LB · pick 12 — first ever linebacker at #12 (1970)

LB·pick 12

FIRST LB EVER DRAFTED AT #12

John Small

Drafted by ATL · The Citadel

1970

LBs drafted at #12 in NFL history

most recent: Micah Parsons (DAL, 2021)

How rare was this draftigami?

Trained on every pick through 1969, the model gave a linebacker at #12 a 9.6% chance in 1970.

Linebacker at #12, 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: 21.4% · 2027 model: 7.1%

Surrounding picks · 1970 draft

#7DTMike ReidCIN
#8RBLarry StegentARI
#9DECedrick HardmanSF
#10WRKen BurroughNO
#11RBBobby AndersonDEN
#13LBJim FilesNYG
#14OGDoug WilkersonTEN
#15WRWalker GilletteLAC
#16TERich McGeorgeGB
#17CBBruce TaylorSF

Drafted at this same coordinate later · 8 picks

2021Micah ParsonsDAL — GM Jerry Jones · Penn St.
2019Rashan GaryGB — GM Brian Gutekunst · Michigan
2005Shawne MerrimanLAC — GM A.J. Smith · Maryland
2004Jonathan VilmaNYJ — GM Terry Bradway · Miami (FL)
1998Keith BrookingATL — GM Harold Richardson · Georgia Tech
1990James FrancisCIN — GM Mike Brown / Duke Tobin · Baylor
1988Ken HarveyARI — GM Bill Bidwill · California
1978Clay MatthewsCLE · USC

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