1977 NFL draft
The 1977 NFL Draft was the 42nd annual player selection meeting held by the National Football League (NFL) franchises to choose eligible college players.[1] It took place over two days, May 3–4, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.[2] The draft consisted of 12 rounds with a total of 335 selections across 28 teams, marking the first year the NFL reduced the number of rounds from 17 to 12.[1] The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who had earned the first overall pick after finishing the previous season with a 0–14 record as an expansion team, selected running back Ricky Bell from the University of Southern California, passing on Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett.[1][3] Bell rushed for 436 yards in his rookie season, though his career was later shortened by injury.[4] The Dallas Cowboys followed with the second pick (acquired via trade from the Seattle Seahawks), taking Dorsett, a running back from the University of Pittsburgh, who became a cornerstone of their offense, earned NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory the following year.[5][6] Other notable first-round selections included defensive end Eddie Edwards from the University of Miami, taken third overall by the Cincinnati Bengals, who played 12 seasons and recorded 84.5 sacks. The New England Patriots drafted wide receiver Stanley Morgan from the University of Tennessee 25th overall; he amassed 10,716 receiving yards over 13 seasons and earned four Pro Bowl nods. Later rounds produced additional standouts, such as defensive tackle Joe Klecko, selected in the sixth round (144th overall) by the New York Jets, who earned four Pro Bowl selections and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his 78 career sacks. The 1977 draft class is remembered for its impact on running back talent, with Dorsett and Bell combining for 15,802 rushing yards in their careers, as well as introducing the NFL's first supplemental draft earlier that year to address players entering from other leagues.[1] Overall, the selections contributed to several teams' playoff runs in the late 1970s, including the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII championship.[7]Overview
Key Dates and Location
The 1977 NFL Draft took place over two days, May 3 and 4, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City.[1][8] The event followed a two-day format, with the first five rounds conducted on May 3 and the remaining rounds 6 through 12 held on May 4.[9] This draft was held in New York City, the location for NFL drafts since 1965.[10] The proceedings opened with NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle dedicating the draft to University of California quarterback Joe Roth, who had died of Hodgkin's lymphoma on February 19, 1977, at age 21; Rozelle began by announcing Roth's name and leading a moment of silence in his honor.[11]Draft Statistics
The 1977 NFL Draft consisted of 335 players selected across 12 rounds, marking the first time since the league's expansion to 16 teams and the start of the common draft era in 1967 that the draft was limited to 12 rounds rather than the previous 17.[12][13] This reduction reflected efforts to streamline the selection process while still allowing teams ample opportunities to build depth, with a total of 28 picks in the first round alone due to the addition of expansion franchises Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks.[14] Team selection totals varied significantly due to trades and compensatory picks, with the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers each holding the most selections at 18, enabling them to address multiple roster needs aggressively. In contrast, the Washington Redskins had the fewest picks at 6, limiting their ability to add depth through the draft.[1][15] The draft emphasized offensive skill positions, particularly running backs, reflecting the era's run-heavy offensive philosophies. Historical records indicate the following distribution of selections by key positions:| Position | Number Selected |
|---|---|
| Running Backs | 104 |
| Wide Receivers | 82 |
| Defensive Linemen | 58 |
| Quarterbacks | 18 |
| Linebackers | 42 |
| Defensive Backs | 28 |
Background and Context
League Expansion and Team Needs
