2001 NFL draft
The 2001 NFL Draft was the 66th annual selection meeting of National Football League (NFL) franchises to choose eligible American football players, held over two days on April 21–22 at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City.[1] The Atlanta Falcons selected quarterback Michael Vick from Virginia Tech as the first overall pick after trading up from the San Diego Chargers' original position.[2] This draft featured seven rounds and a total of 246 selections, including 31 compensatory picks awarded to 16 teams based on net free-agent losses from the previous offseason.[3] Among the first-round highlights were running back LaDainian Tomlinson (fifth overall, Chargers), defensive tackle Richard Seymour (sixth overall, Patriots), and defensive end Justin Smith (fourth overall, Bengals), all of whom became perennial Pro Bowlers; Tomlinson and Seymour are Pro Football Hall of Famers.[2] Later selections yielded additional stars, such as quarterback Drew Brees (32nd overall, Chargers) with multiple Pro Bowl nods, and wide receivers Reggie Wayne (30th overall, Colts), Chad Johnson (36th overall, Bengals), and Steve Smith Sr. (74th overall, Panthers), each amassing over 10,000 career receiving yards and multiple Pro Bowl selections.[2] The class also produced the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in linebacker Kendrell Bell (39th overall, Steelers).[2] Regarded as one of the most talented draft classes in modern NFL history, the 2001 group contributed to 34 players earning at least one Pro Bowl selection—second only to the 1983 class in that metric—and included three Hall of Famers as of 2025, with its depth spanning multiple positions and profoundly influencing championship teams like the Patriots' early dynasty.[4]Overview
Background
The 2001 NFL Draft unfolded against the backdrop of the league's ongoing expansion and efforts to maintain competitive parity following the additions of the Carolina Panthers and Jacksonville Jaguars in 1995, which had grown the NFL to 30 teams. With the Houston Texans slated to enter as the 32nd franchise in 2002, teams approached the draft with an eye toward long-term roster building and the redistribution of talent in the upcoming expansion draft, elevating the strategic importance of high draft picks. The salary cap, implemented in 1994 as part of the collective bargaining agreement, continued to foster balance by limiting spending disparities and encouraging reliance on the draft for talent acquisition. Prospect evaluations ramped up in the months leading to the draft through key all-star games and testing events. The East-West Shrine Game took place on January 13, 2001, in San Francisco, California, providing an early showcase for under-the-radar talents.[5] This was followed by the Senior Bowl on January 27, 2001, in Mobile, Alabama, where top seniors competed under NFL coaching staffs, offering critical tape for scouts. The NFL Scouting Combine, held from February 22-26, 2001, in Indianapolis, Indiana, served as the centerpiece of pre-draft assessments, with over 300 prospects undergoing medical exams, interviews, and athletic drills to measure speed, strength, and agility.[6][7][8] Paul Tagliabue, who had been NFL Commissioner since 1989, oversaw the draft proceedings, continuing his role in guiding the league through a period of revenue growth and structural changes. Economically, the absence of a formalized rookie wage scale—unlike the system introduced in 2011—led to negotiated contracts that varied significantly by pick position and player pedigree, with first-round deals often spanning five to six years and totaling $10 million to $30 million or more, including signing bonuses and performance incentives. For instance, top prospect Michael Vick's selection highlighted the premium on elite quarterbacks, as his deal underscored the financial stakes involved.[9][10]Key Prospects and Storylines
The 2001 NFL Draft featured several standout college prospects who generated significant buzz among scouts and analysts due to their unique skills and potential impact on the professional level. Michael Vick, the quarterback from Virginia Tech, emerged as the consensus top prospect, prized for his exceptional athleticism, speed, and dual-threat capability as both a passer and runner, though his grade was largely based on upside rather than consistent college production.[11] LaDainian Tomlinson, the running back from TCU, stood out for his versatility as a complete back who excelled in rushing, receiving, and even return duties, bolstered by strong showings at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine.[11] David Terrell, the wide receiver from Michigan, was highlighted as a dynamic big-play threat, capable of stretching defenses with his 4.45-second 40-yard dash speed despite a minor foot injury.[11] A major storyline surrounding the draft was the Atlanta Falcons' desperate search for a franchise quarterback following years of instability at the position, culminating in their aggressive trade-up to acquire the No. 1 overall pick from the San Diego Chargers just before the event.[12] This move intensified discussions about team-building priorities, with analysts debating whether franchises should invest high draft capital in offensive stars like quarterbacks to spark immediate excitement or in defensive linemen and edge rushers to build a stronger foundation against increasingly potent passing attacks.[13] Adding to the anticipation was the influx of early-entry underclassmen, headlined by Vick's decision as a sophomore to forgo his remaining college eligibility, joining a wave of talented juniors and sophomores that enriched the prospect pool but raised questions about their readiness for the NFL's physical and mental demands.[14] Mock drafts from leading experts consistently projected Vick as the No. 1 selection, with many anticipating he would land with the Falcons after their trade, while speculating on potential deals for the top spot that could shuffle the order among quarterback-needy teams like the Chargers.[12] These projections often varied in the second through fifth picks, reflecting uncertainty over whether teams would chase offensive weapons like Tomlinson or Terrell or opt for defensive reinforcements, but Vick's selection remained a near-unanimous expectation across outlets.[13]The Draft Event
Date and Location
