Who had the number one draft pick overall in the NFL 2005 Draft?

The San Francisco 49ers had the number one overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft.

They used it on quarterback Alex Smith from the University of Utah, selecting him first overall on April 23, 2005. San Francisco entered the draft needing a potential franchise quarterback, and Smith had risen rapidly after an impressive college season that included leading Utah to an undefeated record and a Fiesta Bowl victory.

A common mix-up is Aaron Rodgers, who was widely expected by some analysts to be selected first. Rodgers ultimately fell to the Green Bay Packers at pick 24, while Smith became the draft’s top selection. The 49ers’ choice was also notable because Smith became the first overall pick in a draft class that included several future stars, including Rodgers and running back Frank Gore.

Smith spent eight seasons with San Francisco before joining the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013. The 2005 selection remains part of the 49ers’ draft history as the pick that brought their future starting quarterback to the team.