The 1976 NFL expansion introduced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks as the league's 27th and 28th franchises, respectively, increasing the total number of teams to 28 following the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.[16] This addition came after an expansion draft on March 30-31, 1976, where each new team selected 39 players from the existing rosters, aiming to build competitive foundations amid the league's growth.[16] As a result, both expansion teams earned high draft positions in 1977 based on their inaugural season performances, with the Buccaneers securing the No. 1 overall pick and the Seahawks the No. 9 pick.[7] The Buccaneers, coming off an 0-14 record in their debut 1976 season—the worst in franchise history and among the league's most dismal—faced acute shortages in offensive firepower, having scored just 125 points while allowing 412.[17] Their strategy emphasized acquiring skill-position talent to ignite a stagnant offense, reflecting the broader challenges of establishing a roster from scratch in a competitive environment.[17] Similarly, the Seahawks finished 2-12 in 1976, surrendering a league-high 429 points, which underscored vulnerabilities across their defense, particularly along the line where they prioritized reinforcements to stem the tide of poor results.[18][19] Post-1970 merger, the NFL grappled with parity concerns as established teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers dominated while others lagged, prompting rebuilding efforts for franchises such as the New York Giants, who posted a 3-11 record in 1976 and ranked near the bottom in scoring.[20][21] The absence of a salary cap— not implemented until 1994—and severe restrictions on free agency under the Rozelle Rule and subsequent 1977 collective bargaining agreement further amplified reliance on the draft as the primary mechanism for roster improvement and competitive balance.[22][23] These limitations meant teams could rarely acquire veteran talent without compensatory picks or trades, heightening the draft's importance for injecting youth and addressing positional weaknesses league-wide.[22]Pre-Draft Highlights
The 1977 NFL Draft generated significant anticipation among scouts and teams, driven by a deep class of running backs and the poignant story of a promising quarterback whose life ended too soon. Tony Dorsett, the University of Pittsburgh running back who won the 1976 Heisman Trophy with 1,948 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns, emerged as a marquee prospect noted for his elusive speed and vision.[24][25] Despite projections placing him as a potential No. 1 overall selection, concerns about his 5-foot-10, 188-pound frame raised questions about his ability to withstand NFL physicality, leading some evaluators to favor more robust alternatives.[26] At pro day workouts, Dorsett showcased his quickness by clocking a 4.35-second 40-yard dash, underscoring his burst despite the size debates.[27] Ricky Bell, USC's powerful fullback, was widely regarded as the consensus top pick entering the draft, bolstered by his junior-year dominance in 1975 when he led the nation with 1,875 rushing yards.[28] In 1976, despite injuries limiting him to 11 games, Bell still amassed 1,417 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns while powering the Trojans to the Rose Bowl, where they fell to Michigan.[28] His bruising style and 220-pound build drew praise from NFL coaches, including Tampa Bay's John McKay, who had coached him at USC and viewed him as an ideal workhorse back.[29] Adding an emotional layer to the quarterback evaluations was the tragic death of California Golden Bears signal-caller Joe Roth on February 19, 1977, at age 21 from malignant melanoma, just weeks after completing his senior season. Roth, a 1976 All-America selection who threw for 1,789 yards and 7 touchdowns while battling the illness in secret, had been projected as a top draft pick for his poise and accuracy.[30] His story inspired widespread focus on quarterback prospects, culminating in a moment of silence at the draft's outset, and Cal retired his No. 7 jersey in his honor—the only such tribute in program history.[31]Selection Process
Order Determination
The draft order for the 1977 NFL Draft was established primarily through the reverse order of team records from the 1976 regular season, with non-playoff teams selecting before playoff participants and the latter ordered by reverse postseason finish—from earliest elimination to Super Bowl champion.[32] The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, an expansion team that posted the league's worst record of 0-14 in 1976, were granted the No. 1 overall pick to aid in building their roster. The Seattle Seahawks, the other expansion franchise with a 2-12 mark, were assigned the No. 2 overall selection under special league provisions for new teams.[33] Ties in regular-season records were resolved using tiebreakers beginning with strength of schedule, calculated as the combined .500 winning percentage of all opponents from the prior year, followed by head-to-head matchup results. For instance, this process ordered the two 3-11 non-playoff teams, placing the New York Jets ahead of the New York Giants, with the Jets receiving the No. 4 pick and the Giants the No. 5 pick; similar applications sorted other tied groups, such as the 4-10 Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and Philadelphia Eagles.[34] Compensatory picks, intended to balance free agency losses, were not part of the 1977 process, as the system originated later in 1994 to provide extra selections based on net player departures.[32]Trades and Compensations