The 2001 NFL Draft was conducted over two days, April 21 and 22, marking the 66th annual player selection meeting. The first day, held on Saturday, April 21, covered the initial three rounds and commenced at noon Eastern Time, while the second day, on Sunday, April 22, addressed rounds four through seven starting at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. This two-day format allowed for a structured progression of selections, with the early rounds focusing on high-profile prospects and later rounds extending into the afternoon.[2] The event took place at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, a venue situated between 31st and 33rd Streets that continued the NFL Draft's longstanding tradition in the city since 1965. This location had hosted the proceedings annually for decades, providing a centralized, high-profile setting amid the league's urban roots and facilitating media access in the media capital. The theater's intimate stage setup enabled direct interaction between league officials, team representatives, and draftees during announcements.[15] Broadcast coverage was provided by ESPN and ESPN2, offering comprehensive television airing of the selections with commentary from analysts including Chris Berman and Mel Kiper Jr. on day one, transitioning to Mike Tirico on day two. On-stage elements included NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue announcing picks, with team executives and owners presenting jerseys to selected players, enhancing the ceremonial aspect and engaging viewers through live reactions. Supplementary online coverage was available via NFLDraft.com in partnership with ESPN, representing an early expansion of digital access to draft proceedings.[16] The atmosphere combined formal proceedings with public enthusiasm, as the theater accommodated approximately 4,000 fans on-site, creating an electric environment of cheers and anticipation during key moments like the first overall selection. This setup underscored the draft's role as a marquee event, drawing media and supporters to celebrate the transition of college talents to professional rosters.Notable Trades
The 2001 NFL Draft featured significant trading activity, with teams maneuvering to secure key prospects amid intense competition for top talent. One of the most prominent deals occurred on draft day when the Atlanta Falcons traded up to acquire the first overall pick from the San Diego Chargers. In exchange for the No. 1 selection, the Falcons sent their 2001 first-round pick (No. 5 overall), 2001 third-round pick (No. 67 overall), a 2002 second-round pick, and wide receiver Tim Dwight to the Chargers.[17] The Falcons aimed to draft quarterback Michael Vick, viewing him as a transformative player capable of energizing their offense and fanbase after years of mediocrity.[18] For the Chargers, the trade provided additional assets to address multiple roster holes, allowing them to select running back LaDainian Tomlinson at No. 5 and later quarterback Drew Brees in the second round.[19] Another key transaction involved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moving up in the first round to target offensive line help. The Buccaneers traded their 2001 first-round pick (No. 21 overall) and second-round pick (No. 51 overall) to the Buffalo Bills for the Bills' 2001 first-round pick (No. 14 overall).[20] This swap enabled Tampa Bay to select offensive tackle Kenyatta Walker, bolstering their protection for quarterback Brad Johnson as they built toward a Super Bowl run.[21] The Bills, in turn, used the acquired picks to draft cornerback Nate Clements at No. 21, addressing their secondary needs while gaining an extra mid-round selection.[20] Overall, the 2001 draft involved numerous trades exchanging draft picks, highlighting an active day of negotiations as general managers aggressively pursued fits for their schemes.[22]Player Selections
First Round Selections
The first round of the 2001 NFL Draft consisted of 31 selections across the league's 31 teams, held on April 21, 2001, at the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This round saw a mix of offensive and defensive talents, with teams prioritizing immediate needs such as quarterback stability, offensive line protection, and defensive front improvements amid a talent-rich pool. The selections reflected strategic trades, including the Falcons' move up for the top pick, and highlighted an early emphasis on offensive skill positions despite abundant defensive prospects available.[2][23]| Pick | Team | Player | Position | College |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Atlanta Falcons (from San Diego) | Michael Vick | QB | Virginia Tech |
| 2 | Arizona Cardinals | Leonard Davis | OT | Texas |
| 3 | Cleveland Browns | Gerard Warren | DT | Florida |
| 4 | Cincinnati Bengals | Justin Smith | DE | Missouri |
| 5 | San Diego Chargers | LaDainian Tomlinson | RB | TCU |
| 6 | New England Patriots | Richard Seymour | DT | Georgia |
| 7 | Washington Redskins | Rod Gardner | WR | Clemson |
| 8 | Chicago Bears | David Terrell | WR | Michigan |
| 9 | Carolina Panthers | Dan Morgan | LB | Miami (FL) |
| 10 | Buffalo Bills | Nate Clements | CB | Ohio State |
| 11 | San Francisco 49ers | Andre Carter | DE | California |
| 12 | Dallas Cowboys | Terence Newman | CB | Kansas State |
| 13 | St. Louis Rams | Ryan Pickett | DT | Ohio State |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks (from NY Giants) | Koren Robinson | WR | NC State |
| 15 | Denver Broncos | Al Wilson | LB | Tennessee |
| 16 | New York Jets | Santana Moss | WR | Miami (FL) |
| 17 | Seattle Seahawks | Steve Hutchinson | G | Michigan |
| 18 | Indianapolis Colts | Reggie Wayne | WR | Miami (FL) |
| 19 | Jacksonville Jaguars | Marcus Stroud | DT | Georgia |
| 20 | Pittsburgh Steelers | Kendrell Bell | LB | Georgia |
| 21 | New York Giants | Will Allen | CB | Syracuse |
| 22 | Minnesota Vikings | Michael Bennett | RB | Wisconsin |
| 23 | Oakland Raiders | Derrick Gibson | S | Washington |
| 24 | New Orleans Saints | Deuce McAllister | RB | Ole Miss |
| 25 | Baltimore Ravens | Todd Heap | TE | Arizona State |
| 26 | New York Jets (from Oakland) | Chad Pennington | QB | Marshall |
| 27 | Oakland Raiders (from NY Jets) | Marques Tuiasosopo | QB | Washington |
| 28 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Kenyatta Walker | OT | Florida |
| 29 | Kansas City Chiefs | Damione Lewis | DT | Miami (FL) |
| 30 | Detroit Lions | Jeff Backus | OT | Michigan |
| 31 | Tennessee Titans | Peter Sirmon | LB | Washington |