The NFL’s annual players selection meeting is where amateur college football players are selected by NFL teams. The 1986 NFL Draft was held in New York City from April 29-30, 1986. The following players were part of the draft:
Reggie White, who was a player for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985 as well as the Memphis Showboats (USFL), finished the season with 13 tackles. White went on to build legends within the NFL free agent class in 1993, signing with the Green Bay Packers for a large fee. Despite his poor rookie year, White remained impressive, continuing to register double-digit sacks and even helping the Packers to the Super Bowl. His 1986 Topps rookie card is proof of his tremendous talent and a hefty price tag.
Many college football players were represented in the first round of 1986’s NFL draft. However, the NFL draft had a unique format in that teams could claim first rights to college seniors from the CFL and USFL. Young was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the first pick in the supplemental round. However, the team waited until the USFL folded to sign him. They then shipped him to San Francisco for draft picks and cash. Young was originally intended to be a backup quarterback for Joe Montana, but his performance at 30 convinced the Niners that they should move on from Montana.
Another player who earned first team All-Pro honors was Jay Hilgenberg. Both were selected in round 12 of the NFL Draft. Both were arguably the best linebackers of the 1986 season and were named first-team All-Pro in 1985. In addition to earning first-team All-Pro honors, both players received Pro Bowl nods and were rewarded with Super Bowl rings.
Another team in the 1986 NFL Draft is the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals have 12 draft picks this year and are in desperate need of a pass rusher. The Cardinals have drafted Jon Hand, a 6’1/2, 280-pound defensive lineman. In addition to a wide receiver, the team has a good defensive line and some quality inside linebackers. If the Cardinals want to be successful, defense is another weakness.
Joe Klecko is another notable player from the 1986 NFL rookie class. He is a four-time Pro Bowler as well as a two-time All-Pro. If it is in PSA 9 condition, his rookie card is worth more than $300. William Perry, the star of 1985 Chicago Bears, is another player from that rookie class. His rookie card is still highly sought-after and expensive today.
He was one of the best players in the league and made a name for his self in his sophomore season. In a season when his team was a top contender, Esiason fumbled just once and went on to notch his first Pro Bowl selection. He was also a star tight end for New York Giants and was a favorite target of starting quarterback Phil Simms. Bavaro caught 66 passes and scored four touchdowns.