The NFL Draft is just around the corner, and as teams prepare to make their first-round picks, let’s take a look back at one of the best No. 4 picks in draft history: Walter Payton, selected by the Chicago Bears in 1975. Payton went on to break all sorts of records, including rushing yards and touchdowns, surpassing even the legendary Jim Brown. He was a five-time first-team All-Pro, a nine-time Pro Bowler, and took home the 1977 MVP award. Plus, he led the Bears to their only Super Bowl victory during the 1985 season. Talk about a legend!

As for the best No. 4 pick from the SEC, that’s gotta be John Hannah, who was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1973. Hannah earned his spot as one of the greatest offensive linemen ever, getting All-Pro honors seven times and making nine Pro Bowls. He helped the Patriots reach their first Super Bowl in 1985 and earned a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. Not bad for a guy who was an All-American at Alabama!

And if you’re talking about players with Alabama roots, John Hannah’s story is even more impressive. He was a standout at Albertville High School and then went on to dominate at Alabama, where he was a unanimous All-American. Despite some advice from Coach Bear Bryant to skip hiring a lawyer, Hannah went on to have a legendary 13-year NFL career that led the Patriots to retire his number.

So as the draft approaches, all eyes will be on who’s picked at No. 4 this year. But no matter who it is, they’ve got some pretty big shoes to fill!