The draft had twelve rounds until reduced to eight in 1993 and seven the following year, where it has remains.
The draft began with commissioner Pete Rozelle dedicating a moment of silence to California quarterback Joe Roth, one of the most electric passers in college football.
Eligible for this draft, he died in February from skin cancer at the age of 21.
With the first overall pick of the draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected USC running back Ricky Bell.
Next was Heisman Trophy winner Tony Dorsett of national champion Pittsburgh, taken by the Dallas Cowboys.