Best and Worst #1 Overall Picks of the Last 25 Years: NHL

The NHL season is over and for all those who are not Pittsburgh Penguins fans, the only thing to look forward to now is the draft. The draft is a great time to restart a team and try to get back to the top. Unlike the other previous two sports I've reviewed, first overall picks in hockey usually tend to turn out pretty successful, making it hard to rank which ones are better. There are some older players who have been consistent but never won awards or even the Stanley Cup, while some younger players who seem to have Hall of Fame careers but that would be assuming that their career goes as projected. This list is hard to make but I believe a full career and a guaranteed spot in the Hall of Fame means more than only two or three years or success. 

Best 5 #1 Picks

1) Mario Lemieux - C - 1984 - Pittsburgh Penguins

The drafting of Super Mario single handedly saved the Penguins. The Penguins were a poor and struggling franchise who's main claim to fame may have been losing to the New York Islanders in 7 games after leading the series 3-0 in 1975. However, that was all changed when Lemieux came. After scoring on his first shot in his first shift in his first game, Lemieux led the Penguins to two Stanley Cups and holds a numerous number of records. Lemieux won 3 MVPs, lead the league in points 6 times, and may have broken all of Gretzky's numbers if he did not have to deal with so many injuries and a Hodgkin's diagnosis in his prime. Lemieux is arguably the greatest player in the history of the game and is definitely the best number one overall pick.

2) Mike Modano - C - 1988 - Minnesota North Stars

Perhaps the best American player of all time, Modano holds all the American records, including goals, assists, and points. While his career has slowed down in the past few years, Modano was one of the best players in the 1990's and early 2000's, winning the Stanley Cup with Dallas in 1999. Modano is a big players who has a great all-around game, having been nominated for both the Selke Award (best defensive forward) and Lady Byng Award (best sportsmanship). Modano is the best Star of all-time and the franchise will miss him when he ultimately retires.

3) Sidney Crosby - C - 2005 - Pittsburgh Penguins

Crosby only made this list after winning the Stanley Cup last week. Crosby can add the Stanley Cup to his growing list of accomplishments that now include a Hart Trophy (MVP), Art Ross (Point leader), and a Lester B. Pearson Award (Best player as voted by peers). He also happens to be the youngest player to win all of those and is the youngest captain to win the Cup. In only four seasons, Crosby has set a countless number of youngest player records and has already made three all-star games. He will be 22 when the next season starts and barring injuries or other complications, Crosby will definitely be in the conversation for best ever. 

4) Mats Sundin - C - 1989 - Quebec Nordiques

While Sundin had his best year as a Nordique, he really made his career after a trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the summer of 1994. After leading the Leafs as the captain for 11 years and to two conference finals in six years, Sundin holds the franchise records for points and goals. Sundin was the first European to be taken first in the draft and has the resume to justify the pick. Considered the ultimate symbol of consistency, Sundin scored 70+ points 15 times in 16 seasons and the only year he did not was the lockout of 1993-1994, where he scored 47 points in 47 games. Sundin has also scored more than 20 goals every years of his career except this past year when he played only 41 games for the defensively minded Vancouver Canucks. This astounding consistency earned Sundin 9 consecutive trips to the all-star game from 1996-2004 and four international Gold Medals.

5) Alex Ovechkin - LW - 2004 - Washington Capital

Ovechkin as played all of four years in the league and has already made three all-star games, been named to the First All-Star team three times (will be four this year), and has scored 50+ goals three times, including a left wing record 65 goals in the 2007-08 season. He also won the Calder Trophy (best rookie) over Sidney Crosby and the Hart, Art Ross, and Lester B. Pearson award. Oveckhin is also almost a guarantee to break Phil Esposito's record for most shots in a season, which may or may not be a good thing, but a record nevertheless. There is no question Ovechkin is one of the best three players in the NHL today and can cement his legacy as one of the best of all time if he stays motivated and dedicated to the NHL, something that Russians are not well known for. 

Worst 5 #1 Picks

1) Patrick Stefan - C - 1999 - Atlanta Thrashers

The Thrashers first move as a franchise was the select Stefan with the first pick in the 1999 draft, a move they would grow to regret. Stefan has been anything but a success, already retired after playing only 455 games and recording 188 points. Stefan played a full season only once, which was the same year he recorded his highest point total...40, with 14 goals. Fortunately for the Thrashers, their picks in the next few years turned out a lot better but picking Stefan has set a tone for the the franchise who has only made the playoffs once and is perennially one of the worst teams in the league. 

