Barry Sanders was drafted No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. 153 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 120 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #3
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1989
- NFL games
- 153
- Years as starter
- 10
- Career AV
- 1201st at Oklahoma State
- Pro Bowls
- 10
- All-Pro
- 6
The pick
How Barry Sanders came off the board in 1989.
- Position
- Running back RB
- Side of the ball
- Offense
NFL career
153 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 120 career approximate value
- Games played
- 153
- Seasons as a starter
- 10
- Career approximate value
- 1201st among Oklahoma State picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 120100% of career value
- Final season
- 19989 years after the draft
- Accolades
- Hall of Fame · 6× All-Pro · 10× Pro Bowl
Around pick 3
Who came off the board on either side of Barry Sanders.
UCLA · Hall of Fame · 6× Pro Bowl
Michigan State
Alabama · Hall of Fame · 2× All-Pro · 9× Pro Bowl
Florida State · Hall of Fame · 6× All-Pro · 8× Pro Bowl
Oklahoma State in the 1989 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other RB picks from Oklahoma State
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
Oklahoma State · Hall of Fame · 2× All-Pro · 5× Pro Bowl
#249
Chris Carson
RB · SEA · 2017
Oklahoma State
#126
Chuba Hubbard
RB · CAR · 2021
Oklahoma State
#41
Tatum Bell
RB · DEN · 2004
Oklahoma State
#113
Justice Hill
RB · BAL · 2019
Oklahoma State
#115
Kendall Hunter
RB · SF · 2011
Oklahoma State
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Barry Sanders in the 1989 NFL Draft
Barry Sanders is a Running back out of Oklahoma State selected No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft. 153 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 120 career approximate value Oklahoma State has produced 84 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 Barry Sanders drafted?
Barry Sanders was selected No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1989/barry-sanders.
What college did Barry Sanders play for?
Barry Sanders played college football at Oklahoma State in the Big 12. See every Oklahoma State draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/oklahoma-state-cowboys.
How did Barry Sanders's NFL career turn out?
153 regular-season games · 10 seasons as a starter · 120 career approximate value Accolades: Hall of Fame · 6× All-Pro · 10× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1989/barry-sanders.