DT · pick 81 — first ever defensive tackle at #81 (1988)

DT·pick 81

FIRST DT EVER DRAFTED AT #81

Tony Stephens

Drafted by NO — GM Jim Finks · Clemson

1988

DTs drafted at #81 in NFL history

most recent: Albert Regis (JAX, 2026)

How rare was this draftigami?

Trained on every pick through 1987, the model gave a defensive tackle at #81 a 6.8% chance in 1988.

Defensive tackle at #81, 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: 16.1% · 2027 model: 11.4%

Surrounding picks · 1988 draft

#76QBChris ChandlerIND — GM Jim Irsay/staff
#77LBVan WaitersCLE — GM Ernie Accorsi
#78DERalph JarvisCHI — GM Bill Tobin
#79CBKevin GuidryDEN — GM John Beake
#80LBBill RomanowskiSF — GM John McVay
#82DEMike PielLAR — GM John Shaw
#83DERobert GoffTB — GM Phil Krueger
#84DEDavid GrantCIN — GM Mike Brown / Duke Tobin
#85SWilliam WhiteDET — GM Russ Thomas
#86OGJohn BruhinTB — GM Phil Krueger

Drafted at this same coordinate later · 6 picks

2026Albert RegisJAX · Texas A&M
2010Earl MitchellHOU — GM Rick Smith · Arizona
2009Roy MillerTB — GM Mark Dominik · Texas
2007Jay AlfordNYG — GM Jerry Reese · Penn St.
2001Kenny SmithNO — GM Randy Mueller · Alabama
1990Craig VeaseyPIT — GM Dick Haley · Houston

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