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1953 NFL draft
The Bellevue–Stratford (location of the draft), photographed in 2017
General information
DateJanuary 22, 1953
LocationBellevue-Stratford Hotel
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Overview
360 total selections in 30 rounds
LeagueNFL
First selectionHarry Babcock, DE
San Francisco 49ers
Most selections (33)Chicago Bears
Fewest selections (25)Washington Redskins
Hall of Famers
8
← 1952
1954 →

The 1953 National Football League draft was held on January 22, 1953, at Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia.[1][2] Selections made by the folded Dallas Texans were assigned to the Baltimore Colts, since the Dallas team had moved to Baltimore.

This was the seventh year that the first overall pick was a bonus pick determined by lottery, with the previous six winners (Chicago Bears in 1947, Washington Redskins in 1948, Philadelphia Eagles in 1949, Detroit Lions in 1950, New York Giants in 1951, and Los Angeles Rams in 1952) ineligible from the draw;[3] it was won by the San Francisco 49ers, who selected end Harry Babcock.

Player selections

[edit]
= Pro Bowler [4] = Hall of Famer

Round 1

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
1 San Francisco 49ers (Lottery bonus pick) Harry Babcock End Georgia
2 Baltimore Colts Billy Vessels[5] Halfback Oklahoma
3 Washington Redskins Jack Scarbath Back Maryland
4 Chicago Cardinals Johnny Olszewski Fullback California
5 Pittsburgh Steelers Ted Marchibroda Quarterback Detroit
6 Chicago Bears Billy Anderson Halfback Compton CC
7 Green Bay Packers Al Carmichael Halfback USC
8 New York Giants Bobby Marlow Halfback Alabama
9 Los Angeles Rams (From Philadelphia Eagles) Donn Moomaw Center UCLA
10 San Francisco 49ers Tom Stolhandske End Texas
11 Cleveland Browns Doug Atkins End Tennessee
12 Los Angeles Rams Ed Barker End Washington State
13 Detroit Lions Harley Sewell Guard Texas
  • HOF Member of the Professional Football Hall of Fame

Round 2

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
14 Baltimore Colts Bernie Flowers End Purdue
15 Chicago Cardinals Jim Psaltis Back USC
16 Washington Redskins Dick Modzelewski Defensive tackle Maryland
17 Chicago Bears Zeke Bratkowski Quarterback Georgia
18 Pittsburgh Steelers John Henry Johnson Fullback Arizona State
19 Green Bay Packers Gil Reich Back Kansas
20 Philadelphia Eagles Al Conway Back Army
21 San Francisco 49ers George Morris Center Georgia Tech
22 New York Giants Eddie Crowder Quarterback Oklahoma
23 Cleveland Browns Billy Reynolds Back Pittsburgh
24 Los Angeles Rams Rudy Bukich Quarterback USC
25 Detroit Lions Gene Gedman Back Indiana

Round 3

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
26 Baltimore Colts Buck McPhail Back Oklahoma
27 Washington Redskins Paul Dekker End Michigan State
28 Chicago Cardinals Dale Samuels Quarterback Purdue
29 Pittsburgh Steelers Marv Matuszak Tackle Tulsa
30 Chicago Bears Bill Rowekamp Back Missouri
31 Green Bay Packers Bill Forester Tackle SMU
32 San Francisco 49ers Bob St. Clair Offensive tackle San Francisco
33 New York Giants Cal Roberts Tackle Gustavus Adolphus
34 Philadelphia Eagles Don Johnson Back California
35 Cleveland Browns Fred Bruney Back Ohio State
36 Los Angeles Rams Bob Fry Tackle Kentucky
37 Cleveland Browns Gene Donaldson Guard Kentucky
38 Cleveland Browns Jim Hietikko Tackle Ohio State

[6]

Round 4

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
39 Baltimore Colts Tom Catlin Center Oklahoma
40 Chicago Cardinals Buck Martin End Georgia Tech
41 Washington Redskins Don Boll Guard Nebraska
42 Chicago Bears Joe Koch Back Wake Forest
43 Pittsburgh Steelers Lloyd Colteryahn End Maryland
44 Green Bay Packers Gib Dawson Back Texas
45 New York Giants Dewayne Douglas Tackle Florida
46 Philadelphia Eagles George Mrkonic Guard Kansas
47 San Francisco 49ers Ed Fullerton Back Maryland
48 Cleveland Browns Dick Tamburo Center Michigan State
49 Los Angeles Rams Willie Roberts End Tulsa
50 Detroit Lions Charlie Ane Tackle USC

Round 5

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
50 Baltimore Colts Jack Little Tackle Texas A&M
51 Washington Redskins Nick Carras Back Missouri
52 Chicago Cardinals Bill Shalosky Guard Cincinnati
53 Pittsburgh Steelers Bob Gaona Tackle Wake Forest
54 Chicago Bears Stan Jones Guard Maryland
55 Green Bay Packers Roger Zatkoff Tackle Michigan
56 Philadelphia Eagles Eddie Bell Halfback Penn
57 San Francisco 49ers Hal Miller Tackle Georgia Tech
58 New York Giants Buford Long Back Florida
59 Cleveland Browns Bob Van Doren End USC
60 Los Angeles Rams Tom Scott End Virginia
61 Philadelphia Eagles Rex Smith End Illinois

Round 6

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
62 Baltimore Colts Jim Sears Back USC
63 Chicago Cardinals Tony Curcillo Back Ohio State
64 Los Angeles Rams Paul Miller Tackle LSU
65 Chicago Bears Art DeCarlo Back Georgia
66 Pittsburgh Steelers Tom Barton Guard Clemson
67 Green Bay Packers Bob Kennedy Guard Wisconsin
68 Chicago Bears Kline Gilbert Tackle Ole Miss
69 New York Giants Bob Peviani Guard USC
70 Chicago Cardinals Tom Higgins Tackle North Carolina
71 Cleveland Browns Don Steinbrunner End Washington State
72 Los Angeles Rams Howard Waugh Back Tulsa
73 Detroit Lions Ollie Spencer Tackle Kansas

Round 7

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
74 Baltimore Colts Bill Athey Guard Baylor
75 Chicago Bears Bucky McElroy Back Mississippi Southern
76 Philadelphia Eagles Jack Erickson Tackle Beloit
77 Pittsburgh Steelers John Alderton End Maryland
78 Chicago Bears Don Bingham Back Sul Ross
79 Green Bay Packers Jim Ringo Center Syracuse
80 New York Giants Don Branby End Colorado
81 Philadelphia Eagles Ray Malavasi Guard Mississippi State
82 San Francisco 49ers Paul Carr Back Houston
83 Cleveland Browns Gene Filipski Back Villanova
84 Los Angeles Rams Bobby Reynolds Back Nebraska
85 Detroit Lions Joe Schmidt Linebacker Pittsburgh

Round 8

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
86 Baltimore Colts Jim Prewett Tackle Tulsa
87 Chicago Cardinals Jerry Watford Guard Alabama
88 Washington Redskins Lew Weidensaul End Maryland
89 Chicago Bears John Kreamcheck Tackle William & Mary
90 Pittsburgh Steelers Lowell W. Perry End Michigan
91 Green Bay Packers Lauren Hargrove Back Georgia
92 Philadelphia Eagles Jess Richardson Tackle Alabama
93 San Francisco 49ers Doug Hogland Tackle Oregon State
94 New York Giants Don Beck Back Notre Dame
95 Cleveland Browns Carlton Massey End Texas
96 Los Angeles Rams Bob Morgan Tackle Maryland
97 Detroit Lions Lew Carpenter Back Arkansas