Better Picks: Daniel Sedin, Henrik Sedin, Martin Havlat, Henrik Zetterberg

2) Alexander Daigle - C - 1993 - Ottawa Thrashers

Daigle is considered to be the biggest bust in the history of the NHL simply because of the hype and his actions in derailing his promising career. However, because he actually had talent and did something in the NHL, I would say he was a better pick than Stefan, which is still not saying much. In 616 games, Daigle put up 327 points with career highs of 51 three times. These were hardly the Gretzky numbers everyone expected when the Senators tanked to pick him. The Senators gave Daigle the highest salary in the NHL and proceeded to watch him throw his career away on partying and other distractions. By the age of 25, Daigle has quit hockey for Hollywood, finally coming back for the 2002-03 season and spent the next few years bouncing around between the NHL and AHL. Daigle has played the last two years in Switzerland. One his most infamous comments came on draft day itself when he declared he was happy to be the number one pick because no one remember number two. The number two pick in 1993 was MVP and Stanely Cup champion Chris Pronger.

Better Picks: Chris Pronger, Paul Kariya, Saku Koivu, Todd Bertuzzi, Pavol Demitra

3) Bryan Berard - D - 1995 - Ottawa Senators

Another one of Ottawa's three number one overall picks in four years, Berard seemed to a good number one pick until a freak accident. Berard won the Calder trophy for the Islanders (he did not want to play for the Senators so they traded him) and played in the 1998 Olympics. Unfortunately, his blossoming career was stopped when the Senators' Marian Hossa clipped Berard in the eye with his stick. The injury caused him to miss the 2000-01 season and while he has some success when he returned, his play never elevated to that of a number one pick. Berard's career high of 48 points came in his rookie season and while he may have broken it with the Chicago Black Hawks in 2004, he missed too many games. Berard now plays in Russia after playing only 54 games for the Islanders two years ago.

Better Picks: Shane Doan, Jarome Iginla, Jean-Sebastien Giguere, Marc Savard Mikka Kiprusoff

4) Joe Murphy - RW - 1986 - Detroit Red Wings

At this point, the players are not as much of busts as they are just average NHL players, like Murphy. Murphy put up a respectable 528 points in 779 games and was part of the 1990 Edmonton Oilers, who won the Stanley Cup. However, besides his mediocre contributions in terms of points, Murphy did not bring much else to the table. He did perform well in the playoffs, standing third overall for most playoff OT goals with 4, but that is his best stat, which is pretty weak for a number one pick.

Better Picks: Vincent Damphousse, Brian Leetch, Teppo Numminem

5) Chris Phillips - D - 1996 - Ottawa Senators

Like Murphy, Phillips should not be regarded as a bust as much as much as just an average player who should not be living up to number one pick expectations. Phillips has been a strong defensive defenseman for the last 11 years, earning a positive +/- in nine of those 11 years. However, with a career high of only 26 points and not holding a #1 defenseman position for his whole career, it is hard to justify Phillips as a first overall pick.

Better Picks: Danny Briere, Zdeno Chara, Pavel Kubina, Tomas Kaberle

-A.S.

Best and Worst #1 Overall Picks of the Last 25 Years: MLB

With the 2009 MLB Draft still on people's minds from two days ago, now would be a good time to look at the booms and busts of recent history. The Washington Nationals took Stephen Strasburg, who apparently wants up to $50 million in guaranteed money. Is he worth that much? Is any draft pick worth that much? Of course not. However, some picks do grow into quality players and do demand contracts much more valuable than that. Unfortunately, this era is the prime years for steroid takers so deciding between who did it and who did not is impossible. Some have been caught but that does not mean others won't be as well. Because no one is free from suspicion, I will not take steroid allegations and admissions into account.

Best 5 #1 Picks

1) Alex Rodriguez - SS - 1993 - Seattle Mariners

Here's is the man with not only the biggest contract in MLB history but also admitted that he took steroids for all the years he was on the Texas Rangers in the early 2000's. Rodriguez is also a tabloid magnet, being spotted with a variety of girls, both before and after his marriage ended. However, despite all the controversy that surrounds him, his skills and numbers are hard to question. The 3-time MVP winner has 560 HR, almost 2,500 hits, and bats for over .300 for his career. At only 33 years old, Rodriguez's numbers are sure to continue to rise through the rankings but unfortunately he will always be plagued by steroids and his lack of a World Series ring. 

