Jerry Ball was drafted No. 63 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1987 NFL Draft out of SMU. 191 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 66 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #63
- Round
- 3
- Draft class
- 1987
- NFL games
- 191
- Years as starter
- 10
- Career AV
- 662nd at SMU
- Pro Bowls
- 3
- All-Pro
- 1
The pick
How Jerry Ball came off the board in 1987.
- Position
- Nose tackle NT
- College
-
SMU
ACC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
191 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 66 career approximate value
- Games played
- 191
- Seasons as a starter
- 10
- Career approximate value
- 662nd among SMU picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 4365% of career value
- Final season
- 199912 years after the draft
- Accolades
- 1× All-Pro · 3× Pro Bowl
Around pick 63
Who came off the board on either side of Jerry Ball.
Iowa
San Diego State
Baylor
Auburn
SMU in the 1987 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other NT picks from SMU
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Jerry Ball in the 1987 NFL Draft
Jerry Ball is a Nose tackle out of SMU selected No. 63 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1987 NFL Draft. 191 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 66 career approximate value SMU has produced 55 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 Jerry Ball drafted?
Jerry Ball was selected No. 63 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1987 NFL Draft (Rd 3). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1987/jerry-ball.
What college did Jerry Ball play for?
Jerry Ball played college football at SMU in the ACC. See every SMU draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/smu-mustangs.
How did Jerry Ball's NFL career turn out?
191 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 66 career approximate value Accolades: 1× All-Pro · 3× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1987/jerry-ball.