Round 9

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
98 Baltimore Colts Bob Blair End TCU
99 Chicago Cardinals Ed Husmann Guard Nebraska
100 Chicago Cardinals Avatus Stone Back Syracuse
101 Pittsburgh Steelers Pat Sarnese Tackle Temple
102 Chicago Bears Bruno Ashley Tackle East Texas State
103 Green Bay Packers Floyd Harrawood Tackle Tulsa
104 San Francisco 49ers Hal Ledyard Back Chattanooga
105 New York Giants Jim Gray Back Panola
106 Philadelphia Eagles Roger French End Minnesota
107 Cleveland Browns Bob McNamara Back Minnesota
108 Los Angeles Rams Brad Myers Back Bucknell
109 Detroit Lions Carlton McCormick Center TCU

Round 10

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
110 Baltimore Colts John Cole Back Arkansas
111 Chicago Cardinals Charley Berndt Tackle Wisconsin
112 New York Giants Darrow Hooper End Texas A&M
113 Chicago Bears Jimmy Moore Back Florida A&M
114 Pittsburgh Steelers Frank Holohan Tackle Tennessee
115 Green Bay Packers Vic Rimkus Guard Holy Cross
116 New York Giants Charlie Maloy Quarterback Holy Cross
117 Philadelphia Eagles Tom Brookshier Back Colorado
118 San Francisco 49ers Pete Brown Guard Georgia Tech
119 Cleveland Browns Elmo Natali Back California (PA)
120 Los Angeles Rams Mick Lakos Back Vanderbilt
121 Detroit Lions Dreher Gaskin End Clemson

Round 11

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
122 Baltimore Colts Gene Rossi Back Cincinnati
123 Washington Redskins Alex Webster Back NC State
124 Chicago Cardinals Ed Woodsum End Yale
125 Chicago Bears Ralph Charney Back Kentucky
126 Chicago Bears Jim Slowey Center Georgetown
127 Green Bay Packers Joe Johnson Back Boston College
128 Philadelphia Eagles Bob Pollard Back Penn State
129 San Francisco 49ers Al Charlton Back Washington State
130 New York Giants Jim Ruehl Center Ohio State
131 Cleveland Browns Dick Hilinski Tackle Ohio State
132 Los Angeles Rams Jim Bailey Back Miami (OH)
133 Detroit Lions Elmer Messenger Guard Washington State

Round 12

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
134 Baltimore Colts Kaye Vaughan Guard Tulsa
135 Chicago Cardinals Chuck Spaulding Back Wyoming
136 Washington Redskins Buzz Nutter Center VPI
137 Chicago Bears Jim Lawrence Tackle Duke
138 Pittsburgh Steelers Jerry Robertson Back Kansas
139 Green Bay Packers Dick Curran Back Arizona State
140 San Francisco 49ers Red Leach Guard Duke
141 New York Giants Joe Matesic Tackle Arizona State
142 Philadelphia Eagles George Porter Tackle San Jose State
143 Cleveland Browns Elmer Wilhoite Guard USC
144 Los Angeles Rams Chuck Doud Guard UCLA
145 Detroit Lions Larry Spencer Back Wake Forest

Round 13

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
146 Baltimore Colts Bobby Morehead Back Georgia Tech
147 Chicago Cardinals Frank McPhee End Princeton
148 Chicago Cardinals Ronnie Morris Back Tulsa
149 Pittsburgh Steelers Leo Davis End Bradley
150 Chicago Bears Larry Strickland Center North Texas State
151 Green Bay Packers Bob Orders Center West Virginia
152 New York Giants Jack McShulski End Kansas State
153 Philadelphia Eagles Ray Westort Guard Utah
154 San Francisco 49ers Bill Earley Back Washington
155 Cleveland Browns Galen Fiss Back Kansas
156 Los Angeles Rams Andy Matto Tackle Cincinnati
157 Detroit Lions Bob Thomas End Washington & Lee

Round 14

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
158 Baltimore Colts Frank Continetti Guard George Washington
159 Chicago Cardinals Dick Sprague Back Washington
160 Washington Redskins Ed Timmerman Back Michigan State
161 Chicago Bears Harland Carl Back Wisconsin
162 Pittsburgh Steelers Charley Montgomery Tackle Mississippi
163 Green Bay Packers Charley Wrenn Tackle Texas Christian
164 Philadelphia Eagles Roy Bailey Back Tulane
165 San Francisco 49ers Tom Fletcher Back Arizona State
166 New York Giants J. L. Hall Back Florida
167 Cleveland Browns Gern Nagler End Santa Clara
168 Los Angeles Rams Frank James Guard Houston
169 Detroit Lions Jack Barger Tackle New Mexico

Round 15

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
170 Baltimore Colts Buddy Sutton Back Arkansas
171 Washington Redskins Dave Suminski Tackle Wisconsin
172 Chicago Cardinals Nick Chickillo Guard Miami (FL)
173 Pittsburgh Steelers Bob O'Neil End Notre Dame
174 Chicago Bears Ralph Jecha Guard Northwestern
175 Green Bay Packers Gene Helwig Back Tulsa
176 San Francisco 49ers Charley Genthner Tackle Texas
177 New York Giants Dick Bowman Guard Oklahoma
178 Philadelphia Eagles Willie Irvin End Florida A&M
179 Cleveland Browns Johnny Carson End Georgia
180 Los Angeles Rams Tom Carroll Back Oklahoma
181 Detroit Lions Ted Topor Back Michigan

Round 16

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
182 Baltimore Colts Jim Currin End Dayton
183 Chicago Cardinals Jimmy Lear Back Mississippi
184 Washington Redskins Jim Slay End Mississippi
185 Chicago Bears John Hatley Tackle Sul Ross
186 Pittsburgh Steelers John Zachary Back Miami (OH)
187 Green Bay Packers John Hlay Back Ohio State
188 New York Giants Bill Skyinskus Guard Syracuse
189 Philadelphia Eagles Bud Wallace Back North Carolina
190 San Francisco 49ers Fred During End Bowling Green
191 Cleveland Browns Eric Kuykendall Back Illinois
192 Los Angeles Rams Ben DeLoe Tackle Mississippi State
193 Detroit Lions Bob Volonnino Guard Army/Villanova

Round 17

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
194 Baltimore Colts George Rambour Tackle Dartmouth
195 Washington Redskins Bob Haner Back Villanova
196 Chicago Cardinals Earl Heninger Back Purdue
197 Pittsburgh Steelers Reed Quinn Back Florida
198 Chicago Bears Bob Beal End California
199 Green Bay Packers Bill Georges End Texas
200 Philadelphia Eagles Tony Rados Back Penn State
201 San Francisco 49ers Hugh Latham Tackle San Diego State
202 New York Giants Don Rhoden Center Rice
203 Cleveland Browns George Bean Back Utah
204 Los Angeles Rams Harland Svare End Washington State
205 Detroit Lions Ray Green Tackle Duke

