1936 NFL Draft

The 1936 National Football League Draft was the first official draft of the National Football League. It took place on February 8, 1936 at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This was the only draft to have nine rounds; the number increased to ten for the 1937 draft. The first player ever drafted, Jay Berwanger, never played in the NFL. His rights were traded from the Eagles to the Bears after he claimed he had no interest in playing for the Eagles, George Halas was unable to convince Berwanger to sign with the Bears. Riley Smith, the second pick, was the first player signed from the draft to play in the NFL.

The following is the breakdown of the 81 players by position:

Hall of famers

 * Dan Fortmann, Guard from Colgate Taken 9th round 78th overall by the Chicago Bears.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 1965. Joe Stydahar.jpg]]


 * Joe Stydahar, Tackle from West Virginia Taken 1st round 6th overall by the Chicago Bears.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 1967.


 * Wayne Millner, End from Notre Dame Taken 8th round 65th overall by the Boston Redskins.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 1968.


 * Alphonse "Tuffy" Leemans, Back from George Washington University Taken 2nd Round 18th overall by the New York Giants.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame Class of 1978.