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1970 NFL draft

The 1970 NFL Draft was the 35th annual player selection meeting of (NFL) franchises, marking the first draft of the fully merged following the 1966 AFL-NFL merger agreement, which unified the leagues into a single entity with 26 teams starting in 1970. Held on January 27 and 28 at the Belmont Plaza Hotel in , the event spanned 17 rounds and resulted in 442 total selections from eligible college players. The won the first overall pick via a coin flip against the and chose from , a pivotal selection that anchored their offense and contributed to the team's emergence as a dynasty. This draft occurred amid significant transition for professional football, as the merger—agreed in and fully implemented for the 1970 season, with common drafts beginning in 1967—fostered greater parity among teams. The Steelers, who had endured a dismal 1-13 record in 1969, used their top choice on Bradshaw, who went on to throw for 27,989 yards and 212 touchdowns over 14 seasons, earning three nods and leading Pittsburgh to four victories (IX, X, XIII, XIV) while being inducted into the in 1989. In the same draft, the Steelers also selected Mel Blount in the third round (53rd overall) from , whose physical play revolutionized defensive back rules and helped anchor four defenses, earning him Hall of Fame induction in 1989—the same year as Bradshaw. Notably, Bradshaw and Blount are the only two selected in the entire 1970 NFL Draft. Other key first-round picks included defensive tackle Mike McCoy from , taken second overall by the , who played 11 seasons, and quarterback from Purdue, selected third by the , where he started 51 of his 72 career games over seven seasons with the team despite mixed results. The draft yielded additional standouts like Steve Owens (19th overall, ), who rushed for 2,451 yards and earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 1971. Overall, the 1970 selections laid foundational talent for several franchises, particularly the Steelers' 1970s dominance, while reflecting the era's emphasis on quarterbacks and defensive specialists amid the league's expansion and competitive evolution.

Historical Context

AFL-NFL Merger

The AFL-NFL merger was announced on June 8, 1966, by NFL Commissioner , AFL President , and general manager following months of secret negotiations. This agreement aimed to end the costly competition between the two leagues, which had driven up player salaries through bidding wars since the AFL's founding in 1960. The merger was set to take full effect for the 1970 season, transforming the rival circuits into a single unified structured with two conferences: the (AFC) and the (NFC). Under the merger terms, the league expanded to 26 teams across 25 cities, incorporating all 10 existing franchises and 16 NFL teams, with the addition of the in 1967 as part of the pre-merger expansion. To balance competition, three established NFL teams—the , , and —were realigned to join the 10 teams in forming the 13-team , while the remaining 13 NFL teams constituted the . This realignment preserved geographic rivalries and ensured parity, with the ' move particularly notable as it kept the team in its traditional market but shifted it to the former conference. A key provision of the merger directly impacted player acquisition: the establishment of a single, common draft beginning with the fully integrated league in 1970, following three years of joint selection processes from 1967 to that had already begun to unify talent distribution. Prior to the merger, the separate drafts had fueled intense competition for seniors, but the unified system eliminated dual bidding, creating a shared player pool from eligible undergraduates and ensuring equitable access to top prospects across all teams. This change was crucial for the 1970 draft, held as the inaugural selection event of the merged , which stabilized rosters and reduced financial strain on franchises.

Pre-draft Developments

The 1969 NFL season ended with the posting the league's worst record at 1-13, earning them priority in the draft order. This poor performance, under first-year head coach , positioned the Steelers as the clear frontrunners for the top selection, especially after a coin flip against the similarly 1-13 determined Pittsburgh's No. 1 overall pick. Other struggling teams, such as the and Boston Patriots from the side with 4-10 records, also secured high picks based on their finishes, while the held the AFL's worst mark at 3-10-1. These standings set the stage for a combined draft pool, reflecting the teams' urgent needs for rebuilding. In the wake of the -NFL merger, the 1970 draft order integrated standings from both leagues by alternating selections between former NFL and AFL franchises in reverse order of their 1969 finishes, aiming to balance talent distribution across the new American and National Football Conferences. This structure marked the first common draft, unifying player eligibility and selection processes that had previously been separate. Key off-season rumors centered on quarterback-needy teams, exemplified by the ' aggressive pursuit of a high draft choice amid uncertainty at the position. A pivotal pre-draft transaction occurred on January 26, 1970, when the Browns traded to the Dolphins for their third overall pick, a move driven by Cleveland's desire to target top prospects like those from the 1970 college class. Such trades heightened anticipation and reshuffled team strategies. Scouting efforts intensified through all-star games and early combines; at the Senior Bowl, prospects like Louisiana Tech showcased their skills, with Bradshaw throwing for 267 yards in a 37-37 tie and earning MVP recognition from scouts. Services like the BLESTO scouting combine further aided evaluations by pooling data on top college talent for and teams.