Round 18

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
206 Baltimore Colts LeRoy Labat Back Louisiana State
207 Chicago Cardinals Joe Yukica End Penn State
208 Washington Redskins Jim Turner Back Texas Tech
209 Chicago Bears Jim Shirley Back Clemson
210 Pittsburgh Steelers Carl Holben Tackle Duke
211 Green Bay Packers Jim Philee Back Bradley
212 San Francisco 49ers Stan Wacholz End San Jose State
213 New York Giants Phil Suwall Back Western Maryland
214 Philadelphia Eagles Marv Trauth Tackle Mississippi
215 Cleveland Browns Dick Batten Tackle Pacific
216 Los Angeles Rams Lew Jones Tackle Wabash
217 Detroit Lions Ed Mioduszewski Back William & Mary

Round 19

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
218 Baltimore Colts Bill Powell Back California
219 Washington Redskins Tom Flyzik Tackle George Washington
220 Chicago Cardinals Tom Donahue Center Wake Forest
221 Pittsburgh Steelers Jim Williams Back Louisville
222 Chicago Bears Bill Byrus Tackle Iowa State
223 Green Bay Packers Bill Lucky Tackle Baylor
224 New York Giants Hal Lehman Tackle Southern Mississippi
225 Philadelphia Eagles Pete Bachouros Back Illinois
226 San Francisco 49ers King DuClos Tackle Texas-El Paso
227 Cleveland Browns Tom Cain Guard Colorado
228 Los Angeles Rams Jack Ellena Tackle UCLA
229 Detroit Lions Paul Held Back San Diego State

Round 20

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
230 Baltimore Colts Pete Russo Tackle Indiana
231 Chicago Cardinals Len D'Errico Guard Boston University
232 Washington Redskins Bill Link Guard Wake Forest
233 Chicago Bears Tom Mahin Tackle Purdue
234 Pittsburgh Steelers Will Lee Hayley End Auburn
235 Green Bay Packers John Harville Back Texas Christian
236 Philadelphia Eagles Rollie Arns Center Iowa State
237 San Francisco 49ers Ray Huizinga Tackle Northwestern
238 New York Giants Dick Christiansen End Arizona
239 Cleveland Browns Chuck Noll Linebacker Dayton
240 Los Angeles Rams Bob Morford Back College of Idaho
241 Detroit Lions Gerry Hart Tackle Army/Mississippi State

Round 21

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
242 Baltimore Colts Frank Kirby Tackle Bucknell
243 Washington Redskins Jim Dublinski Center Utah
244 Chicago Cardinals Joe Curtis End Alabama
245 Pittsburgh Steelers Don Earley Guard South Carolina
246 Chicago Bears Wayne Martin End Texas Christian
247 Green Bay Packers Bob Conway Back Alabama
248 San Francisco 49ers Ken Bahnsen End North Texas State
249 New York Giants Gene Bullard Tackle Louisiana College
250 Philadelphia Eagles Hal Brooks Tackle Washington & Lee
251 Cleveland Browns Bill Crockett Guard Rice
252 Los Angeles Rams Dick Gordon Tackle Toledo
253 Detroit Lions Bob Tata Back Virginia

Round 22

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
254 Baltimore Colts Merlin Gish Center Kansas
255 Chicago Cardinals Hal Lokovsek Tackle Washington State
256 Washington Redskins Ed Pucci Guard USC
257 Chicago Bears Wayne Wood Tackle Memphis State
258 Pittsburgh Steelers Ed O'Connor Tackle Maryland
259 Green Bay Packers Bill Turnbeaugh Tackle Auburn
260 New York Giants Mike Kelley End Florida
261 Philadelphia Eagles Laurie LeClaire Back Michigan
262 San Francisco 49ers Laverne Robbins Guard Midwestern State (TX)
263 Cleveland Browns Byrd Looper Back Duke
264 Los Angeles Rams George Porter Tackle Southwest Texas State
265 Detroit Lions Pete Retzlaff Tight end South Dakota State

Round 23

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
266 Baltimore Colts Mike Houseplan Guard Tulane
267 Washington Redskins Ed Bierne End Detroit
268 Chicago Cardinals Jim Root Back Miami (OH)
269 Pittsburgh Steelers Ray Correll Guard Kentucky
270 Chicago Bears Jim Mask End Mississippi
271 Green Bay Packers Bill Murray End American International
272 Philadelphia Eagles Jeff Knox End Georgia Tech
273 San Francisco 49ers Travis Hunt Tackle Alabama
274 New York Giants Ted Kukowski Center Navy/Syracuse
275 Cleveland Browns Ronnie Kent Back Tulane
276 Los Angeles Rams Larry Willoughby Back Fresno State
277 Detroit Lions Carl Karilivacz Back Syracuse

Round 24

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
278 Baltimore Colts Monte Brethauer End Oregon
279 Chicago Cardinals Brad Glass Guard Princeton
280 Washington Redskins Stan Butterworth Back Bucknell
281 Chicago Bears Paul Hatcher Center Arkansas City J.C.
282 Pittsburgh Steelers Bob Schneidenbach Back Miami (FL)
283 Green Bay Packers Jim Haslam Tackle Tennessee
284 San Francisco 49ers Ed Morgan Back Tennessee
285 New York Giants Charley Kubes Guard Minnesota
286 Philadelphia Eagles Eli Romero Back Wichita State
287 Cleveland Browns John Labends Tackle Wittenberg
288 Los Angeles Rams Marlow Gudmundson Back North Dakota State
289 Detroit Lions Truett Grant Tackle Duke

Round 25

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
290 Baltimore Colts Joe Szombathy End Syracuse
291 Washington Redskins Art Hurd Guard Maryland
292 Chicago Cardinals Haywood Sullivan Back Florida
293 Pittsburgh Steelers Vic Hampel End Houston
294 Chicago Bears Clyde Pickard Guard Wake Forest
295 Green Bay Packers Ike Jones End UCLA
296 New York Giants Dan Drake Back Rice
297 Philadelphia Eagles Johnny Michels Guard Tennessee
298 San Francisco 49ers Ernie Stockert End UCLA
299 Cleveland Browns Jim Ellis Back Michigan State
300 Los Angeles Rams Ed Clemens Center Dayton
301 Detroit Lions Marv Brown Back East Texas State

Round 26

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
302 Baltimore Colts Scott Prescott Center Minnesota
303 Chicago Cardinals Don Ringe Tackle Idaho
304 Washington Redskins Walt Ashcraft Tackle USC
305 Chicago Bears Bob Evans Tackle Pennsylvania
306 Pittsburgh Steelers Jack "Goose" McClairen End Bethune-Cookman
307 Green Bay Packers George Bozanic Back USC
308 Philadelphia Eagles Harvey Achziger Tackle Colorado State
309 San Francisco 49ers Harley Cooper Back Arizona State
310 New York Giants Bill Wetzel Back Syracuse
311 Cleveland Browns Charlie Hoag Back Kansas
312 Los Angeles Rams Louie Yourkowski Tackle Washington
313 Detroit Lions Jim Dooley Center Penn State

Round 27

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
314 Baltimore Colts Ray Graves Back Texas A&M
315 Washington Redskins John Zanetti Tackle John Carroll
316 Chicago Cardinals C. O. Brocato Center Baylor
317 Pittsburgh Steelers Jack Delaney Back Cincinnati
318 Chicago Bears Marvin Wahlin Back Arizona State
319 Green Bay Packers Jim McConaughey End Houston
320 San Francisco 49ers Ralph McLeod End Louisiana State
321 New York Giants Roosevelt "Rosey" Brown Offensive tackle Morgan State
322 Philadelphia Eagles Earl Hersh Back West Chester
323 Cleveland Browns Jack Sisco Center Baylor
324 Los Angeles Rams Lou Welsh Center USC
325 Detroit Lions Jackie Parker Back Mississippi State