2) Ken Griffey Jr. - OF - 1987 - Seattle Mariners

The second Mariner on the list is also the second best #1 overall pick of the last 25 years. Nicknamed the "Can't-miss-kid", Griffey Jr. did not. Through his illustrious career, Griffey Jr. has hit 617 Hr, won the MVP in 1997, and has won 10 Golden Glove awards. If not for his recent history of injuries, he would be number ranked on this list without question. Unfortunately, he is injury prone, having never played a full season in the majors and did not play even 100 games for three straight years from 2002-2004. Fortunately for Griffey Jr, his name has never been associated with steroids and he is sure to be a first ballot Hall-of-Famer if nothing changes.

3) Chipper Jones - 3B - 1990 - Atlanta Braves

The first player on this list to actually win a World Series, Jones was an integral part of the Braves team that won 11 straight division titles and the 1995 World Series. Jones is a consistent hitter who won the MVP award in 1999 and has been selected to play in 6 all-star games. In his career, he has 2,327 hits and 415 HR and would have many more if not for injuries. Like Griffey Jr, Jones has been injury plagued throughout his career and has missed at least 25 games for the last 5 years. He played career lows 109 and 110 games in 2005 and 2006 respectively. However, despite some problems that have kept him off the field, his production when healthy does not lie.

4) Joe Mauer - C - 2001 - Minnesota Twins

Since entering the league in 2004, Mauer has cemented himself as one of the best hitters in the league, twice being named the AL Batting Champion. Mauer became the first AL catcher to ever accomplish this feat in 2006 and then repeated his achievement last year. He also made the all-star team those two years and won the Golden Glove last year. Mauer is only 26 and is sure to become the best catcher in the AL today and maybe the best in history.

5) Pat Burrell - LF - 1998 - Philadelphia Phillies

Burrell never made an all-star game or won an individual award but his consistency throughout his career is much better than other #1 overall picks who may have had two or three good seasons. Burrell is considered a power hitter and has consistently hit 25+ homers per year. While his numbers are never astronomical, he has won the World Series last year and was considered one of the primary leaders. Recently, Burrell signed with the Tampa Bay Rays, where he will play DH.

Worst 5 #1 Picks

1) Brien Taylor - P - 1991 - New York Yankees

There is always a reason for a bust, and Taylor's was a fight in the minors. Taylor tore is labrum in his throwing arm while defending his brother in a fight and never regained the skills that made him and #1 overall pick. Despite receiving a $1.55 million contract, Taylor never pitched a game in the majors and officially retired in 2000. In nine years, Taylor played in the minors bouncing between the various leagues. 

Better Picks: Manny Ramirez, Jason Isringhausen

2) Matt Anderson - P - 1998 - Detroit Tigers

Taylor injured himself in a fight; Anderson injured himself while throwing an octopus. While partaking in an octopus throwing contest for Detroit Red Wings playoff tickets, Anderson tore a muscle and never got his speed back. Anderson started his career with a 5-1 record and 3.27 ERA but after the injury, never pitched for an ERA of less than 4.72. Anderson bounced from team to team and is now playing in the minors for the Chicago White Sox. He last pitched in the majors in 2005 for the Colorado Rockies.

Better Picks: Troy Glaus, Vernon Wells, Lance Berkman, Tim Hudson

3) Shawn Abner - OF - 1984 - New York Mets

Abner was the first player taken 25 years ago and never amounted to anything more than a back-up. Unlike the first two busts, Abner has nothing to blame for his failure to live up to his draft billing. After not playing a single game for the Mets, Abner was traded to the Padres in 1986 and played there until 1991. He then played for the Angels and White Sox in 1992, when his major league career ended. While not batting for power, he did not even bat for average, averaging only .227 for his career and hitting a total of 11 HR. 

Better Picks: Mark McGwire, Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine

4) Bryan Bullington - P - 2002 - Pittsburgh Pirates

Bullington's failure to live up to a #1 overall's expectations are probably due to the fact that he didn't have the skills to be one in the first place. The notoriously cheap Pirates chose Bullington in an attempt to avoid a larger contract better players would have demanded. Still, Bullington's career has not even been average, having pitched less than 19 total innings in the majors and still racking up 5 losses. Bullington now plays for the Blue Jays' AAA team and will probably never amount to anything more than an occasional call-up.

Better Picks: Prince Fielder, Joe Saunders, Scott Kazmir, Cole Hamels

5) Paul Wilson - P - 1994 - New York Mets

The fourth pitcher featured in the busts category, Wilson has a career record of 40-58 and an ERA of 4.86. While he has performed a lot better than the other busts on this list, losing 18 more games than you win is not usually considered an success, especially for a #1 overall pick. Wilson played for three different teams and last pitched for a major league team in 2005. 

Better Picks: Nomar Garciaparra, Paul Konerko, Jason Varitek

-A.S.

