Quick Answer
The Broncos, Seahawks, Ravens, and several other teams have never held the #1 overall pick. The most successful teams rarely pick first.
Which Teams Have Never Had the #1 Overall Pick?
Several NFL teams have never held the #1 overall pick in the NFL Draft:
Teams Without a #1 Overall Pick
- Denver Broncos (founded 1960)
- Seattle Seahawks (founded 1976)
- Baltimore Ravens (founded 1996, successor to Browns)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (founded 1995)
- Miami Dolphins (founded 1966)
- Kansas City Chiefs (founded 1960 as Texans)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (never had #1 in modern draft era)
Why Haven't They Had #1?
Teams without #1 picks tend to be:
- Historically successful – Good teams don't pick first (Steelers, Broncos, Seahawks)
- Newer franchises – Haven't existed long enough to hit rock bottom (Ravens, Jaguars)
- Consistently average – Never bad enough for #1 (Dolphins, Chiefs)
The Steelers Exception
The Pittsburgh Steelers have never held the #1 overall pick in the modern draft era (since 1936), the longest streak in the NFL. Their consistent success has kept them out of the top spot.