Round 28

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
326 Baltimore Colts Joe Sabol Back UCLA
327 Chicago Cardinals Mike Prokopiak Back New Mexico
328 Washington Redskins Bob Buckley Back USC
329 Chicago Bears Jim Caldwell Tackle Tennessee State
330 Pittsburgh Steelers Joe Cimini Tackle Mississippi State
331 Green Bay Packers Zack Jordan Back Colorado
332 New York Giants Joe Ramona Guard Santa Clara
333 Philadelphia Eagles Joe Gratson Back Penn State
334 San Francisco 49ers Tom Novikoff Back Oregon
335 Cleveland Browns Ray Verkirk Tackle North Texas State
336 Los Angeles Rams Jim Murray Tackle Montana
337 Detroit Lions Laurin Pepper Back Southern Mississippi

Round 29

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
338 Baltimore Colts Jack Alessandrini Guard Notre Dame
339 Washington Redskins Pat Shires Back Tennessee
340 Chicago Cardinals Earl Wrightenberry Tackle Clemson
341 Pittsburgh Steelers Art Massaro Back Washington & Jefferson
342 Chicago Bears Jack Lewis End Wake Forest
343 Green Bay Packers Henry O'Brien Guard Boston College
344 Philadelphia Eagles Ralph Paolone Back Kentucky
345 San Francisco 49ers Don Stillwell End USC
346 New York Giants Bob Griffis Guard Furman
347 Cleveland Browns Clell Hobson Back Alabama
348 Los Angeles Rams Ray Lewis End Boise J.C.
349 Detroit Lions Harley Rector Tackle Wayne State (NE)

Round 30

[edit]
Pick # NFL team Player Position College
350 Baltimore Colts Tom Roche Tackle Northwestern
351 Chicago Cardinals Bill Gaudreau Back Notre Dame
352 Washington Redskins Bob Mathias Back Stanford
353 Chicago Bears Bill Brehany Quarterback Virginia Military Inst
354 Pittsburgh Steelers Lou Tepe Center Duke
355 Green Bay Packers Al Barry Guard USC
356 New York Giants Stavros Canakes Guard Minnesota
357 Philadelphia Eagles Chuck Hren Back Northwestern
358 Cleveland Browns Andy Myers Guard Tennessee
359 Los Angeles Rams Fritz Phren Back College of the Ozarks
360 Detroit Lions Hal Maus End Montana
= Pro Bowler [4] = Hall of Famer

Hall of Famers

[edit]
  • Joe Schmidt, linebacker from the University of Pittsburgh taken 7th round 85th overall by the Detroit Lions.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1973.[7]
  • Roosevelt Brown, offensive tackle from Morgan State University taken 27th round 321st overall by the New York Giants.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1975.[7]
  • Jim Ringo, center from Syracuse University taken 7th round 79th overall by the Green Bay Packers.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1981.[8]
  • Doug Atkins, tackle from Tennessee taken 1st round 11th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1982.[8]
  • John Henry Johnson, fullback from Arizona State University taken 2nd round 18th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1987.[8]
  • Bob St. Clair, offensive tackle from the University of San Francisco taken 3rd round 32nd overall by the San Francisco 49ers.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1990.[9]
  • Stan Jones, guard and defensive tackle from Maryland taken 5th round 54th overall by the Chicago Bears.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1991.[9]
  • Chuck Noll, guard from the University of Dayton taken 20th round 239th overall by the Cleveland Browns.
Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1993 as a coach.[9]

Notable undrafted players

[edit]
† = Pro Bowler[4]
Original NFL team Player Pos. College Conf. Notes
Baltimore Colts Bill Pellington  LB Rutgers Ind.
Los Angeles Rams Don Burroughs  S Colorado State MSC
Los Angeles Rams Eugene Lipscomb † DT    
Philadelphia Eagles Hal Giancanelli  RB Loyola Marymount —
Pittsburgh Steelers Leo Elter † RB Villanova Ind.
Pittsburgh Steelers Willie Thrower  QB Michigan State Ind.

Notes and references

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

1953 NFL draft

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The 1953 NFL Draft was the eighteenth annual player selection meeting of the National Football League (NFL), conducted in Philadelphia at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel.[1] With 12 teams participating, the event featured the San Francisco 49ers selecting end Harry Babcock from the University of Georgia as the first overall pick via a lottery bonus selection.[2][3] The draft yielded seven future Pro Football Hall of Famers: defensive end Doug Atkins (11th overall, Cleveland Browns), fullback John Henry Johnson (second round, Pittsburgh Steelers), offensive tackle Bob St. Clair (third round, San Francisco 49ers), guard/defensive tackle Stan Jones (fifth round, Chicago Bears), center Jim Ringo (seventh round, Green Bay Packers), linebacker Joe Schmidt (seventh round, Detroit Lions), and offensive tackle Roosevelt Brown (27th round, 321st overall, New York Giants), who collectively contributed over 1,100 games and numerous Pro Bowl honors to the league.[2][4][5] Notable aspects included selections by the recently folded Dallas Texans distributed among other teams, as well as early picks like Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels (second overall, Baltimore Colts), highlighting the era's emphasis on college talent amid growing professional competition.[2][4] This draft class supported a transitional period for the NFL, with teams like the Detroit Lions achieving a 10-2 record and Western Conference title in the ensuing season, bolstered by mid-round additions.[6]

Background

1952 Season Summary

The 1952 NFL season featured 12 teams divided into the American and National Conferences, each playing a 12-game schedule. In the American Conference, the Cleveland Browns finished first with an 8-4 record, followed by the New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles at 7-5, the Pittsburgh Steelers at 5-7, and the Chicago Cardinals and Washington Redskins both at 4-8.[7] The National Conference saw a tie for first between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, both at 9-3; the San Francisco 49ers placed third at 7-5, the Green Bay Packers fourth at 6-6, the Chicago Bears fifth at 5-7, and the expansion Dallas Texans last at 1-11.[7] The season marked the debut of the Dallas Texans, who struggled significantly and were returned to league ownership midway through, highlighting challenges for new franchises in established markets.[7] Playoff berths were determined by conference standings, with ties resolved via a one-game playoff. The National Conference playoff saw the Detroit Lions defeat the Los Angeles Rams 31-21 on December 21 at Briggs Stadium in Detroit. The American Conference champion, the Cleveland Browns, advanced directly without a divisional playoff. In the NFL Championship Game on December 28 at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, the Lions upset the Browns 17-7, securing their second consecutive league title behind a stout defense that limited Cleveland's potent offense to just seven points.[8] League-wide, the season showcased offensive prowess, with teams averaging 22.3 points per game and a combined 44.6 points per contest across 72 regular-season games.[9] Cleveland's Otto Graham led in passing with 2,816 yards and 20 touchdowns, while Los Angeles Rams running back Dan Towler topped rushing stats with 894 yards.[10] Attendance grew modestly, reflecting the league's expanding popularity, though the Dallas Texans drew the lowest figures amid their poor performance. Emerging stars like San Francisco's Hugh McElhenny (684 rushing yards) underscored the need for defensive reinforcements in subsequent drafts, particularly for high-scoring teams.[11] Rebuilding efforts were evident among underperforming squads; the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite scoring 300 points (fourth in the league), finished 5-7 and sought offensive line stability and rushers to contend.[12] Similarly, the San Francisco 49ers (7-5) aimed to bolster their defensive ends and running game after missing the playoffs, while the dismal Dallas Texans (1-11) required foundational talent across positions to establish viability.

