Freeman McNeil was drafted No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in the 1981 NFL Draft out of UCLA. 144 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 75 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #3
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1981
- NFL games
- 144
- Years as starter
- 8
- Career AV
- 756th at UCLA
- Pro Bowls
- 3
- All-Pro
- 1
The pick
How Freeman McNeil came off the board in 1981.
- Position
- Running back RB
- College
-
UCLA
Big Ten at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
144 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 75 career approximate value
- Games played
- 144
- Seasons as a starter
- 8
- Career approximate value
- 756th among UCLA picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 75100% of career value
- Final season
- 199211 years after the draft
- Accolades
- 1× All-Pro · 3× Pro Bowl
Around pick 3
Who came off the board on either side of Freeman McNeil.
South Carolina · 1× All-Pro · 2× Pro Bowl
North Carolina · Hall of Fame · 8× All-Pro · 10× Pro Bowl
Alabama · 1× All-Pro · 2× Pro Bowl
UCLA in the 1981 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other RB picks from UCLA
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Freeman McNeil in the 1981 NFL Draft
Freeman McNeil is a Running back out of UCLA selected No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in the 1981 NFL Draft. 144 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 75 career approximate value UCLA has produced 180 NFL draft picks since 1980.
Where this data comes from
Pick order and career outcomes come from the nflverse draft archive; position, measurables, and conference at the time of the draft come from the college feed. Career columns stay empty until a player logs regular-season snaps.
Frequently asked questions
Where was Freeman McNeil drafted?
Freeman McNeil was selected No. 3 overall by the New York Jets in the 1981 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1981/freeman-mcneil.
What college did Freeman McNeil play for?
Freeman McNeil played college football at UCLA in the Big Ten. See every UCLA draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/ucla-bruins.
How did Freeman McNeil's NFL career turn out?
144 regular-season games · 8 seasons as a starter · 75 career approximate value Accolades: 1× All-Pro · 3× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1981/freeman-mcneil.