<P> An African - American had not played in the NFL since prior to the draft's institution . In 1939, Kenny Washington was, to no small extent, viewed as one of the greatest college football players of all time . After information was made available to at least one owner of a franchise, Washington was not drafted by any team for the 1940 NFL Draft . </P> <P> The draft would be eventually codified into the NFL Constitution, although no information is available on when that originally occurred . </P> <P> "Bullet Bill" Dudley was the first overall pick in the 1942 draft and he would eventually become the first player picked first overall in the draft to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame . </P> <P> Eddie Kotal became the first man scout in 1946 when he was hired by Dan Reeves of the Los Angeles Rams . </P>

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