The 1999 NFL Draft: A High-Stakes Gamble of Quarterbacks and Trades
In short: In April 1999, the NFL draft produced a rare concentration of elite quarterbacks. Yet, while some stars emerged, others became cautionary tales of draft busts. This selection meeting was defined by massive trades and a single, desperate gamble that reshaped the fortunes of two franchises.
At New York City's Theater at Madison Square Garden, the 1999 NFL Annual Player Selection Meeting took place on April 17–18, with a primary emphasis on quarterbacks. A total of five quarterbacks went in the first round: Cade McNown, Daunte Culpepper, Akili Smith, Donovan McNabb, and Tim Couch. This was the second-highest number of quarterbacks taken in a single first round, trailing only the six selected in 1983 and 2024. It also marked the second time since 1971 that the first three overall selections were all quarterbacks.
The draft's legacy is a study in extremes. While Donovan McNabb and Daunte Culpepper went on to have successful careers, Couch, Smith, and McNown are generally categorized as draft busts. McNabb stands out as the most successful of the group and the only one to appear in a Super Bowl. Other notable talents emerged, such as cornerback Champ Bailey, who was selected 7th overall by the Washington Redskins, and running back Edgerrin James, taken 4th overall by the Indianapolis Colts.
In a historic move, the Washington Redskins acquired all six draft picks from the New Orleans Saints, allowing them to pick running back Ricky Williams fifth overall. The risk did not pay off quickly; after a 3–13 season, the Saints dismissed head coach Mike Ditka and GM Bill Kuharich. During that summer's supplemental draft, only one player was picked: Arizona State cornerback J'Juan Cherry, selected by the New England Patriots in round four.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 1999 NFL draft
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