VIDEO: History of the NFL Draft

The history of the NFL Draft. Rick Williams reports during Action News at 5 p.m. on April 27.

Today, the NFL Draft is a ratings bonanza.

But more than 80 years ago when the draft started here in Philadelphia, it was much smaller, with much less fanfare.

Rick Williams takes a look back at the history of the NFL Draft in the above video.

Washington Redskins Club president George Marshall with National Football League Commissioner Bert Bell in Philadelphia on Jan. 31, 1957.AP

Draft choice list is checked closely by Green Bay Packers scout Jack Vainisi, left, Packers new head coach Ray McLean, center, assistant coach Jack Morton, Jan. 28, 1958 in Phila.AP

About to uncover coins in three-way toss-up deciding order for 4th, 5th and 6th places in the National Football League player draft on Dec. 1, 1958 in Philadelphia.AP

Ray McLean, left, Green Bay Packers coach, raises hand in gesture marking the first choice in the annual NFL player draft, Dec. 1, 1958 in Philadelphia.AP

Billy Cannon, center, listens during conversation between Los Angeles Rams' coach Sid Gillman, left, and Ram's general manager Pete Rozrelle in Philadelphia, Pa., Nov. 30, 1959.AP

Tom Landry, left, coach of the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL, goes over draft eligibles roster at the NFL draft meeting in Philadelphia on Dec. 27, 1960 GM Tex Schramm.AP

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