Introducing the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2008...

On the eve of this year's Hall of Fame induction ceremony, let's review the draft history of the players who will be honored for their distinguished NFL careers:

All together now... "It's about time!" In his 8th year of eligibility, wide receiver Art Monk will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio. The 18th overall selection out of Syracuse in 1980 lived up to expectations and was a big part of the 3 Super Bowls captured by the Washington Redskins, where he played through the 1993 season. He played a season with the New York Jets in 1994 and finished up his career with the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles in 1995.

Another Washington Redskins player going into the Hall is Darrell Green. Picked 28th overall in 1983, the speedy cornerback from Texas A&I played his entire career with the Redskins, retiring in 2002 having made the Pro Bowl 7 times.

The start of offensive tackle Gary Zimmerman's career was notable because he was drafted 36th overall in the 1984 USFL Draft by the Los Angeles Express, as well as being chosen in the supplemental round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants, who he never played for. After 2 seasons with the Express, he found a home with the Minnesota Vikings until 1992, when he moved on to the Denver Broncos, closing out his career there in 1997 after 7 Pro Bowls.

We can't give you a draft position for cornerback Emmitt Thomas because he didn't have one. The undrafted free agent out of Bishop College played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1966 until 1978, making the Pro Bowl 5 times and contributing to their Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. Perhaps more notable than his playing career is his coaching career, which has spanned 26 years and continues on as he is currently with the Atlanta Falcons.

The New England Patriots used their 2nd round pick (41st pick overall) in 1982 on linebacker Andre Tippett. The 5-time Pro Bowler, who played in Super Bowl XX against the Chicago Bears, never left the Patriots, ending his great career in 1993.

Defensive end Fred Dean was the San Diego Chargers 2nd round pick (33rd overall) in 1975. He was traded early in the 1981 season to the San Francisco 49ers, where he was a part of the championship team that year and another one 3 years later. After getting to the Pro Bowl 4 times, he finished his career in 1985.

Today's installment of Classic Draft Moments

A look back at the first ever NBA Draft Lottery in 1985. You'll no doubt recognize a much younger David Stern.

History of the MLB Draft...

This timeline summarizes some of the highlights of the MLB First-Year Player Draft's evolution.


1965
The first ever amateur draft is held in June. Originally, there was a second draft, held in January for high school & college players who graduated in the winter, which continued until 1986, and a third draft, held in August for summer league players, which existed for only two years.

2007
For the first time in its history, the draft can be seen live. The espn network televises the first round on its espn2 station.