Draft Logistics

Date and Venue

The 1970 NFL Draft took place over two days, January 27 and 28, spanning all 17 rounds of selections. This timing was influenced by the recent AFL-NFL merger, allowing teams to integrate operations ahead of the unified 1970 season. The event was held at the Belmont Plaza Hotel in , which served as the central headquarters for the first common draft following the merger. Representatives from the league's 26 teams convened there, managing selections via phone lines to coordinate with scouts and front offices, a process complicated by the ongoing transition from separate leagues. NFL Commissioner oversaw proceedings, announcing key picks in a modest conference room setup typical of the era. Media coverage focused on print journalists and wire services, with no live television broadcast, though press conferences facilitated immediate reporting on selections. This gathering marked a pivotal logistical step in unifying the league's drafting process.

Selection Format and Rules

The 1970 NFL Draft featured 17 rounds, during which a total of 442 players were selected across the league's 26 teams. The order of selections was established by the reverse order of each team's 1969 regular-season standings. For instance, the received the first overall pick as the worst-performing former NFL team, followed by the with the second pick (acquired through a trade with the ), and the with the third pick (obtained via trade from the ). Draft trades were permitted throughout the event, enabling teams to exchange current and future picks to optimize their selections. In the post-merger era, the process included provisions for compensatory adjustments to address roster impacts from the league's realignment, though no formal supplemental draft existed at the time. Player eligibility was restricted mainly to college seniors who had exhausted their four years of athletic eligibility, though exceptions were granted under hardship rules for select juniors facing financial or personal difficulties.

Player Selections

First Round

The first round of the 1970 NFL Draft, held on January 27–28 in , featured 26 selections by the league's newly merged teams, drawing from a deep talent pool that included top collegiate prospects in quarterbacks and defensive linemen. The , holding the first overall pick, selected quarterback from Louisiana Tech, marking a pivotal investment in franchise leadership amid their rebuilding efforts. This choice reflected the era's emphasis on securing signal-callers to anchor offenses in the post-merger landscape. A notable pre-draft trade shaped the round's early dynamics: on January 26, the acquired the ' third overall pick in exchange for , allowing the Browns to target a quarterback while bolstering the Dolphins' receiving corps. With that selection, the Browns drafted quarterback from Purdue at , underscoring the league-wide priority on quarterbacks to drive competitive balance. The followed at No. 2 by choosing Mike McCoy from , prioritizing defensive line reinforcement to counter potent AFL-style offenses. Similarly, the Boston Patriots (soon to become the ) selected Phil Olsen from Utah State at No. 4, highlighting teams' focus on bolstering front sevens in the expanded talent pool from the AFL-NFL merger. The round's selections balanced offensive and defensive needs, with six defensive linemen and five running backs chosen among the top talents, as teams navigated the inaugural common draft to build rosters for the unified league. Below is the complete list of first-round picks:
PickTeamPlayerPositionCollege
1QBLouisiana Tech
2Mike McCoyDT
3QBPurdue
4Boston PatriotsPhil OlsenDTUtah State
5DE
6Steve ZabelLB
7Mike ReidDTPenn State
8St. Louis CardinalsLarry StegentRBTexas A&M
9DE
10[New Orleans Saints](/page/New Orleans_Saints)WRTexas Southern
11Bobby AndersonRB
12John SmallDT
13Jim FilesLB
14Doug WilkersonGNorth Carolina Central
15Walker GilletteWRRichmond
16Rich McGeorgeTEElon
17Bruce TaylorDB
18RB
19Steve OwensRB
20Steve TannenDBFlorida
21Bob McKayTTexas
22Jack ReynoldsLBTennessee
23RBWest Texas A&M
24TEMorgan State
25Minnesota VikingsJohn WardGOklahoma State
26Sid SmithC

