Comparing First Overall Picks Across Sports
A Blog By Dean
This blog analyzes the top draft picks from Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the National Football League (NFL) from 2005 to 2024.
I initially ranked all the MLB picks, and then was motivated to look at each sport and see who has the best talent evaluators. Now, the points end up a lot closer than I expected. However, there is one league that far and away does a better job at picking great players at #1. Read to find out
Points are assigned as follows: 3 for first, 2 for second, and 1 for third. The league with the highest total points across all years is declared the winner.
2025 Draft Picks
MLB: Eli Willits (SS)- Nationals
Only 17-years old straight out of high school. Will re-vist him in five years.
NBA: Cooper Flagg (SF)- Mavericks
One of the highest touted prospects in decades.
NFL: Cam Ward (QB)- Titans
Feels like a future bust
Rankings for 2025
I am not going to score 2025, none of these players have done anything yet, so it would be unfair.
2024 Draft Picks and Rankings
MLB: Travis Bazzana (2B) — Guardians
Has not made it to MLB yet. So, he is kind of a non factor here.
NBA: Zaccharie Risacher (SF) — Atlanta Hawks
Stats: 12.6 PTS/ 3.6 REB/ 1.2 AST
NFL: Caleb Williams (QB) — Bears,
Stats: 3541 Yds/ 20 TD/ 6 INT
Rankings for 2024
1st: Caleb Williams (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Zaccharie Risacher (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Travis Bazzana (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2023
MLB: Paul Skenes (RHP) — Pirates
MLB Debut: May 11, 2024
2024 (rookie): 11–3, 1.96 ERA, 170 K over 133 IP; NL Rookie of the Year and All-Star.
2025 (mid-season): 4–7 record with 1.94 ERA, 125 K in 116 IP;
2× All-Star.
Notes: Dominant early MLB career, one of the best pitching prospects in recent memory.
NBA: Victor Wembanyama (C) — Spurs
2023-24 averages (71 games): 21.4 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.9 APG, 3.6 BPG
2024–25 averages (46 games): 24.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 3.7 APG, 3.8 BPG;
1x All-Star.
Notes: Season cut short in February 2025 due to a blood clot, but elite when healthy.
NFL: Bryce Young (QB) — Panthers
2023 rookie season: 2,877 yards, 14 TD, 10 INT.
2024: 2,403 yards, 15 TD, 9 INT, showing slight improvement but still inconsistent.
Rankings for 2023:
1st: Paul Skenes (MLB) - 3 points
2nd: Victor Wembanyama (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Bryce Young (NFL) - 1 point
Winner: MLB
2022
MLB: Jackson Holliday (SS/2B) — Orioles
MLB Debut: April 10, 2024
2025 mid-season: .260 AVG, 12 HR, 38 RBI, 9 SB in 335 ABs.
NBA: Paolo Banchero (PF) — Magic
2022–23: Rookie of the Year.
2024–25: 25.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 4.8 APG.
Notes: Signed max extension in 2025, emerging as a franchise star.
NFL: Travon Walker (DE) — Jaguars
2022: 2.5 sacks.
2023: 10.0 sacks.
2024: 10.5 sacks.
Rankings for 2022:
1st: Paolo Banchero (NBA) - 3 points
2nd: Travon Walker (NFL) - 2 points
3rd: Jackson Holliday (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NBA
2021
MLB: Henry Davis (C) — Pirates
MLB Debut: 2023
2025: .206 AVG, 4 HR, 12 RBI in 126 ABs.
NBA: Cade Cunningham (G) — Pistons
2024–25: 26.1 PPG, 9.1 APG, 6.1 RPG.
Notes: 1x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 21/22 All-Rookie team.
NFL: Trevor Lawrence (QB) — Jaguars
2024 (10 games): 2,045 yards, 11 TD, 7 INT.
1x Pro Bowl
Rankings for 2021:
1st: Cade Cunningham (NBA) - 3 points
2nd: Trevor Lawrence (NFL) - 2 points
3rd: Henry Davis (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NBA
2020
MLB: Spencer Torkelson (1B) — Tigers
MLB Debut: 2022
2025: .237 AVG, 21 HR, 58 RBI through 316 ABs.
NBA: Anthony Edwards (SG) — Timberwolves
2024–25: 27.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.5 APG.
Notes: 3x All Star, 2x All-NBA
NFL: Joe Burrow (QB) — Bengals
2024: 4,918 yards, 43 TDs, 9 NT
Notes: 2x Pro Bowler, 2x Comeback Player of the Year.
Rankings for 2020:
1st: Joe Burrow (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Anthony Edwards (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Spencer Torkelson (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2019
MLB: Adley Rutschman (C) — Orioles
MLB Debut: 2022
2025: .227 AVG, 8 HR, 20 RBI through 68 games.
Notes: 2x All Star, 1x Silver Slugger
NBA: Zion Williamson (PF) — Pelicans
2024–25: 24.6 PPG in 30 games, missed time due to back contusion.