Determination of Draft Order

The determination of the draft order for the 1953 NFL Draft utilized the league's bonus pick lottery for the top selection, followed by reverse order of the 1952 regular season standings for the remaining first-round picks. The newly relocated Baltimore Colts, inheriting the Dallas Texans' franchise rights, were assigned the second pick based on the Texans' 1-11 record.[2] This bonus pick system, implemented from 1947 to 1958, sought to promote competitive balance by randomly awarding the first overall choice to one team each year, thereby reducing incentives for teams to underperform intentionally. Each franchise was entitled to one bonus pick over the system's duration, with the lottery limited to eligible teams—those that had not previously won and were not the defending champions. In 1953, the seventh year of the system, a raffle was conducted among the six remaining eligible teams prior to the draft. The San Francisco 49ers emerged as the winner, securing the No. 1 pick despite finishing the 1952 season with a 7–5 record and third place in the National Conference.[13][14] Picks 2 through 13 in the first round were assigned based on the inverse of the 1952 standings, with ties resolved via league tiebreaker procedures including head-to-head records and point differentials. The order reflected the following teams and their prior-season records:
PickTeam1952 Record
2Baltimore Colts1–11–0
3Washington Redskins4–8–0
4Chicago Cardinals4–8–0
5Pittsburgh Steelers5–7–0
6Chicago Bears5–7–0
7Green Bay Packers6–6–0
8New York Giants7–5–0
9Philadelphia Eagles7–5–0
10San Francisco 49ers (regular pick)7–5–0
11Cleveland Browns8–4–0
12Los Angeles Rams9–3–0
13Detroit Lions9–3–0
For instance, the Washington Redskins edged the Chicago Cardinals for the third pick despite identical 4–8 records, owing to a net point advantage in their season series (Washington outscored the Cardinals 29–24 across two games). Similarly, among the three 7–5 teams, the New York Giants picked ahead of the Eagles and 49ers based on applicable tiebreakers. Among the 9–3 teams, the Rams picked ahead of the defending champion Lions. This structure underscored the lottery's impact, granting a premium asset to a mid-tier team like the 49ers while adhering to merit-based reversal for the rest of the order. Note that some picks were later traded among teams.[15][2]

Draft Details

Date, Location, and Format

The 1953 NFL Draft was held on January 22, 1953, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.[4] This location followed the 1952 draft at New York's Hotel Statler and preceded the 1954 event at the same Philadelphia venue, reflecting the city's recurring role as a host during the early 1950s.[16] The draft followed the league's standard format of 30 rounds, with the 12 NFL teams selecting players in reverse order of their 1952 standings, rotating the selection sequence each round to ensure fairness.[17] In total, 361 players were chosen across these rounds, drawn primarily from college rosters based on scouting evaluations.[17] The proceedings unfolded over a single day, presided over by NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, who announced selections orally during the closed sessions.[18] Unlike contemporary drafts with public spectacles and fan attendance, the 1953 event was a private affair limited to team owners, general managers, scouts, and select media representatives, emphasizing confidential discussions and on-site contract negotiations.[19] This structure aligned with the NFL's annual winter draft tradition, instituted in 1936 to balance competition by giving weaker teams priority access to top talent, with Philadelphia serving as a key venue since the inaugural draft at the city's Ritz-Carlton Hotel.[18]

Notable Events and Trades

The 1953 NFL Draft featured the debut participation of the newly awarded Baltimore Colts franchise, which had been awarded the draft choices and player rights of the recently defunct Dallas Texans organization by purchasing them from the NFL just prior to the event.[20] This positioned the Colts to select second overall, marking a significant expansion for the league amid the Texans' financial collapse after a 1-11 season in 1952.[21] Additionally, this draft introduced the bonus pick system, with the San Francisco 49ers winning a lottery among all teams for the first overall selection of Harry Babcock.[4] A key highlight was the Colts' selection of Heisman Trophy winner Billy Vessels, a running back from the University of Oklahoma, with the second overall pick, despite lingering concerns over a severe knee injury he suffered in 1951 that sidelined him for the remainder of that season.[4] Vessels had rebounded impressively in 1952 to claim the Heisman, rushing for 1,034 yards and 10 touchdowns, but teams weighed the risk of his prior ligament damage during evaluations.[22] NFL Commissioner Bert Bell, presiding over the proceedings at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, facilitated the smooth integration of the Colts' selections without reported disputes over the transferred rights.[23] The draft emphasized offensive skill positions early, with the first five picks consisting of two running backs, two quarterbacks, and one end, reflecting teams' priorities for versatile backs and pass-catchers following the run-heavy trends of the 1952 season.[4] While no major on-site trades altered the top selections, mid-round exchanges occurred for future considerations, including swaps involving defensive linemen prospects, contributing to a total of approximately six transactions logged in connection with the event.[24]

Player Selections

Overall Statistics

The 1953 NFL Draft consisted of 360 selections across 30 rounds by the league's 12 teams.[25] Selections from the folded Dallas Texans were redistributed among other teams. Selections emphasized offensive positions reflective of the era's run-heavy schemes, with approximately 80 backs (encompassing running backs, halfbacks, fullbacks, and quarterbacks) and 34 ends (primarily wide receivers and tight ends) chosen, outnumbering dedicated defensive backs. The offensive and defensive lines combined for the majority of picks, including about 70 tackles and guards, 10 centers, 20 defensive ends and tackles, 10 linebackers, and 20 defensive backs.[2] Leading colleges in representation were the University of Southern California with 15 draftees, Oklahoma with 12, and Notre Dame with 10; notable programs like Maryland (8) and Georgia (7) also contributed multiple selections, such as Billy Vessels from Oklahoma as the No. 2 overall pick.[26] The draft opened with a bonus pick determined by lottery among non-playoff teams, awarded to the San Francisco 49ers for end Harry Babcock from Georgia.[4]

