Zach Thomas came to the Miami Dolphins as a fifth round pick from Texas Tech, and he would prove to be the most dynamic defensive player that Miami ever had. 

A two-time All-MAC player at Akron, Jason Taylor was a Third Round pick in 1997, where he was an All-Rookie player.  That first year was a good start for a Defensive End who would become a great player.

A First Round pick from Pittsburgh, Dan Marino would win the starting Quarterback job during his rookie season in 1983.  He was an All-Rookie and Pro Bowl selection, but that was just the beginning of what would become one of the most phenomenal careers ever by a Quarterback.

Signed by the Buffalo Bills in 1995 after five productive seasons in Green Bay, Bryce Paup arrived in Western New York as one of the most transformative free-agent additions in franchise history. Stepping onto Wade Phillips' defense opposite Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith, Paup provided an unstoppable pass-rushing dynamic that ignited Buffalo's front seven.

Paup showcased a great blend of length, initial burst, and relentless hand technique. Playing mainly as a 3-4 left outside linebacker, his strength on film was turning speed into power; he often won one-on-one battles on the edge by dipping his shoulder under offensive tackles or using an explosive bull-rush to pressure the quarterback, making things difficult for the offense.

Paup had a memorable debut season in 1995, showcasing one of the most impressive single-season pass-rushing feats in NFL history. Exploiting situations where offenses focused extra blockers on Bruce Smith, Paup dominated backfields, leading the NFL with a career-best 17.5 sacks. He also tallied 89 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions. Paup made history as the first Bills player to receive the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award, also earning First-Team All-Pro honors and his second Pro Bowl selection.

Paup remained a force on the edge over the next two seasons, anchoring Buffalo's linebacker corps. He logged 6.0 sacks and 11 tackles for loss in 1996, earning another Pro Bowl selection. He backed that up in 1997 with 9.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, and an interception in 15 starts, securing his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod as a Bill.

After the 1997 season, Paup joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as a free agent. Although his time with Buffalo was short, it represented the pinnacle of his career. During his three seasons with the Bills (1995–1997), he started all 45 regular-season games he played, recording 33.0 sacks, 215 tackles, six forced fumbles, two recoveries, and three interceptions.