The 1983 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment in the history of the league, shaping the future of several franchises and introducing some of the most iconic players to the game. With John Elway and Dan Marino headlining the quarterback class, the draft also saw the emergence of exceptional running backs, wide receivers, and defensive standouts who would leave an indelible mark on the NFL.
1983 NFL Draft Overview
The 1983 NFL Draft was a watershed moment in the history of the league. It marked the arrival of two iconic quarterbacks, John Elway and Dan Marino, who would go on to redefine the position. The draft also saw the selection of numerous other talented players who would shape the NFL for years to come.
Notable Quarterbacks: 1983 Nfl Draft
John Elway and Dan Marino were the two most impactful quarterbacks selected in the 1983 draft. Elway was a physical specimen with a strong arm and a knack for making big plays. Marino was a cerebral passer with an uncanny ability to read defenses and deliver the ball accurately.
Both quarterbacks had Hall of Fame careers and are considered among the greatest to ever play the game.
John Elway
- Led the Denver Broncos to two Super Bowl victories
- Was named NFL MVP in 1987
- Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004
Dan Marino
- Led the Miami Dolphins to the Super Bowl in 1984
- Was named NFL MVP in 1984
- Was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005
Running Backs and Wide Receivers
The 1983 draft also produced several outstanding running backs and wide receivers. Eric Dickerson was the most dominant running back of his era, leading the NFL in rushing yards four times. Jerry Rice was a game-changing wide receiver who set numerous NFL records and is considered the greatest wide receiver of all time.
Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, signed a one-year, fully guaranteed contract extension worth $36 million in 2023. The kirk cousins contract includes a no-trade clause and a $15 million signing bonus.
Top Running Backs, 1983 nfl draft
- Eric Dickerson (Los Angeles Rams)
- John Riggins (Washington Redskins)
- Marcus Allen (Los Angeles Raiders)
Top Wide Receivers
- Jerry Rice (San Francisco 49ers)
- Art Monk (Washington Redskins)
- James Lofton (Green Bay Packers)
Defensive Standouts
The 1983 draft also featured several exceptional defensive players. Bruce Smith was a dominant pass rusher who is considered one of the greatest defensive ends of all time. Reggie White was a versatile defensive lineman who was equally adept at rushing the passer and stopping the run.
Both players were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Kirk Cousins, the Minnesota Vikings quarterback, recently signed a one-year, $35 million extension with the team. The contract includes a $15 million signing bonus and $20 million guaranteed salary, making it one of the highest-paid contracts for a quarterback in the NFL.
Top Defensive Players
- Bruce Smith (Buffalo Bills)
- Reggie White (Philadelphia Eagles)
- Lawrence Taylor (New York Giants)
Draft Strategy and Impact
The 1983 NFL Draft had a profound impact on the league. The Baltimore Colts, who had traded away their first-round pick, missed out on Elway and Marino and went on to have a disastrous season. The Pittsburgh Steelers, who had drafted Marino in the first round, traded him to the Dolphins for a package of picks that included future Hall of Famer Mark Clayton.
Draft Strategies
- The Colts’ decision to trade away their first-round pick was a major blunder.
- The Steelers’ decision to trade Marino was a shrewd move that helped them win two more Super Bowls.
Concluding Remarks
The 1983 NFL Draft left an enduring legacy on the league, with its impact still felt today. The draft strategies employed by different teams shaped the future of their franchises, while the influx of talented players elevated the level of competition and excitement across the NFL.