The 1977 NFL Draft featured numerous trades as teams maneuvered to address roster needs, primarily through exchanges of draft picks rather than monetary considerations or player personnel. These deals often involved multiple picks from current and future drafts, allowing franchises to stockpile selections or move up for high-value prospects. While comprehensive records indicate a total of several such transactions across rounds, the first round alone saw significant activity, with teams like the Philadelphia Eagles trading down to acquire additional assets focused on bolstering their defense.[9] One of the most prominent trades occurred early in the first round, reshaping the selection order and enabling the Dallas Cowboys to secure Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett. Holding the eighth overall pick, the Cowboys dealt with the Seattle Seahawks, who possessed the second overall selection as an expansion team. In exchange for the No. 2 pick, the Seahawks received the Cowboys' No. 14 first-round pick (used on offensive tackle Steve August from Tulsa), along with three second-round picks: No. 30 (offensive lineman Tom Lynch from Boston College), No. 41 (linebacker Terry Beeson from Notre Dame), and No. 54 (quarterback Glenn Carano from UNLV). This blockbuster move, finalized just before the draft commenced on May 3, 1977, at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York City, allowed Dallas to draft Dorsett, a dynamic running back from the University of Pittsburgh, immediately after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Ricky Bell first overall. Similarly, the Cincinnati Bengals acquired the third overall pick from the Buffalo Bills in a prior trade involving defensive end Sherman White, allowing them to select Eddie Edwards.[33][5][35][9] Such swaps underscored the draft's fluidity, where teams prioritized long-term roster building over immediate financial outlays.[9]Main Draft Selections
First Round Picks
The first round of the 1977 NFL Draft featured 28 selections by NFL teams seeking to address critical roster gaps, particularly along the lines and in the backfield, amid an era dominated by ground-and-pound offenses that prioritized physicality and control.[1] With expansion franchises like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks entering the league, picks often targeted foundational players to build competitive units from the ground up.[7] The round highlighted a mix of high-profile college stars, including multiple USC alumni, reflecting the Trojans' dominance in producing NFL talent during the mid-1970s.[7] The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in just their second season as an expansion team, used the No. 1 overall pick on running back Ricky Bell from the University of Southern California to establish a rushing attack capable of sustaining drives in a league reliant on ball control.[36] Bell, a powerful 6-foot-2, 225-pound back who had rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his final two college seasons, reunited with his former USC coach John McKay, now leading the Buccaneers, in a move designed to inject immediate productivity into an offense averaging under 80 rushing yards per game the prior year.[36] At No. 2, the Dallas Cowboys traded up from the 13th spot—sending their first-rounder plus three future picks to the Seattle Seahawks—to select running back Tony Dorsett from the University of Pittsburgh, aiming to deepen their backfield behind aging starter Robert Newhouse and enhance an already potent rushing corps that had faltered in key playoff moments.[37] The 1975 Heisman Trophy winner, known for his sub-4.4-second 40-yard dash and vision, fit perfectly into coach Tom Landry's flex offense, providing the explosive change-of-pace element the Cowboys believed could propel them toward another Super Bowl title.[37] Among other standout selections, the Cincinnati Bengals chose defensive end Eddie Edwards from the University of Miami (FL) at No. 3 to fortify their pass rush, pairing him with existing talent like Coy Bacon to disrupt opposing quarterbacks in a defense that had ranked 20th in sacks the previous season.[38] Edwards, a 6-foot-3, 240-pound edge rusher with All-American honors, quickly became a cornerstone, leading the Bengals in sacks during his 10-year career and retiring as the franchise's all-time leader with 83.5.