In an ongoing series of NFL.com articles, Chase Goodbread has been ranking the “best draft picks of the century from the most prominent programs in college football.” Goodbread explained his strategy:
Players were ranked through a formula in which they received points for honors they've acquired in their NFL career, including being selected to the Pro Bowl (including as injury replacements) and being selected first-team All-Pro. Players were also rewarded relative to where in the draft they were selected. First-round picks benefited least because a strong career would be expected; seventh-round picks benefited most. In some cases, a longevity bonus was granted.