DT · pick 72 — first ever defensive tackle at #72 (1972)

DT·pick 72

FIRST DT EVER DRAFTED AT #72

Mel Lunsford

Drafted by LV · Central State

1972

DTs drafted at #72 in NFL history

most recent: Alim McNeill (DET, 2021)

How rare was this draftigami?

Trained on every pick through 1971, the model gave a defensive tackle at #72 a 5.8% chance in 1972.

Defensive tackle at #72, year by year

Each year's estimate uses only that year's draft and the years before it — no peeking ahead. The line smooths across neighboring picks and seasons so a single oddball draft doesn't dominate. The shaded band is the model's 90% uncertainty range.

Peak: 16.4% · 2027 model: 11.8%

Surrounding picks · 1972 draft

#67RBLes GoodmanATL
#68OGTom LukenPHI
#69RBMozisek, TomTom MozisekNYG
#70RBLawrence McCutcheonLAR
#71WRAllen DunbarSF
#73DEJim WhiteNE
#74STom MyersNO
#75OGSolomon FreelonTEN
#76SBobby MajorsPHI
#77RBGary KosinsMIA

Drafted at this same coordinate later · 10 picks

2021Alim McNeillDET — GM Brad Holmes · North Carolina St.
2018Nathan ShepherdNYJ — GM Mike Maccagnan · Fort Hays St.
2016Jonathan BullardCHI — GM Ryan Pace · Florida
2009Terrance KnightonJAX — GM Gene Smith · Temple
2004Donnell WashingtonGB — GM Mike Sherman · Clemson
2000Kendrick ClancyPIT — GM Kevin Colbert · Mississippi
1989Mitchell BensonIND — GM Jim Irsay/staff · TCU
1987Henry ThomasMIN — GM Mike Lynn · LSU
1984Donnie HumphreyGB — GM Forrest Gregg · Auburn
1978Ted VincentCIN · Wichita State

→ see this cell on the full chart