The Best #2 Overall NFL Draft Picks of All Time

The NFL Draft is an annual event that can dramatically alter the trajectory of a team's fortunes. While the first overall pick often garners the most attention, the #2 overall selection has produced some of the most iconic and impactful players in league history. Here, we delve into the careers of those athletes who were not only chosen second but went on to leave an indelible mark on the sport.

Lawrence Taylor (1981 - New York Giants)

Arguably the greatest #2 pick in NFL history, Lawrence Taylor transformed the linebacker position and the defensive landscape of the NFL. Selected by the New York Giants in 1981, Taylor quickly proved his worth by earning Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his debut season. His impact was immediate; the Giants improved from a 4-12 record in 1980 to 9-7 in 1981. Taylor's ferocious style of play, his speed, agility, and ability to sack quarterbacks (he finished with 132.5 career sacks) helped the Giants win two Super Bowls (XXI and XXV). His legacy includes three Defensive Player of the Year awards, ten Pro Bowl selections, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999. Taylor's influence on football strategy and defensive play is still studied today.

Marshall Faulk (1994 - Indianapolis Colts)

Selected by the Indianapolis Colts, Marshall Faulk was a dynamic running back whose versatility made him one of the league's most electric players. Faulk was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1994, showcasing his dual threat as a rusher and receiver. His tenure in Indianapolis was marked by consistent performance, but it was after his trade to the St. Louis Rams where he truly shone. With the "Greatest Show on Turf," Faulk won a Super Bowl (XXXIV), three NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards, and was a key component in one of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. Faulk's career stats include over 12,000 rushing yards and 10,000 receiving yards, making him an elite dual-threat back. His induction into the Hall of Fame in 2011 was well-deserved.

Calvin Johnson (2007 - Detroit Lions)

Calvin "Megatron" Johnson redefined what a wide receiver could do in the modern NFL. Picked by the Detroit Lions, Johnson's blend of size, speed, and catching ability made him a nightmare for defenses. His 2012 season, where he amassed 1,964 receiving yards, set a single-season record at the time. Johnson was a Pro Bowl selection six times in his nine-year career and was named to the All-Pro team three times. His career was unfortunately cut short due to injuries, but his impact on the field was monumental, leading to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021. Johnson's 13,250 receiving yards and 83 touchdown catches in just 135 games are testament to his dominance.

Julius Peppers (2002 - Carolina Panthers)

Julius Peppers was not just a #2 pick; he was a force of nature. Selected by the Carolina Panthers, Peppers entered the league with an immediate impact, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. His career is highlighted by longevity and versatility, playing both defensive end and linebacker. Peppers' career sack total of 159.5 ranks him among the top sack artists in NFL history. His ability to disrupt games, whether through sacks, forced fumbles, or his sheer physical presence, made him a perennial Pro Bowler (nine selections) and a member of the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. Peppers played for three teams during his 17-year career but left a significant legacy with the Panthers, where he was eventually honored in their Hall of Honor.

Randy White (1975 - Dallas Cowboys)

Randy "The Manster" White was a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' "Doomsday Defense." Taken second overall in the 1975 draft, White was instrumental in the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII victory, where he was co-MVP with teammate Harvey Martin. His career was marked by consistency and dominance, with nine Pro Bowl selections and seven All-Pro nods. White's versatility allowed him to play both defensive tackle and defensive end, showcasing his athletic prowess and football IQ. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994 was a reflection of his significant impact on the defensive side of the ball.

Tony Dorsett (1977 - Dallas Cowboys)

Following Randy White, Tony Dorsett was another #2 pick that significantly impacted the Cowboys' roster. Known for his breakaway speed, Dorsett won the Rookie of the Year award in 1977 and played a pivotal role in the Cowboys' Super Bowl XII triumph. His career highlight includes a 99-yard touchdown run in 1983, which remains the longest run from scrimmage in NFL history. Dorsett's 12,739 rushing yards and 77 touchdowns are hallmarks of a stellar career, leading to his enshrinement in the Hall of Fame in 1994. His selection was a defining moment for the Cowboys, providing them with a running back who could change the game in an instant.

Eric Dickerson (1983 - Los Angeles Rams)

Eric Dickerson, selected by the Los Angeles Rams, was a running back whose style was as memorable as his stats. His rookie season saw him rush for over 1,800 yards, earning him the Rookie of the Year award. Dickerson's career included leading the league in rushing four times and setting the single-season rushing record in 1984 with 2,105 yards, a record that stood for nearly 30 years. Known for his unique running style with the ball held high, Dickerson's career was characterized by durability and excellence, culminating in his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

Honorable Mentions

• Tony Boselli (1995 - Jacksonville Jaguars): A dominant offensive tackle, Boselli was a key part of the Jaguars' early success, earning five Pro Bowl selections in his brief but impactful career. His career was cut short by injuries, but his protection for quarterbacks like Mark Brunell was legendary.

• Ndamukong Suh (2010 - Detroit Lions): Known for his disruptive force on the defensive line, Suh was a terror for offensive lines, earning multiple All-Pro selections and significantly impacting games with his ability to stop runs and pressure quarterbacks.

The #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft has historically been a spot where teams find players who not only excel but often redefine positions or change how the game is played. These athletes have not only had stellar careers but have also left legacies that continue to influence the sport. From the revolutionary defensive prowess of Lawrence Taylor to the offensive dynamism of Marshall Faulk, each of these players has contributed to the rich tapestry of NFL history. Their inductions into the Hall of Fame underscore their significance, making them not just some of the best #2 picks, but some of the greatest players in NFL history.