Each NFL team’s best ever 1st-round draft pick
OLB. North Carolina. Lawrence Taylor. '81. player. 31. <p>In 1981, the New York Giants selected outside linebacker Lawerence Taylor from North Carolina. The proud franchise won and went to championships in the ’50s and ’60s but lost their way in the ’70s. They did it with great defenses led by middle linebacker Sam Huff and were looking to get back to that in the ’80s.</p> <p>And boy did they as Taylor was a 1-man game-plan wrecker and the best defensive player to ever play. Before Taylor, running backs blocked blitzing 3-4 outside linebackers in pass protection. But he was too physical for running backs and too quick for left tackles so most of the time, offenses started using both to block him.</p><div class=
Taylor was also very stout against he run to his side and if you run away from him, he chased it down. And if that isn’t enough, he could lock down tight ends and running backs in pass coverage. When he wasn’t making a running back or quarterback fumble, he could intercept a pass to get his Giants the ball back.
Taylor’s overall dominance on defense led to the Giants winning Super Bowls in 1986 and in 1990. His 132 sacks over his career helped him to eight All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowls in his 13 years. He’s a 1st-ballot Hall of Fame player who’s traits are still desired by scouts from today’s players.
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'81
Lawrence Taylor
OLB, North Carolina
In 1981, the New York Giants selected outside linebacker Lawerence Taylor from North Carolina. The proud franchise won and went to championships in the ’50s and ’60s but lost their way in the ’70s. They did it with great defenses led by middle linebacker Sam Huff and were looking to get back to that in the ’80s.
And boy did they as Taylor was a 1-man game-plan wrecker and the best defensive player to ever play. Before Taylor, running backs blocked blitzing 3-4 outside linebackers in pass protection. But he was too physical for running backs and too quick for left tackles so most of the time, offenses started using both to block him.
Taylor was also very stout against he run to his side and if you run away from him, he chased it down. And if that isn’t enough, he could lock down tight ends and running backs in pass coverage. When he wasn’t making a running back or quarterback fumble, he could intercept a pass to get his Giants the ball back.
Taylor’s overall dominance on defense led to the Giants winning Super Bowls in 1986 and in 1990. His 132 sacks over his career helped him to eight All-Pro selections and 10 Pro Bowls in his 13 years. He’s a 1st-ballot Hall of Fame player who’s traits are still desired by scouts from today’s players.
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