Round 1

The first round of the 1953 NFL Draft featured 13 selections due to the bonus pick, beginning with the lottery award to the San Francisco 49ers and followed by the regular order based on the reverse standings from the 1952 season.[4] This round emphasized skill position players, with eight backs and three ends chosen to address offensive needs across the league.[2]
PickTeamPlayerPositionCollege
1San Francisco 49ersHarry BabcockEGeorgia
2Baltimore ColtsBilly VesselsHBOklahoma
3Washington RedskinsJack ScarbathQBMaryland
4Chicago CardinalsJohnny OlszewskiFBCalifornia
5Pittsburgh SteelersTed MarchibrodaQBDetroit Mercy
6Chicago BearsBilly AndersonDBCompton JC
7Green Bay PackersAl CarmichaelHBUSC
8New York GiantsBobby MarlowBAlabama
9Los Angeles Rams (from Philadelphia Eagles)Donn MoomawCUCLA
10San Francisco 49ersTom StolhandskeLBTexas
11Cleveland BrownsDoug AtkinsDETennessee
12Los Angeles RamsEd BarkerEWashington State
13Detroit LionsHarley SewellGTexas
The San Francisco 49ers used their bonus pick on Harry Babcock, a consensus All-American end from Georgia known for his speed and receiving prowess, to add depth to their aerial attack following a playoff appearance in 1952.[2] The Baltimore Colts followed by selecting Billy Vessels, the 1952 Heisman Trophy winner and All-American halfback from Oklahoma, to inject dynamic running ability into their struggling offense that had finished last in the league.[2] Washington Redskins chose Jack Scarbath, an All-American quarterback from Maryland who led his team to an undefeated regular season, aiming to stabilize their signal-caller position after a middling 1952 campaign.[2] The Chicago Cardinals picked Johnny Olszewski, a versatile fullback from California with strong blocking skills, to reinforce their backfield amid a defense-oriented roster.[2] Pittsburgh Steelers selected Ted Marchibroda, a quarterback from Detroit Mercy who had transferred from St. Bonaventure and shown promise in single-wing formations, to compete for the starting role on a team seeking offensive leadership.[2][27] The Chicago Bears drafted Billy Anderson, a speedy defensive back from Compton Junior College who excelled in open-field running, to provide backfield versatility for their ground-heavy scheme.[2] Green Bay Packers took Al Carmichael, an All-PCC halfback from USC with reliable hands, to enhance their passing game under new coach Gene Ronzani.[2] The New York Giants chose Bobby Marlow, a quick back from Alabama, to add speed to their lineup after reaching the NFL Championship in 1952.[2] Los Angeles Rams, having acquired the ninth pick from the Philadelphia Eagles in a prior trade, selected Donn Moomaw, an All-American center from UCLA renowned for his defensive leadership, to anchor their interior line.[2][24] The 49ers' second first-round choice, Tom Stolhandske, a linebacker from Texas with strong blocking ability, was targeted to support their run game.[2] Cleveland Browns picked Doug Atkins, a towering defensive end from Tennessee who earned All-SEC honors, to fortify their already stout defense as repeat champions.[2] Finally, the Rams closed the round with Ed Barker, an end from Washington State noted for his route-running, to deepen their receiving options, followed by the Lions selecting Harley Sewell, a guard from Texas, for line depth.[2]

Round 2

In the second round of the 1953 NFL Draft, teams continued to prioritize offensive skill players, selecting seven running backs and three quarterbacks among the 12 picks, reflecting a league-wide strategy to enhance backfields and passing games following a first round heavy on similar positions. This round, held on January 22, 1953, at the Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia, saw no major trades reported, allowing clubs to directly address roster needs with emerging college talents.[2] The selections are detailed below:
Overall PickRound PickTeamPlayerPositionCollege
141Baltimore ColtsBernie FlowersEPurdue
152Chicago CardinalsJim PsaltisDBUSC
163Washington RedskinsDick ModzelewskiDTMaryland
174Chicago BearsZeke BratkowskiQBGeorgia
185Pittsburgh SteelersJohn Henry JohnsonFBArizona St.
196Green Bay PackersGil ReichBArmy/Kansas
207Philadelphia EaglesAl ConwayBArmy/William Jewell
218San Francisco 49ersGeorge MorrisCGeorgia Tech
229New York GiantsEddie CrowderQBOklahoma
2310Cleveland BrownsBilly ReynoldsHBPittsburgh
2411Los Angeles RamsRudy BukichQBUSC
2512Detroit LionsGene GedmanHBIndiana
The Pittsburgh Steelers exemplified targeted backfield construction by selecting fullback John Henry Johnson from Arizona State with the 18th overall pick, pairing him with their first-round quarterback Ted Marchibroda to form a versatile offensive core capable of both running and passing threats. Similarly, the Chicago Bears invested in quarterback Zeke Bratkowski from Georgia at 17th overall, signaling a long-term plan to develop a passer amid their ongoing rebuild. Defensive needs were not ignored, as the Washington Redskins chose defensive tackle Dick Modzelewski from Maryland at 16th overall to strengthen their front line against rival rushing attacks. The San Francisco 49ers opted for center George Morris from Georgia Tech at 21st overall, adding interior line depth to support their bonus-pick end Harry Babcock from Round 1. These choices highlighted teams' focus on immediate contributors at premium positions, with running backs dominating to address the era's ground-heavy schemes.[2]

Round 3

In the third round of the 1953 NFL Draft, teams continued to prioritize offensive line depth and versatile backs, with a noticeable uptick in selections of tackles and ends to bolster front-line protection amid the league's evolving emphasis on balanced offenses.[2] This round featured 13 picks due to an additional selection by the Cleveland Browns, reflecting minor adjustments in draft order from prior trades.[2] The following table lists all third-round selections, including overall pick number, team, player, position, and college:
OverallRound PickTeamPlayerPosCollege
261Baltimore ColtsBuck McPhailFBOklahoma
272Washington RedskinsPaul DekkerEMichigan State
283Chicago CardinalsDale SamuelsQBPurdue
294Pittsburgh SteelersMarv MatuszakLBTulsa
305Chicago BearsBill RowekampBArmy
316Green Bay PackersBill ForesterLBSMU
327San Francisco 49ersBob St. ClairTTulsa
338New York GiantsCal RobertsTGustavus Adolphus
349Philadelphia EaglesDon JohnsonHBCalifornia
3510Cleveland BrownsFred BruneyDBOhio State
3611Los Angeles RamsBob FryTKentucky
3712Cleveland BrownsGene DonaldsonGKentucky
3813Cleveland BrownsJim HietikkoTOhio State
Defensive specialists, such as linebackers Marv Matuszak and Bill Forester, along with defensive back Fred Bruney, marked a subtle shift toward fortifying pass defenses, while offensive tackles like Bob St. Clair and Cal Roberts addressed needs for run-blocking reinforcements.[2] West Coast teams, including the 49ers and Eagles, targeted regional talent with picks like St. Clair from Tulsa and Don Johnson from California, aligning with efforts to scout local prospects for easier integration.[2] All selections hailed from U.S. colleges, underscoring the draft's domestic focus without international representation.[2]

Round 4

In the fourth round of the 1953 NFL Draft, teams primarily targeted linemen and versatile backs to add depth to their rosters, with selections emphasizing prospects who could fill niche roles on offense and defense. This round marked a transition to more specialized players compared to the star-focused early rounds, as clubs sought to mitigate weaknesses exposed in the 1952 season, such as inadequate line protection and running back support.[2] The complete list of fourth-round selections is as follows:
Overall PickRound PickTeamPlayerPositionCollege
391Baltimore ColtsTom CatlinLBOklahoma
402Chicago CardinalsGerdes (Buck) MartinEGeorgia Tech
413Washington RedskinsDon BollTNebraska
424Chicago BearsJoe KochBWake Forest
435Pittsburgh SteelersLloyd ColteryahnEMaryland
446Green Bay PackersGib DawsonHBTexas
457New York GiantsEverett DouglasTFlorida
468Philadelphia EaglesGeorge MrkonicTKansas
479San Francisco 49ersEd FullertonDBMaryland
4810Cleveland BrownsDick TamburoCMichigan St.
4911Los Angeles RamsWillie RobertsETulsa
5012Detroit LionsCharlie AneTUSC
Several picks in this round addressed team needs for line reinforcements and special teams contributors, with a notable emphasis on tackles and ends who could provide immediate depth. For instance, the Philadelphia Eagles selected George Mrkonic, a tackle from Kansas, who appeared in 10 games during the 1953 season, helping to stabilize their offensive front amid injuries from the prior year. Similarly, the Washington Redskins chose Don Boll, a tackle from Nebraska, who developed into a long-term asset, playing 92 games over nine seasons primarily with the team. The Green Bay Packers picked halfback Gib Dawson from Texas for backfield versatility, as he contributed in 7 games as a rookie, offering support in rushing and returns. Although no quarterbacks were selected here—unlike earlier rounds where signal-callers like Ted Marchibroda went in the first—the round featured emerging backs like Dawson who could handle punting duties in multi-role capacities, aligning with teams' strategies to build special teams units on a budget.[2] The sign rate for Round 4 was lower than in prior rounds, with only eight of the 12 draftees (67%) appearing in at least one NFL game, attributable to a steeper talent drop-off as teams reached for developmental prospects rather than proven stars. Players like Lloyd Colteryahn (27 games with the Steelers starting in 1956) exemplified underrated finds that provided solid, if not superstar, contributions to line play.[2][28]

