Quick Answer
Defensive backs and wide receivers are drafted most frequently. Offensive and defensive linemen are also heavily drafted due to roster depth needs.
What Position Gets Drafted the Most?
The positions drafted most frequently in the NFL Draft are:
Most Drafted Positions (All-Time)
- Defensive Back (DB/CB/S) – ~1,900+ picks
- Wide Receiver (WR) – ~1,800+ picks
- Linebacker (LB) – ~1,700+ picks
- Offensive Lineman (OL/OG/OT) – ~1,600+ picks
- Defensive Lineman (DL/DE/DT) – ~1,500+ picks
- Running Back (RB) – ~1,400+ picks
- Quarterback (QB) – ~900+ picks
- Tight End (TE) – ~700+ picks
- Kicker/Punter (PK/P) – ~400+ picks
Defensive backs are the most frequently drafted position because teams need 4-5 DBs on the field in modern passing-heavy offenses, and the position has high attrition.
Quarterbacks are drafted less frequently because teams only need 2-3 on their roster, but QBs are drafted highest on average (most 1st round picks).