Notes: 2x All Star
NFL: Kyler Murray (QB) — Cardinals
2024: 3,851 passing yards, 21 TDs, 11 INTs; 572 rushing yards.
Notes: 2x Pro Bowl
Rankings for 2019:
1st: Kyler Murray (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Adley Rutschman (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Zion Williamson (NBA) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2018
MLB: Casey Mize (RHP) — Tigers
MLB Debut: 2020
2025: 9–2, 2.63 ERA, 1.18 WHIP
Notes: 1x All Star
NBA: Deandre Ayton (C) — Suns → Blazers → Lakers
Career averages: ~16.4 PPG, 10.5 RPG.
Notes: Traded and bought out multiple times, solid but inconsistent.
NFL: Baker Mayfield (QB) — Browns → Buccaneers
2024: One of the highest completion rates in NFL history, 71.4%.
Notes: Productive starter after bouncing around.
Rankings for 2018:
1st: Baker Mayfield (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Casey Mize (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Deandre Ayton (NBA) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2017
MLB: Royce Lewis (SS/3B) — Twins
2025: .227 AVG, 2 HR, 13 RBI
Notes: Can not stay on the field to save his life.
NBA: Markelle Fultz (G) — 76ers → Magic
2024/2025: 2.9 PTS, 1.0 REB, 1.3 AST
Notes: Has played over 43 games only twice.
NFL: Myles Garrett (DE) — Browns
2023: 16 sacks.
2024: 13 sacks.
Notes: 6x Pro Bowl, 3x All Pro, 1x DPOY
Rankings for 2017:
1st: Myles Garrett (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Royce Lewis (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Markelle Fultz (NBA) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2016
MLB: Mickey Moniak (OF) — Phillies → Angels
2025: .256 BA, 13 HR, 32 RBI, .829 OPS
Notes: Bounced between majors and minors, flashes of potential but never a star.
NBA: Ben Simmons (G/F) — 76ers
2024/2025: 5.0 PPG, 5.6 AST, 4.7 RPG
Notes: Rookie of the Year (2018), 3x All Star, 1x All NBA, 2x All Defensive
NFL: Jared Goff (QB) — Rams → Lions
Notes: 4× Pro Bowler, 2024: 4,629 yards, 37 TD, 12 INT, led Lions to NFC Championship game.
Rankings for 2016:
1st: Jared Goff (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Ben Simmons (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Mickey Moniak (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2015
MLB: Dansby Swanson (SS) — Braves → Cubs
MLB Debut: 2016
Notes: World Series champion (2021 Braves). Gold Glove winner, solid everyday shortstop.
NBA: Karl-Anthony Towns (C) — Timberwolves
Notes: 4× NBA All-Star. Rookie of the Year (2016). Career averages: ~22.9 PPG, 10.9 RPG.
NFL: Jameis Winston (QB) — Buccaneers/Saints/Browns/Giants
Notes: Gives really good pre-game speeches. Likes crabs.
Rankings for 2015:
1st: Dansby Swanson (MLB) - 3 points
2nd: Karl-Anthony Towns (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Jameis Winston (NFL) - 1 point
Winner: MLB
2014
MLB: Brady Aiken (LHP) — Astros (unsigned)
Notes: Drafted #1 but did not sign due to medical concerns. Never reached MLB.
NBA: Andrew Wiggins (SF) — Cavaliers → Timberwolves → Warriors
Notes: NBA Champion with Warriors (2022). Career averages: ~18.5 PPG. Key Finals contributor in 2022.
NFL: Jadeveon Clowney (DE) — Texans
Notes: 3× Pro Bowler. 52.5 career sacks. Solid but never elite due to injuries and inconsistency.
Rankings for 2014:
1st: Andrew Wiggins (NBA) - 3 points
2nd: Jadeveon Clowney (NFL) - 2 points
3rd: Brady Aiken (MLB) - 1 point
Winner: NBA
2013
MLB: Mark Appel (RHP) — Astros
Notes: Retired once, came back. MLB Debut: 2022. Only 6 MLB games pitched. Regarded as a bust for a #1 pick.
NBA: Anthony Bennett (F) — Cavaliers
Notes: Widely regarded as one of the biggest busts in NBA history. Out of the NBA by 2017.
NFL: Eric Fisher (OT) — Chiefs
Notes: Super Bowl champion with Chiefs. 2× Pro Bowler. Solid starter for nearly a decade.
Rankings for 2013:
1st: Eric Fisher (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Mark Appel (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Anthony Bennett (NBA) - 1 point
Winner: NFL
2012
MLB: Carlos Correa (SS) — Astros → Twins
Notes: Rookie of the Year (2015). 2× All-Star. World Series champion (2017). Career AVG ~.273, over 175 HRs.
NBA: Anthony Davis (F/C) — Hornets → Lakers
Notes: 9× All-Star. 2020 NBA Champion. 4× All-NBA First Team.
