Teams with the most top-five picks since 1992, courtesy of the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Joe Reedy:
5. Indianapolis (six) » Surprising, except the Colts have not been in the top five since 1999. And their last two top-five choices? Quarterback Peyton Manning (1998) and running back Edgerrin James (1999). Their worst pick? Defensive end Steve Emtman (1992), who recorded eight career sacks.
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4. Detroit (six) » Shocking, isn’t it? Worse: five of those picks have come in the past nine drafts. That’s a lot of bad football. The Lions missed out on one quarterback (Joey Harrington, third overall) and receiver (Charles Rogers, second overall).
3. Arizona (seven) » Not only did the Cardinals have this many top-five picks, they’ve had 12 top-10 selections during this stretch. For every Larry Fitzgerald (third overall) and Simeon Rice (third) there has been a Leonard Davis (second) and Andre Wadsworth (third). Yes, the Cards pick fifth Thursday.
2. Washington (seven) » Of the seven picks, three were busts: receiver Desmond Howard (fourth), quarterback Heath Shuler (third) and receiver Michael Westbrook (fourth). But the others? LaVar Arrington (second), Chris Samuels (third), Sean Taylor (fifth) and Trent Williams (fourth). Williams remains unproven.
1. Cincinnati (eight) » The Bengals pick fourth this season, their first time in the top five since 2003 when they selected quarterback Carson Palmer. Among their busts: defensive tackle Dan Wilkinson and running back Ki-Jana Carter; they went first overall in consecutive years. And, yes, both eventually played for the Redskins. Then there was quarterback Akili Smith (third), who threw five career touchdown passes.
