1949 NFL draft

The 1949 NFL draft was held on December 21, 1948, at The Bellevue-Stratford Hotel in Philadelphia. The draft was preceded by a secret draft meeting held November 15, 1948, at the Hotel Schenley in Pittsburgh.

This was the third year that the first overall pick was a bonus pick determined by lottery, with the previous two winners (Chicago Bears in 1947 and Washington Redskins in 1948) ineligible from the draw; it was won by the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected center/linebacker Chuck Bednarik.

Hall of Famers

 * Chuck Bednarik, center from the University of Pennsylvania taken 1st round 1st overall by the Philadelphia Eagles.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1967.


 * Norm Van Brocklin, quarterback from the University of Oregon taken 4th round 37th overall by the Los Angeles Rams.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1971.


 * George Blanda, quarterback from the University of Kentucky taken 12th round 119th overall by the Chicago Bears.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1981.


 * Doak Walker, halfback from Southern Methodist University taken 1st round 3rd overall by the Boston Yanks.
 * Inducted: Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1986.


 * Jim Finks, quarterback from Tulsa taken 12th round 116th overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
 * Inducted: For his achievements as an Executive Professional Football Hall of Fame class of 1995.


 * Although not an inductee, Wallace Triplett's photograph hangs in the Hall of Fame in recognition of his being the first African-American to be drafted by and play for a National Football League team.