Rounds 2-12

In rounds 2 through 12 of the 1970 NFL Draft, teams shifted focus from high-profile first-round acquisitions to building roster depth, selecting approximately 286 players to address immediate and long-term needs in a league transitioning from the AFL-NFL merger. These mid-round picks emphasized defensive reinforcements, with 25 defensive backs and 19 linebackers chosen across the 11 rounds, reflecting a league-wide priority on improving pass coverage and run defense amid evolving offensive strategies. Offensive linemen (22 selections) and defensive linemen (19) also featured prominently, as teams sought to protect their investments from round 1 while bolstering front-seven units. The exemplified strategic depth-building in these rounds, selecting Ron Shanklin from in round 2 (pick 28) to enhance their passing attack and Mel Blount from Southern in round 3 (pick 53), whose physical playstyle would anchor the secondary for years. Further picks like offensive tackle Ed George from Wake Forest in round 4 (pick 80) and linebacker Manuel Barrera from Kansas State in round 6 (pick 131) added versatility to a roster poised for contention. The similarly targeted defensive talent, drafting Joe Jones from Tennessee State in round 2 (pick 36) and defensive tackle Jerry Sherk from Oklahoma State in round 2 (pick 47) to fortify their line, while round 4's Ricky Stevenson from (pick 99) and round 8's Honester Davidson from (pick 203) contributed to secondary development. Trades in these rounds were selective but impactful, allowing teams like the to maneuver for offensive reinforcements, building on their earlier acquisition of the second overall pick to select defensive tackle from . Overall, the selections prioritized conceptual balance over star power, with emerging talents such as (, round 2, pick 46, Florida State) showcasing potential for immediate contributions. A brief note on undrafted players: Several prospects bypassed in these rounds signed as free agents and later proved valuable, though their stories are detailed in the notable players section.

Rounds 13-17

The final five rounds of the 1970 NFL Draft encompassed rounds 13 through 17, accounting for 130 selections and bringing the total draft to 442 picks across all 17 rounds. With teams participating, each round featured one pick per franchise in standard order, allowing most teams to complete their quotas of 17 selections apiece. Trades were infrequent in these stages, as the two-day draft process—from January 27 to 28—often led to executive fatigue, reducing wheeling and dealing compared to earlier rounds. Selections in these rounds primarily targeted prospects suited for special teams duties, backup roles, and roster depth, often drawing from smaller colleges or international programs less prominent in earlier picks. For instance, the selected Billy Main from Oregon State with the 313th overall pick to start round 13, while the followed with linebacker Jimmy Gunn from at pick 314. In round 16, the [New Orleans Saints](/page/New Orleans_Saints) drafted Edd Hargett from Texas A&M, who later served as a signal-caller. Round 17 concluded with picks like the Saints' selection of Doug Wyatt from Tulsa at No. 426, emphasizing agile players for coverage and return roles. The emphasis on defensive contributors observed in mid-rounds carried over modestly to these later selections, with several linebackers and defensive backs chosen for potential special teams versatility. Many late-round draftees ultimately filled spots or were waived during , highlighting the speculative nature of tail-end picks aimed at uncovering hidden value amid roster-building needs. Following the end of round 17, the transition to undrafted free agency commenced immediately, enabling teams to sign overlooked college players directly to contracts and further address depth requirements.

Notable Players

Hall of Famers

The 1970 NFL Draft produced two players who would later be inducted into the : quarterback and cornerback , both selected by the . These selections played pivotal roles in the team's transformation into a dynasty during the , with Bradshaw anchoring the offense and Blount bolstering the defense. Their inductions occurred in the Hall of Fame's Class of 1989, recognizing their extraordinary contributions to the sport. Terry Bradshaw was chosen first overall in the first round by the out of . As a rookie in 1970, he appeared in two games but struggled with consistency early in his career, completing just 46.6% of his passes amid the pressures of a high-profile selection. However, under head coach , Bradshaw developed into a clutch performer, leading the Steelers to eight AFC Central Division titles and four victories (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) between 1974 and 1979. He earned NFL Most Valuable Player honors in 1978, along with two MVP awards (XIII and XIV), and amassed 27,989 passing yards and 212 touchdowns over 14 seasons, while adding 32 rushing touchdowns. Bradshaw's leadership and poise in high-stakes games, including a record nine touchdown passes in history, cemented his legacy as one of the league's premier quarterbacks. He was elected to the in 1989. Mel Blount, selected 53rd overall in the third round from , provided immediate depth to the Steelers' secondary as a in 1970, appearing in 14 games. By 1972, he had emerged as a full-time starter, allowing zero touchdown receptions that season and recording three interceptions. Blount's physical style of play, which often jammed receivers at the , was so dominant that it prompted the to modify its rules in 1978—known as the "Mel Blount Rule"—to limit contact beyond five yards. He earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1975, led the league with 11 interceptions in 1973, and finished his career with 57 interceptions, five selections, and four first-team nods. Blount started for the Steelers in all four of their triumphs, contributing key plays like an interception in . Over 14 seasons and 200 games, his shutdown coverage and versatility transformed Pittsburgh's defense. He was inducted into the in 1989. These two players represent the only primary inductees from the 1970 Draft class, highlighting the draft's outsized impact despite its modest overall yield of Hall of Famers.

