Steve Atwater was drafted No. 20 overall by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 NFL Draft out of Arkansas. 167 regular-season games · 11 seasons as a starter · 81 career approximate value
- Overall pick
- #20
- Round
- 1
- Draft class
- 1989
- NFL games
- 167
- Years as starter
- 11
- Career AV
- 811st at Arkansas
- Pro Bowls
- 8
- All-Pro
- 2
The pick
How Steve Atwater came off the board in 1989.
- Position
- Defensive back DB
- College
-
Arkansas
SEC at the draft
- Side of the ball
- Defense
NFL career
167 regular-season games · 11 seasons as a starter · 81 career approximate value
- Games played
- 167
- Seasons as a starter
- 11
- Career approximate value
- 811st among Arkansas picks
- AV with the drafting club
- 7998% of career value
- Final season
- 199910 years after the draft
- Accolades
- Hall of Fame · 2× All-Pro · 8× Pro Bowl
Around pick 20
Who came off the board on either side of Steve Atwater.
Minnesota
Miami
Michigan State · 1× All-Pro · 5× Pro Bowl
Arkansas in the 1989 draft
Teammates who went in the same class.
Other DB picks from Arkansas
The program's most accomplished players at the same spot.
About this draft profile
Last updated Aug 24, 2026
Steve Atwater in the 1989 NFL Draft
Steve Atwater is a Defensive back out of Arkansas selected No. 20 overall by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 NFL Draft. 167 regular-season games · 11 seasons as a starter · 81 career approximate value Arkansas has produced 127 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 Steve Atwater drafted?
Steve Atwater was selected No. 20 overall by the Denver Broncos in the 1989 NFL Draft (Rd 1). Full pick detail at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1989/steve-atwater.
What college did Steve Atwater play for?
Steve Atwater played college football at Arkansas in the SEC. See every Arkansas draft pick at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/schools/arkansas-razorbacks.
How did Steve Atwater's NFL career turn out?
167 regular-season games · 11 seasons as a starter · 81 career approximate value Accolades: Hall of Fame · 2× All-Pro · 8× Pro Bowl. Career outcome data at https://fantasyhq.co/cfb-hq/draft-history/players/1989/steve-atwater.