LB · pick 2, First LB at #2 in the Common Draft since 1967, rounds 1-7, LB grouping. (1981)

LB·pick 2

FIRST LB IN OUR WINDOW AT #2

Lawrence Taylor

Drafted by NYG , GM George Young · North Carolina

1981 · round 1

Common Draft since 1967, rounds 1-7, LB grouping.

LBs drafted at #2 in NFL history

most recent: David Bailey (NYJ, 2026)

How rare was this draftigami?

Trained on every pick through 1980, the model gave a linebacker at #2 a 5.9% chance in 1981.

Linebacker at #2, year by year

Each year's estimate uses only that year's draft and the years before it , no peeking ahead. The line smooths across neighboring picks and seasons so a single oddball draft doesn't dominate. The shaded band is the model's 90% uncertainty range.

Peak: 15.4% · 2027 model: 5.1%

Surrounding picks · 1981 draft

#1RBGeorge RogersNO , GM Ken Meyer/staff
#3RBFreeman McNeilNYJ , GM Jim Kensil
#4SKenny EasleySEA , GM John Thompson
#5LBE.J. JuniorARI , GM Bill Bidwill
#6QBRich CampbellGB , GM Bart Starr
#7LBHugh GreenTB , GM Phil Krueger

Drafted at this same coordinate later · 7 picks

2026David BaileyNYJ · Texas Tech
2011Von MillerDEN , GM John Elway · Texas A&M
2000LaVar ArringtonWAS , GM Vinny Cerrato · Penn St.
1996Kevin HardyJAX , GM Tom Coughlin · Illinois
1992Quentin CoryattIND , GM Jim Irsay/staff · Texas A&M
1987Cornelius BennettIND , GM Jim Irsay/staff · Alabama
1982Johnie CooksIND , GM Ernie Accorsi · Mississippi St.

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