[38] The New York Jets followed at No. 4 by drafting offensive tackle Marvin Powell from USC, targeting improved protection for quarterback Richard Todd amid a porous line that had allowed over 50 sacks in 1976.[39] Powell, a 6-foot-6, 275-pound blocker with exceptional footwork, anchored the right side for nine seasons, earning five Pro Bowl nods and helping stabilize an offense in transition under coach Walt Michaels.[39] The round's early emphasis on running backs—claiming the top two picks—mirrored the NFL's 1970s focus on run-heavy schemes, where teams like the Steelers and Raiders thrived on dominant ground games, though the selections quickly shifted to bolstering trenches with seven linemen in the top 10 to support those offenses.[7]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College | Selection Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Ricky Bell | RB | USC | Rebuild expansion team's rushing attack under familiar coach John McKay.[36] |
| 2 | Dallas Cowboys | Tony Dorsett | RB | Pittsburgh | Trade-up to add explosive backfield depth for Super Bowl push.[37] |
| 3 | Cincinnati Bengals | Eddie Edwards | DE | Miami (FL) | Strengthen pass rush on defensive front.[38] |
| 4 | New York Jets | Marvin Powell | T | USC | Protect quarterback and upgrade offensive line.[39] |
| 5 | New York Giants | Gary Jeter | DE | USC | Bolster defensive line for struggling pass defense.[1] |
| 6 | Atlanta Falcons | Warren Bryant | T | Kentucky | Reinforce offensive line to support run game.[1] |
| 7 | New Orleans Saints | Joe Campbell | DE | Maryland | Add edge pressure to weak defensive unit.[1] |
| 8 | Cincinnati Bengals | Wilson Whitley | DT | Houston | Fill interior line gap for run defense.[1] |
| 9 | Green Bay Packers | Mike Butler | DE | Kansas | Improve pass rush in rebuilding defense.[1] |
| 10 | Kansas City Chiefs | Gary Green | DB | Baylor | Upgrade secondary against aerial attacks.[1] |
| 11 | Houston Oilers | Morris Towns | T | Missouri | Protect quarterback Earl Campbell in run scheme.[1] |
| 12 | Buffalo Bills | Phil Dokes | DT | Oklahoma State | Stop the run on porous defensive front.[1] |
| 13 | Miami Dolphins | A.J. Duhe | LB | LSU | Add linebacker speed for zone coverage.[1] |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks | Steve August | T | Tulsa | Build offensive line for expansion franchise.[1] |
| 15 | Chicago Bears | Ted Albrecht | T | California | Stabilize line amid quarterback transition.[1] |
| 16 | New England Patriots | Raymond Clayborn | DB | Texas | Enhance corner play in pass defense.[1] |
| 17 | Cleveland Browns | Robert Jackson | LB | Texas A&M | Reinforce linebacker corps for run stopping.[1] |
| 18 | Denver Broncos | Steve Schindler | G | Boston College | Support interior line for balanced offense.[1] |
| 19 | St. Louis Cardinals | Steve Pisarkiewicz | QB | Missouri | Develop quarterback depth behind Jim Hart.[1] |
| 20 | Atlanta Falcons | Wilson Faumuina | DT | San Jose State | Plug gaps in defensive interior.[1] |
| 21 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Robin Cole | LB | New Mexico | Add linebacker versatility to Steel Curtain.[1] |
| 22 | Cincinnati Bengals | Mike Cobb | TE | Michigan State | Provide tight end target for passing game.[1] |
| 23 | Los Angeles Rams | Bob Brudzinski | LB | Ohio State | Boost linebacker speed in aggressive defense.[1] |
| 24 | San Diego Chargers | Bob Rush | C | Memphis | Anchor center position in offensive scheme.[1] |
| 25 | New England Patriots | Stanley Morgan | WR | Tennessee | Add deep-threat receiver to offense.[1] |
| 26 | Baltimore Colts | Randy Burke | WR | Kentucky | Bolster wide receiver corps for Bert Jones.[1] |
| 27 | Minnesota Vikings | Tommy Kramer | QB | Rice | Groom successor to Fran Tarkenton.[1] |
| 28 | Green Bay Packers | Ezra Johnson | DE | Morris Brown | Enhance edge rush in late-round value pick.[1] |
Later Round Picks
The later rounds of the 1977 NFL draft, spanning rounds 2 through 12, offered teams depth and opportunities to uncover overlooked talents amid a total of 307 selections following the first round's 28 picks. These rounds were characterized by a focus on positional needs, with teams prioritizing players who could contribute immediately in trenches or special teams roles rather than high-profile stars.[1] Positional distribution highlighted the draft's emphasis on foundational positions, including 36 offensive linemen (encompassing tackles, guards, and centers) and 18 linebackers, which addressed league-wide demands for run-blocking and pass-rushing support; quarterbacks were scarcer, with only 9 selected overall, reflecting limited elite prospects beyond early choices.