Undrafted Players

Following the 1970 NFL Draft—the first conducted after the -NFL merger—teams turned to undrafted free agency to bolster their rosters with overlooked talent, often from smaller colleges and non-major programs that received less attention amid the expanded player pool of 442 draft-eligible prospects. This process allowed immediate signings post-draft, with players invited to training camps to compete for spots, emphasizing versatility in roles like special teams or depth positions. The merger's integration of and systems diluted traditional scouting focuses, creating opportunities for under-the-radar athletes from schools outside powerhouse conferences. Among the most successful undrafted signings was safety , who joined the as a out of NAIA's . Harris started as a in 1970, intercepting two passes while also handling and kickoff returns, and developed into a hard-hitting free safety nicknamed "Captain Crash" over 10 seasons, amassing 29 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, six selections (1975–1980), and starts in five Super Bowls, including victories in and XII. He was inducted into the in 2020. His rapid rise exemplified how undrafted players from small schools could anchor elite secondaries. Another standout was center , signed as an undrafted free agent by the out of South Dakota State before being waived and claimed by the in 1970. Langer earned the starting role in 1972, anchoring the Dolphins' offensive line during their perfect 17–0 season and three consecutive appearances (VI–VIII), while playing 141 consecutive games from 1972 to 1979. He garnered six straight honors (1973–1978), four first-team nods, and induction into the in 1987 as a key enabler of Miami's ball-control offense. These success stories highlight undrafted players' potential as under-the-radar gems in an era of talent dilution from the merger, where they often outshone some late-round drafted peers cut during camps, securing starter roles or specialist contributions through perseverance and opportunity. While exact figures for 1970 are sparse, historical trends show undrafted free agents comprising a modest but impactful portion of rosters, with players like Harris and Langer proving the value of post-draft beyond the 17-round selection process.

Legacy and Impact

Pittsburgh Steelers Dynasty

The 1970 NFL draft played a pivotal role in establishing the foundation for the ' dominance in the 1970s by providing key offensive and defensive talents that integrated seamlessly with prior selections. Quarterback , selected first overall, became the offensive centerpiece, while cornerback , taken in the third round (53rd overall), bolstered the secondary as part of the emerging defense. These picks synergized with defensive tackle , drafted fourth overall in 1969, creating a core group that anchored both sides of the ball and propelled the team toward four victories between 1974 and 1979. In their season of 1970, Bradshaw and Blount made immediate contributions despite the team's transitional challenges, helping elevate the Steelers from a 1-13 record in 1969 to 5-9. Bradshaw started 11 games, passing for 1,410 yards and providing stability at amid a young roster, while Blount appeared in all 14 games with one , contributing to a defense that allowed fewer points per game than the prior year. This improvement marked the beginning of upward momentum, as the rookies' efforts complemented Greene's disruptive presence on the line, fostering team cohesion early on. Head coach Chuck Noll's draft-centric strategy, implemented amid the 1970 AFL-NFL merger that expanded the league and intensified competition, emphasized selecting high-character, versatile players for sustained roster stability rather than relying on free agency or trades. Noll prioritized building from within, using the Steelers' high draft positions from poor prior seasons to acquire talents like Bradshaw and Blount, who developed into long-term starters and leaders. This approach ensured continuity, with the 1970 draftees forming the backbone of a roster that retained core players for over a decade, minimizing turnover and maximizing on-field chemistry. The quantifiable impact of these selections was profound, culminating in playoff appearances beginning in 1972 and championships in the 1974, 1975, 1978, and 1979 seasons, where Bradshaw and Blount were instrumental—Bradshaw earning two MVPs and Blount anchoring a defense that limited opponents to under 300 yards in key victories. Both players, along with Greene, were later inducted into the for their dynasty-defining roles.

Broader NFL Influence

The 1970 NFL draft, as the inaugural common draft following the - merger, played a pivotal role in talent equalization across the league by eliminating the pre-merger bidding wars that had inflated salaries and concentrated top college prospects in a few teams. This unified selection process distributed elite players more evenly, preventing or franchises from cherry-picking stars and fostering greater competitive parity. The resulting balance was evident in the 1970 season, where no team repeated as conference or league champion from 1969, with the and emerging as new victors in a field where win totals ranged widely but no single dominant force prevailed. Beyond the Pittsburgh Steelers' foundational picks, the draft facilitated key turnarounds for other struggling s. The , coming off a 10-3-1 season but seeking a long-term solution, traded up to select third overall, ushering in a new era focused on rebuilding around a franchise signal-caller despite his mixed results. Similarly, the , transitioning from the dynasty and an 8-6 record, used the second overall pick on Mike McCoy to anchor a defensive rebuild, addressing the loss of aging veterans and aiming to restore their front-line strength. In the long term, the 1970 draft set a for annual combined selections that stabilized league operations and supported revenue growth through shared television contracts, indirectly influencing later structural changes like the introduction of free agency in 1993 and the under the agreement. Rookies from the class made immediate league-wide contributions, highlighted by cornerback Bruce Taylor, who earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors with nine interceptions.

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