Advice to Vikings: Stay Away from Favre

And the story is repeated: Brett Favre plays. Brett Favre ends season with bad game. Brett Favre retires. Brett Favre comes back. 

We saw this first occur last year after Favre lead his Green Bay Packers to the NFC Title game but last on an OT interception that allowed the Giants to advance and face the Patriots and ultimately win the Super Bowl. Soon afterwards, Favre called a news conference where he officially retired with the tears and everything. He cried about how it was finally over, how all good things must come to an end, and how he was ready to move on. Unfortunately for the Packers, and finally the New York Jets, he was not quite done. A few months after saying good-bye, Favre got the fever and football was the only cure. In a delicate situation that was mishandled by all involved, Favre was eventually traded to the Jets, who thought they had filled the final piece of the puzzle for a legitimate Super Bowl run. After Brady went down and the Jets started the season 8-3, all looked good and there was talk of a Jets vs. Giants Super Bowl. Unfortunately, Favre imploded (like he tends to do) and the Jets missed the playoffs. Oh yea, the upstart Miami Dolphins ended up winning the AFC East led by none other than Jets castoff Chad Pennington. Favre finished the season with the most interceptions in the league and a torn bicep tendon in his throwing arm. 11 months after his first retirement, he did it again and that brings us to our current situation.

In usual his usual fashion, Favre has started talks of coming out of retirement and playing for the Minnesota Vikings, the Packers divisional rivals. Favre feels that the Packers disrespected him and has now made it his life mission to sabotage them. The Vikings would love nothing more to sign a proven QB, which would fill their one missing piece of the puzzle. Sound familiar? The Vikings seem to have everything figured out except a QB. They have the best running back in the game with Adrian Peterson and a solid defense. While Tavaris Jackson and Sage Rosenfels may not be the answer, Favre is not either. What the Vikings need is a game manager, a QB who can make passes when needed but does not need to be the hero. The Vikings are a tough team that should and does rely on their running game to carry the team. The primary job of whoever plays QB for a team like this is to not turn the ball over, that's it. He doesn't need to make the big plays but he should not make mistakes. Doesn't sound like a job Brett Favre qualifies for. Favre would come in, demand the spotlight, play in his usual reckless way, and lead to Vikings nowhere. Favre is old and injury prone, as seen with the Jets. He may start off hot but his body is breaking down and signs show he cannot play for 17 weeks with his style of football. Favre was a great QB who has had a great career. Unfortunately, he has tarnished and the Vikings better stay away, lest he ruin their forthcoming season as well.

Best and Worst #1 Overall Picks of the Last 25 Years: NFL

With draft season already underway and three more to come in the next two months, I figured now would be a good time to take a look at the top 5 and worst 5 first picks of the various drafts. Because the NFL draft is already over and the other seasons have not ended yet, it makes most sense to start with the NFL. Because Matthew Stafford has yet to play a game in the NFL, the 2009 draft will not be accounted for, meaning only picks from 1984-2008 are taken into consideration. Because everyone likes to start off positively, let's look at the best first.

Best 5 #1 Picks

1) Bruce Smith - DE - 1984- Buffalo Bills

Although he never won a Super Bowl, Smith was one of the biggest reasons his Bills made the Super Bowl game four years in a row from 1990-1993. Smith was elected to 11 Pro Bowls and 9 All-Pro teams and is also the record holder for most career sacks with an even 200. Smith is unquestionably one of the two greatest Defensive Ends in the modern era and the Bills made an excellent selection when the picked him with the first pick in the draft. While some may argue that Jerry Rice has a better and more significant career, it is hard to blast choosing one hall-of-famer over another.

2) Peyton Manning - QB - 1998 - Indianapolis Colts

Despite looking like the obvious pick now, at the time there was actual indecision between choosing Manning or huge bust Ryan Leaf. Fortunately for the Colts, they went with the Tennessee star and have not looked back. In only 11 seasons, Manning has racked up 3 MVP awards, 9 Pro Bowl selections, 4 All-Pro selections, and of course a Super Bowl (as well as the Super Bowl MVP). Manning has crafted a career that may end up being the greatest QB career ever. By the end of his reign, he will probably have broken all of Favre's records, except for interceptions. When all is said and done, Manning will be the greatest first overall pick of the last 25 years, if not ever.

