1981 Draft

By Patrick Mondout

Many look back on the draft and consider the Saints passing on the greatest defensive player of his era (and perhaps ever) as one of the great draft blunders of all time. They forget that Heisman Trophy winner rushed for a then rookie record 1,674 yards and won Rookie of the Year award. He may not have had a great career, but he wasn't a bust either.

Lawrence Taylor, on the other hand, dominated on defense like no other player of his generation and helped the Giants win a pair of Super Bowls in an era that featured Joe Gibb's Redskins and Joe Montana's 49ers. He was not the only great defensive player selected, however. Three great defensive backs from southern California, Ronnie Lott, Kenny Easley and Dennis Smith were taken in the first round plus Eric Wright, Howie Long, Ricky Jackson and Mike Singletary in the second round! Dexter Manley, who famously spent four years at Oklahoma State without learning how to read, was a fifth round steal for the Redskins.

Taylor, Lott, Singletary, and Long are now in the Hall of Fame.

Below is the first round of the 1981 NFL draft. We also have the entire 12 round draft.

Share Your Memories!

Do you have any compelling feedback to share about this draft? Share your stories with the world! (We print the best stories right here!)