Round 5

The fifth round of the 1953 NFL Draft, encompassing overall picks 51 through 62, represented a shift toward roster-filling choices as teams sought depth across offensive and defensive lines.[2] With 12 teams participating, the round yielded a balanced distribution of linemen and skill-position players, emphasizing developmental talent over immediate starters.[29] The complete list of fifth-round selections is as follows:
Overall PickRound PickTeamPlayerPositionCollege
511Baltimore ColtsJack LittleTTexas A&M
522Washington RedskinsNick CarrasBMissouri
533Chicago CardinalsBill ShaloskyGCincinnati
544Pittsburgh SteelersBob GaonaTWake Forest
555Chicago BearsStan JonesGMaryland
566Green Bay PackersRoger ZatkoffLBMichigan
577Philadelphia EaglesEddie BellDBPennsylvania
588San Francisco 49ersHal MillerTGeorgia Tech
599New York GiantsBuford LongDBFlorida
6010Cleveland BrownsBob Van DorenDEUSC
6111Los Angeles RamsTom ScottDEVirginia
6212Philadelphia EaglesRex SmithEIllinois
This round featured an increased emphasis on guards and defensive personnel, with three guards or guard-eligible linemen selected (Shalosky, Jones, and Gaona as a tackle prospect) and multiple defensive ends and backs to address secondary and edge needs.[29] Tackles and ends dominated the positional breakdown, comprising over half the picks, reflecting teams' priorities for trench warfare reinforcements in an era of run-heavy offenses.[2] Picks from smaller colleges were notably prevalent, underscoring the draft's inclusivity beyond major programs; standout examples included selections from Cincinnati, Wake Forest, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, which provided untapped potential from non-powerhouse institutions.[29]

Rounds 6 through 30

The later rounds of the 1953 NFL Draft, spanning rounds 6 through 30, encompassed approximately 300 selections across 25 rounds, reflecting teams' efforts to stock depth charts with developmental talent amid a 12-team league structure.[25] These rounds saw a marked shift toward offensive and defensive linemen, who accounted for roughly 60-70% of selections, as teams prioritized trench warfare reinforcements over skill positions that dominated earlier picks.[2] Colleges such as the University of Southern California led with 15 overall draftees, including several in mid-to-late rounds, while programs like Oklahoma and Georgia contributed multiple linemen and backs for roster fillers.[26] Among the standout late-round selections, the Detroit Lions acquired linebacker Joe Schmidt from the University of Pittsburgh in the seventh round (85th overall), a pick that proved transformative for their defense despite his modest college profile. Similarly, the Green Bay Packers selected center Jim Ringo from Syracuse in the seventh round (80th overall), who anchored lines for over a decade. Further into the draft, the New York Giants found offensive tackle Roosevelt "Rosey" Brown from Morgan State in the 27th round (321st overall), a selection that yielded one of the era's premier blockers and highlighted the value hunts in the draft's tail end.[30] Other examples included tenth-round depth pieces like backs and ends who provided immediate camp competition, though most remained peripheral. Selection trends in these rounds underscored a decline in immediate impact, with many picks serving as low-risk gambles on unproven athletes; trades became more common for future considerations or minor assets, allowing teams to maneuver without immediate commitments.[24] Overall quality tapered off, as evidenced by the fact that only about 20% of late-round draftees appeared in at least five NFL seasons, compared to higher rates from early rounds, and numerous selections never reached a regular-season roster, often relegated to training camp invites or practice squads.[2] This aggregate of over 300 picks thus emphasized quantity over star power, filling out organizational depth while unearthing occasional gems that influenced team trajectories.

Post-Draft Analysis

Hall of Fame Inductees

The 1953 NFL Draft yielded seven players eventually enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, underscoring the class's remarkable depth and the draft's ability to unearth talent across multiple rounds.[5] These inductees spanned defensive ends, fullbacks, offensive tackles, guards, centers, and linebackers, contributing to championship teams and earning numerous Pro Bowl selections over careers that averaged more than a decade.[5] Notably, several were selected in later rounds, highlighting the era's scouting inefficiencies and the value of persistence in player evaluation.[5] Doug Atkins, selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round (11th overall) out of the University of Tennessee as a defensive end, enjoyed a 17-year NFL career (1953–1969) with the Browns and Chicago Bears.[5] A towering 6-foot-8 figure known for his speed and pass-rushing prowess, Atkins earned 11 Pro Bowl nods and helped the Bears win the 1963 NFL Championship. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.[5] John Henry Johnson, a fullback from St. Mary's College of California drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round (18th overall), played 13 seasons (1953–1965) primarily with the San Francisco 49ers after a trade.[5] Renowned for his punishing running style and versatility, Johnson amassed over 6,800 rushing yards and was selected to four Pro Bowls while earning a spot on the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. His induction occurred in 1987.[5] Bob St. Clair, an offensive tackle from the University of Tulsa taken by the San Francisco 49ers in the third round (32nd overall), anchored the line for 11 years (1953–1963) exclusively with the 49ers.[5] Nicknamed "The Old Bald Eagle" for his leadership, he made five Pro Bowl appearances and was known for his durability and blocking excellence. St. Clair entered the Hall of Fame in 1990.[5] Stan Jones, a guard and defensive tackle from the University of Maryland chosen by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round (54th overall), had a 14-year career (1953–1966) split between the Bears and Washington Redskins.[5] One of the first players to excel on both sides of the line, Jones secured seven Pro Bowl honors and was named to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team for his run-blocking and tackling. He was inducted in 1991.[5] Jim Ringo, a center from Syracuse University drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the seventh round (80th overall), played 15 seasons (1953–1967), mostly with the Packers before finishing with the Philadelphia Eagles.[5] Celebrated for his quick snaps and intelligence, Ringo earned 10 Pro Bowl selections and contributed to five NFL Championships with Green Bay under Vince Lombardi. His Hall of Fame induction came in 1981.[5] Joe Schmidt, a linebacker from the University of Pittsburgh selected by the Detroit Lions in the seventh round (86th overall), spent his entire 13-year career (1953–1965) with the Lions, later serving as head coach.[5] A middle linebacker pioneer, Schmidt recorded 24 interceptions and earned 10 Pro Bowl berths while helping the Lions to NFL titles in 1953 and 1957.[31] He was enshrined in 1973.[5] Roosevelt Brown, an offensive tackle from Morgan State University picked by the New York Giants in the 27th round (321st overall), revolutionized the position with his agility during a 13-year tenure (1953–1965) solely with the Giants.[5] Brown made nine Pro Bowl teams and was selected to the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, protecting quarterbacks like Y.A. Tittle en route to the 1956 NFL Championship. Despite his late-round status, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1975.[5]