3) Troy Aikman - QB - 1989 - Dallas Cowboys

Aikman filled the QB position for Dallas's amazing trio in the 90's. With the help of WR Michel Irvin, and all time rushing yards record holder Emmit Smith, Aikman led the Cowboys to 3 Super Bowls in '93,'94' and '96, taking home the MVP of the Super Bowl for the first win. Although concussion problems limited his career to only 12 seasons, Aikman made the pro bowl in half of them and ultimately qualified for the Hall-of-Fame. Until Manning broke it in the 2000's, Aikman had the record for most wins in a decade with 90 in the 1990's.

4) Orlando Pace - OT - 1997 - St. Louis Rams

This giant of a man (6'7, 325 lbs) made himself into one of the best offensive lineman in recent history. After an amazing college career at Ohio State, Pace continued to be a wall for defensive linemen in the NFL. Pace protected Kurt Warner well enough for Warner to lead the Rams to two Super Bowl appearances, including a win in 1999 over the Tennessee Titans. Along with his Super Bowl ring, Pace has made 7 Pro Bowls and 5 All-Pro teams. Unfortunately, injuries have derailed his career lately and he now hopes to get back on track in Chicago.

5) Eli Manning - QB - 2004 - San Diego Chargers (Traded to New York Giants on Draft Day)

After the top four, there is a steep decline in qualities of picks. The deciding factor for Eli Manning was the fact that not only did he win a Super Bowl, but he also won a Super Bowl MVP. Manning entered the league with controversy after he refused to play for the San Diego Chargers, the team that originally drafted him and then losing his first few games in the 2004 season. However, after a few growing pains, Manning finally came into his own, making his first pro bowl this past year and winning the Super Bowl over the heavily favored Patriots in 2007.

Others Considered: Drew Bledsoe, Carson Palmer, Keyshawn Johnson, Mario Williams

Worst 5 #1 Picks

1) Ki-Jana Carter - RB - 1995 - Cincinnati Bengals

Unlike other busts inthe NFL, Carter's failed NFL career can be attributed more to injury than immaturity or simple lack of skills. After an outstanding three years at Penn State, the Bengals choose Carter with the first pick and seemed to have solved their running game problems. Unfortunately for all parties involved, Carter tore a ligament in knee in the preseason and never lived up to his potential. In 10 seasons, Carter rushed for only 20 touchdowns and averaged a miserable 3.6 yards per carry. 

Better Picks: Steve McNair, Kerry Collins, Warren Sapp, Ty Law, Curtis Martin

2) Aundray Bruce - OLB - 1988 - Atlanta Falcons

Bruce's perceived failure may be due to unreal expectations. Although he had a good career at Auburn, people dubbed him the next Lawrence Taylor, an almost impossible level to reach. In the next 11 years, Bruce only started in 42 games and racked up a total of 32 sacks, hardly L.T. like numbers. While he was not a terrible role players, he did not come close to reaching the levels one expects out of a number one overall pick.

Better Picks: Tim Brown, Sterling Sharpe, Michael Irvin, Randall McDaniel, Thurman Thomas

3) Steven Emtman - DT - 1992 - Indianapolis Colts

Emtman is another bust whose career failed due to injuries. In his first three seasons, Emtman only played 18 games and only sacked the QB five times. The Colts drafted Emtman expecting a big, tough player to stop the run and get at the QB. Instead what they got was an injury prone player who was forced to retire at only 27 years old after six years in the league. 

Better Picks: Troy Vincent, Chester McGlockton, Jimmy Smith, Darren Woodson

4) Tim Couch - QB - 1999 - Cleveland Browns

Couch may have had a much better season had he not been chosen by the talentless Browns, who were reactivated the year Couch was drafted. This scenario left Couch with weak wide receivers, a bad offensive line, and basically no help in the running game. Couch did not perform too badly, leading his team to the playoffs in 2002, but an injury in the last game in the 2002 seasons sidelined him for good. Couch never threw more than two more TDs than INTs and never had a season passer rating of more than 77.6. Couch has a few injuries, but he played enough to show what he had and he did not have much.

Better Picks: Donovan McNabb, Edgerrin James, Torry Holt, Champ Bailey, Daunte Culpepper

5) Alex Smith - QB - 2005 - San Francisco 49ers

Some might consider it too early to call Smith a bust but the fact that he is a third string QB on a team that did not come close to the playoffs last year says it all. Smith's problems came early in his career when he threw only one TD and 11 picks in his rookie year; unfortunately, things did not get much better from there. After a mediocre sophomore season, Smith played only seven games in his third year and did not see the field once last year. In his four year career, Smith has thrown 19 TDs to 31 INTs and had a QB rating of 63.5. Smith still has time to turn his career around but there are no indications that that will happen anytime soon.

Better Picks: Barylon Edwards, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Marriman

-A.S.