Teams are more cautious about investing top picks in running backs, knowing their careers can be shorter and more injury-prone.

Still, the allure of a dynamic runner like Earl Campbell or Barry Sanders keeps the position relevant. But even with legendary talents at the position, the numbers don’t lie—when a team wins the draft lottery, they’re far more likely to go quarterback.

It makes sense: build around a strong passer, and the rest of the puzzle often falls into place. Coaches adapt systems, receivers develop chemistry, and offensive lines sharpen their protection schemes—all orbiting the quarterback. While exceptions exist (hello, defensive phenoms like Myles Garrett), the blueprint remains clear.

So if you're watching draft night and your team has the first pick, don’t be surprised if the name announced is the guy who throws the football. It’s not just tradition—it’s strategy, legacy, and, more often than not, necessity.