NFL: Andrew Luck (QB) — Colts
Notes: 4× Pro Bowler. 2018 Comeback Player of the Year. Retired early due to injuries.
Rankings for 2012:
1st: Anthony Davis (NBA) - 3 points
2nd: Carlos Correa (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Andrew Luck (NFL) - 1 point
Winner: NBA
2011
MLB: Gerrit Cole (RHP) — Pirates → Astros → Yankees
MLB Debut: 2013
Notes: AL Cy Young Award winner (2023). 6× All-Star. Career ERA 3.18, over 2,200 strikeouts.
NBA: Kyrie Irving (PG) — Cavaliers → multiple teams
Notes: 9× All-Star. 2016 NBA Champion. One of the most skilled guards ever, but polarizing off the court.
NFL: Cam Newton (QB) — Panthers → Patriots
Notes: 2015 NFL MVP. 1x All-Pro, 3x Pro Bowl. Fell off a cliff.
Rankings for 2011:
1st: Gerrit Cole (MLB) - 3 points
2nd: Kyrie Irving (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Cam Newton (NFL) - 1 point
Winner: MLB
2010
MLB: Bryce Harper (OF) — Nationals → Phillies
Notes: Rookie of the Year (2012). 2× MVP (2015, 2021). 7× All-Star. Over 340 career home runs.
NBA: John Wall (PG) — Wizards
Notes: 5× All-Star. 2017 All-NBA. Career derailed by injuries.
NFL: Sam Bradford (QB) — Rams → multiple teams
Notes: Offensive Rookie of the Year (2010). Career limited by injuries.
Rankings for 2010:
1st: Bryce Harper (MLB) - 3 points
2nd: John Wall (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: Sam Bradford (NFL) - 1 point
Winner: MLB
2009
MLB: Stephen Strasburg (RHP) — Nationals
Notes: 3× All-Star. 2019 World Series MVP. Career ERA 3.24, retired due to injuries.
NBA: Blake Griffin (PF) — Clippers → multiple teams
Notes: 6× All-Star. Rookie of the Year (2011). High-flying star, later slowed by injuries.
NFL: Matthew Stafford (QB) — Lions → Rams
Notes: Super Bowl champion (2021 season). Over 56,000 career passing yards. Still producing into mid-30s.
2008
MLB — Tim Beckham (SS, Rays → multiple teams)
Career .246 hitter.
Never became a star.
NBA — Derrick Rose (PG, Bulls → multiple teams)
Youngest MVP in NBA history (2011).
3× All-Star. Career derailed by knee injuries but played over a decade.
NFL — Jake Long (OT, Dolphins)
4× Pro Bowler, 1x All-Pro
Rankings:
1st: Derrick Rose (NBA) - 3 points
2nd: Jake Long (NFL) - 2 points
3rd: Tim Beckham (MLB) - 1 point
Winner for 2008: NBA
2007
MLB — David Price (LHP, Rays → multiple teams)
AL Cy Young winner (2012), 5× All-Star, 2018 World Series champion with Red Sox.
NBA — Greg Oden (C, Trail Blazers)
Played only 105 NBA games, Career ruined by injuries.
NFL — JaMarcus Russell (QB, Raiders)
Regarded as one of the biggest busts in sports history.
Rankings:
1st: David Price (MLB) - 3 points
2nd: Greg Oden (NBA) - 2 points
3rd: JaMarcus Russell (NFL) - 1 point
Winner for 2007: MLB
2006
MLB — Luke Hochevar (RHP, Royals)
Career 46–65, 4.98 ERA, Converted to relief, strong 2013 season (1.92 ERA).
NBA — Andrea Bargnani (F/C, Raptors)
Career 14.3 PPG. Never an All-Star. Widely regarded as a bust.
NFL — Mario Williams (DE, Texans)
4× Pro Bowler. 97.5 career sacks. High-level production for a decade.
Rankings:
1st: Mario Williams (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Luke Hochevar (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Andrea Bargnani (NBA) - 1 point
Winner for 2006: NFL
2005
MLB — Justin Upton (OF, D-Backs → multiple teams)
4× All-Star. Over 325 HRs in career. Flashes of stardom but inconsistent.
NBA — Andrew Bogut (C, Bucks)
NBA champion (2015 Warriors). Elite defender, key piece on championship team.
NFL — Alex Smith (QB, 49ers → Chiefs → Washington)
3× Pro Bowler. 2020 Comeback Player of the Year after devastating leg injury. 35,650 career passing yards.
Rankings:
1st: Alex Smith (NFL) - 3 points
2nd: Justin Upton (MLB) - 2 points
3rd: Andrew Bogut (NBA) - 1 point
Winner for 2005: NFL
Final Totals (2005–2024)
NFL: 49 points
NBA: 44 points
MLB: 40 points
I am not surprised to see the NFL win here. Football is such an athletically driven sport compared to baseball that there is a significantly less chance of screwing it up. Baseball does have a number of almost certain Hall of Famers, where as NBA is a little all over the place.