Moments in NFL Draft History: 1998 draft yields Hall of Fame talent

image: Peyton Manning 1998 NFL Draft
In this April 18, 1998, photo, Peyton Manning holds up an Indianapolis Colts jersey as he is flanked by Colts owner Jim Irsay, left, and NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue after being chosen as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft, in New York.Credit: Adam Nadel/Associated Press

As the National Football League heads into the first full month of its new season, the Pro Football Hall of Fame will look back at a few of the many NFL drafts held in April that affected not only the landscape of football history but also started the careers of individuals who settled into the hallowed halls of Canton, Ohio.

In 1936, Eagles owner BERT BELL, a future NFL commissioner and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural Class of 1963, hatched a plan to maintain competitiveness in the league. His idea: a “draft style” event in which teams with worse records would have the opportunity to pick top college prospects before the more successful teams. From that day to what has become a three-day NFL tentpole event, the draft is one of the most important and anticipated events on the NFL’s annual calendar.

1998 NFL Draft (April 18, 1998)

Round 1 (1st Overall): PEYTON MANNING to the Indianapolis Colts

Round 1 (4th Overall): CHARLES WOODSON to the Oakland Raiders

Round 1 (21st Overall): RANDY MOSS to the Minnesota Vikings

Round 1 (26th Overall): ALAN FANECA to the Pittsburgh Steelers

The 1998 NFL Draft had a few “firsts.” Manning, Woodson and Faneca were all the first player taken at their positions (Moss was the second at his). Manning (SEC), Woodson (Big Ten) and Moss (Mid-American) were the first players taken from their respective collegiate conference; Faneca was the seventh from the SEC.

While all four future Hall of Famers enjoyed successful collegiate careers, Manning and Woodson were award winners in their final seasons.

Manning won the 1997 Maxwell Award (the 12th Hall of Famer to take home that award) and Woodson was awarded the 1997 Heisman Trophy, later becoming only the 10th Heisman winner elected to the Hall of Fame.

Faneca, Manning and Woodson remained connected as members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2021. Moss was enshrined in 2018.

This article from the Hall of Fame Communications Team is part of a recurring series celebrating memorable moments in NFL history.

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