[3] The draft was notable for the selection of Michigan quarterback Tom Brady at the 199th pick in the sixth round by the New England Patriots.

In his 23 seasons in the NFL, Brady won a record 7 Super Bowl titles (6 with the Patriots, 1 with the Buccaneers), 3 NFL MVP awards, and a record 5 Super Bowl MVPs.

As a result of his late selection and subsequent success, Brady is considered to be the biggest steal in the history of the NFL draft.

[4][5] It was also the first year since 1966 that a pure placekicker was drafted in the first round, with the Oakland Raiders selecting Florida State's Sebastian Janikowski 17th overall.

As of 2024, there are no more active players remaining from this draft, with Tom Brady retiring in February of 2023.