Panthers 2021 Draft: 5 best picks at No. 8 overall of all-time
3. Larry Csonka – RB
- Team – Miami Dolphins
After breaking rushing records set by Ernie Davis and Jim Brown at Syracuse, Larry Csonka was the first running back taken in the 1968 NFL Draft.
That selection paid off for the Miami Dolphins, who would go on to make three straight Super Bowls from 1972-1974, winning two.
The two-time All-Pro was also part of the New York Giants set-up for three years, but played his final season in Miami and retired with 8,081 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns. Csonka made five Pro Bowls in his career and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.
2. Willie Roaf – OT
- Team – New Orleans Saints
Like Mike Munchak, Willie Roaf was the first offensive lineman taken when he was drafted eighth overall by the New Orleans Saints in 1993.
Coming out of Louisiana Tech, Roaf earned All-Rookie honors as a right tackle. But he was switched to the left side the following year and the rest is history.
The four-time All-Pro was a revelation in nine seasons with the Saints, helping the franchise get its first-ever postseason win over the defending Super Bowl champion St. Louis Rams in the 2000 NFC Wild Card game.
Roaf retired in 2005 after four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Throughout his 13-year career, he made 11 Pro Bowls and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Perhaps most impressive, Roaf was voted to the Hall of Fame’s All-1990s and All-2000s team.