Notable Later-Round and Undrafted Players

The 1953 NFL Draft exemplified the era's unpredictability, as several players selected in the middle to late rounds went on to enjoy productive careers, often outperforming their draft positions through longevity, versatility, or key contributions to teams. These selections highlighted the value of scouting depth in an expanding league, where teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Cardinals unearthed talent beyond the early rounds.[2] Among later-round standouts, defensive back Tom Brookshier, chosen by the Eagles in the 10th round (117th overall), emerged as a reliable starter with exceptional ball skills, recording 20 interceptions over seven seasons from 1953 to 1961, including eight as a rookie, and earning two Pro Bowl nods while contributing to the 1960 NFL championship team.[32] Linebacker Galen Fiss, selected by the Cleveland Browns in the 13th round (156th overall), anchored the defense for 11 seasons (1956-1966), appearing in 139 games with two Pro Bowl selections and providing consistent tackling in an era of two-way play. Similarly, defensive tackle Ed Husmann, a 9th-round pick (100th overall) by the Chicago Cardinals, enjoyed a 13-season career marked by 142 games played and three Pro Bowls, showcasing durability on the line. Undrafted free agents from the 1953 class further demonstrated the draft's limitations, with several signing as rookies and carving out notable roles. Linebacker Bill Pellington, signed by the Baltimore Colts after going undrafted out of Rutgers, became a 12-year stalwart, playing in 141 games and helping secure NFL championships in 1958 and 1959 through his aggressive middle linebacker play.[33] Defensive tackle Gene "Big Daddy" Lipscomb, who joined the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent, terrorized quarterbacks over ten seasons (1953-1962) across multiple teams, earning two first-team All-Pro selections and amassing 9.5 sacks (unofficial stat) while dominating with his 6'6", 290-pound frame.[34] These players' successes underscored how post-draft signings could yield immediate starters, challenging the primacy of high draft picks in building competitive rosters.

Impact on the 1953 Season

The 1953 NFL draft class provided several key rookies who made immediate contributions to their teams' defenses and offenses during the season, helping shape competitive outcomes in a league dominated by physical play. Defensive end Doug Atkins, selected 11th overall by the Cleveland Browns, started all eight games he appeared in as a rookie, bringing size and disruption to the front line that aided Cleveland's league-leading defense, which allowed 13.5 points per game.[35] Linebacker Joe Schmidt, a seventh-round pick (86th overall) for the Detroit Lions, started all 12 regular-season games, recording two interceptions for 51 yards, including a 30-yard return, and contributed to the Lions' stout run defense that limited opponents to 131.7 rushing yards per game en route to a 10-2 record and the Western Conference title.[36] On offense, offensive tackle Roosevelt Brown, taken in the 27th round (321st overall) by the New York Giants, appeared in 12 games, providing immediate stability to a line that supported a ground game averaging 87.4 rushing yards per game despite the team's overall 3-9 finish.[37] Team-level impacts from the draft were evident in mid-tier squads seeking stability. Quarterback Ted Marchibroda, the fifth overall pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers, saw limited action in four games, completing 9 of 22 passes for 66 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, but his presence offered depth at a position plagued by injuries, contributing to Pittsburgh's middling 6-6 record in the Eastern Conference.[27] The Lions benefited early from Schmidt's versatility in the secondary and linebacker roles, bolstering a defense that forced 53 turnovers during the regular season. For the San Francisco 49ers, first overall pick Harry Babcock caught seven passes for 59 yards in 10 games, adding receiving options to an offense that propelled the team to a 9-3 record and a Western Conference runner-up finish.[38] However, running back Billy Vessels, the second overall selection by the Baltimore Colts, had no NFL statistical impact in 1953 due to opting for the Canadian Football League amid reported injury concerns, leaving the Colts' backfield thin in their 3-9 campaign.[39] The season's outcomes highlighted the draft class's role in playoff pushes, with the Cleveland Browns topping the East at 11-1 and the Lions claiming the West at 10-2 before Detroit edged Cleveland 17-16 in the NFL Championship Game on December 27, 1953, a thriller decided by a late field goal.[40] Rookies from the class were integral to these contenders, as teams like the Browns and Lions integrated over 20 draft picks across active rosters league-wide, with several starting on defenses that emphasized run-stopping and turnovers in an era of balanced offenses.[4] Overall, the 1953 draft class is regarded as average in historical evaluations, producing 111 players who appeared in games but excelling in long-term defensive talent, with at least 15 rookies earning All-Rookie honors or Pro Bowl contention through outlets like the Pro Football Journal's selections, including standouts like Schmidt and Brown.[41] This influx of defensive prospects, including future Hall of Famers like Atkins, Schmidt, Brown, and center Jim Ringo (seventh round, 80th overall by Green Bay), helped usher in the 1950s' defensive-oriented era, where teams prioritized trench warfare and physicality, influencing league strategies for the decade.[5]

References

  1. Pittsburgh to Host 2026 NFL Draft | NFL Football Operations
  2. 1953 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com
  3. NFL Draft No. 1 Selections - NFL.com
  4. 1953 NFL Draft - Pro Football Hall of Fame
  5. 1953 Detroit Lions Draftees - Pro-Football-Reference.com
  6. 1952 NFL Standings & Team Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  7. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/195212280cle.htm
  8. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1952/#scoring
  9. 1952 NFL Leaders and Leaderboards - Pro-Football-Reference.com
  10. 1952 NFL Attendance Data | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  11. 1952 Pittsburgh Steelers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees
  12. NFL Draft History - Pro Football Hall of Fame
  13. 49ers Take Babcock, Georgia Pass-Catching End, as Bonus Pick in ...
  14. 1952 NFL Standings & Team Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  15. NFL announces list of draft locations through 2023 - Raiders.com
  16. 1953 NFL Draft - Pro Football Archives
  17. The History of the Draft - NFL Football Operations
  18. Bert Bell was more than the father of the NFL draft | AP News
  19. Indianapolis Colts History: 1950s
  20. Baltimore Colts - Team History | Pro Football Hall of Fame
  21. Vessels, Billy | The Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture
  22. Indianapolis Colts | NFL Football Operations
  23. 1953 NFL Draft Pick Transactions
  24. Ted Marchibroda Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  25. Gene Donaldson Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  26. 1953 NFL Draft and Supplemental Draft - NFL Team Histories
  27. Colleges with the most NFL draft picks in a single year - NCAA.com
  28. Top all-time NFL draft steals
  29. Hall of Famers by Draft Year | Pro Football Hall of Fame
  30. Joe Schmidt | Pro Football Hall of Fame
  31. Tom Brookshier Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  32. Bill Pellington Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  33. Gene Lipscomb Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  34. Doug Atkins Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  35. Joe Schmidt Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  36. Ronnell Brown Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  37. Harry Babcock Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  38. Billy Vessels Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft, College
  39. 1953 NFL Standings & Team Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com
  40. 1953 Pro Football Journal All-Rookie Team
  41. Hall of Famers by Draft Year
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