[1] In round 2, the New York Jets selected wide receiver Wesley Walker from the University of California with the 33rd overall pick, valuing his blazing speed that later fueled a career with over 8,300 receiving yards and three Pro Bowl appearances. Another Jets standout emerged much later, as defensive tackle Joe Klecko from Temple University was taken 144th overall in round 6, becoming a cornerstone of their "New York Sack Exchange" defense with 78 career sacks and four Pro Bowls.[1][40] Mid-round selections also yielded defensive impact, exemplified by linebacker A.J. Duhe from Louisiana State, chosen 13th overall in round 1 but contributing significantly to the Miami Dolphins' front seven with his versatility in run defense and pass coverage over eight seasons. To illustrate the draft's structure and volume in later rounds without exhaustive detail, the following tables group selections by round clusters, noting approximate pick counts and key positional emphases based on team strategies.Rounds 2-4 (Picks 29-112, 84 selections)
| Round Group | Total Picks | Positional Emphasis | Notable Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-4 | 84 | OL (12), RB (10), DB (9) | Wesley Walker (WR, Jets, pick 33) for speed-based offense |
Rounds 5-8 (Picks 113-224, 112 selections)
| Round Group | Total Picks | Positional Emphasis | Notable Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-8 | 112 | DL (8), LB (7), TE (5) | Joe Klecko (DT, Jets, pick 144) as a late-round defensive steal |
Rounds 9-12 (Picks 225-335, 111 selections)
| Round Group | Total Picks | Positional Emphasis | Notable Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9-12 | 111 | DB (8), OL (7), Special Teams (3) | Various depth pieces for roster fillers |
Supplemental Draft
Introduction and Rules
The National Football League introduced the supplemental draft in 1977 as a mechanism to integrate players into the league who had not been eligible for the regular draft but became available afterward due to changes in their collegiate status, such as academic ineligibility or exhaustion of eligibility. This inaugural process addressed specific cases, exemplified by Notre Dame running back Al Hunter, who flunked out after the regular draft and could no longer play college football. Held on August 25, 1977, shortly after the main draft and before the start of the season, the supplemental draft aimed to maintain fairness by allowing these players a structured entry path without disrupting the primary selection process.[41][42][43] The rules for the 1977 supplemental draft required teams to bid future draft selections for player rights, with the bidding team forfeiting a pick in the corresponding round of the following year's regular draft upon signing the player. Unlike the regular draft's reverse-order format, the supplemental draft did not employ a formal lottery system in its first year; instead, selections were made directly, limited to a small number of rounds based on team interest. Claims on players were non-binding, meaning teams could pass on signing without penalty beyond the potential future pick forfeiture, which helped mitigate risk in an untested procedure. The draft included multiple rounds, though participation remained minimal due to its experimental nature and the scarcity of eligible candidates.[41][44][45] Overall, the supplemental draft's purpose was to prevent ad hoc negotiations or tampering for late-eligible talent while preserving competitive equity through compensatory picks, establishing a precedent that evolved in subsequent years. Low engagement in 1977—resulting in just one selection—highlighted the league's cautious approach to this new tool.[42][41]Key Selections
The inaugural NFL Supplemental Draft in 1977, conducted on August 25, produced just one selection, highlighting the league's initial caution with the new process that required forfeiting future draft picks as compensation. The Seattle Seahawks used their fourth-round choice on running back Al Hunter from Notre Dame to add depth to their rushing attack, as the expansion franchise sought to build its roster in its second season. As a result, the Seahawks forfeited their fourth-round pick in the 1978 NFL draft.[42][46][47] Hunter, ineligible for the regular draft after academic issues and a suspension from Notre Dame, signed with Seattle and appeared in 52 games over four seasons (1977–1980), primarily as a backup. He accumulated 715 rushing yards on 180 carries with four touchdowns, along with 27 receptions for 331 yards, providing reliable complementary production on a developing offense.[46][48] The scarcity of selections stemmed from teams' reluctance to surrender valuable future assets, a fear that limited signings and underscored the supplemental draft's role as a high-risk avenue for talent acquisition in its early years.[42]| Round | Overall Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 1 | Seattle Seahawks | Al Hunter | RB | Notre Dame |