Ultimate NFL Draft Countdown: 5 Greatest #2 Picks

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Doug Martin (22) runs past New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Nick Fairley (90) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The ultimate NFL draft countdown rolls on. They say men who come in second are just the first losers, but that’s not always the case.

Time has shown the draft is not the perfect animal. Players who go #1 overall sometimes haven’t deserved to while those who went right after them were head and shoulders better. It hasn’t happened just once or twice. There were several instances where future superstars were the second ones off the board. Who were the best of the best in that category? Some might be surprised by some of the choices.

#5: Julius Peppers (2002, Carolina Panthers)

Everything about the man seems bigger than life. At 6’7″, 285 lbs there was no way Julius Peppers should’ve been able to move with the speed and athleticism he had. That was where he basketball background came into focus. An absolute freak of nature. He became one of the best pass rushers of the past two decades with 143.5 career sacks and counting. He’s 37-years old and is still playing at a high level. A testament to his incredible skill and work ethic.

#4: Sid Luckman (1939, Chicago Bears)

The first true dynasty quarterback before Bradshaw, Montana and Brady made it cool. Sid Luckman wasn’t just a great passer who helped revolutionize the position along with Sammy Baugh in the 1940s. He also delivered quality years as a defensive back and punter. A true all-around football player. Despite the hardships of World War II he guided the Chicago Bears to four NFL championships and held all their passing record for over 60 years.

#3: Randy White (1975, Dallas Cowboys)

People finally felt the Dallas Cowboys were in decline by the mid-1970s after a string of tough seasons including no playoffs in 1974. Then in ’75 everything changed. Dallas added Maryland defensive tackle Randy White and suddenly the Doomsday defense was reborn. White was as close to a force of nature as a player can ever get. A frighteningly strong man with maniac intensity who bullied offensive linemen. The “Manster” became his nickname and he lived up to it.

#2: Marshall Faulk (1994, Indianapolis Colts)

Offensive football was evolving slowly in the 1990s. It hadn’t yet undergone a full transformation. That is until the arrival of Marshall Faulk. Despite being undersized, his agility and speed were incredible to watch at time. Yet it was his versatility as a pass catcher and astute knowledge of the game that made him a superstar. He’s the only running back in history with four seasons of 2,000 or more total yards. Throw in a ring and an MVP honor that’s a pretty fair argument for #2 on this list.

#1: Lawrence Taylor (1981, New York Giants)

The top spot of any list like this must be reserved for men who changed the game of football. Men who forced the league to alter their perception. Few did that more than Lawrence Taylor. Nobody had ever seen a defensive force with a mix of size, speed and athleticism like him before. He could do things on the field people hadn’t seen before. Fast enough to be a linebacker but strong and violent enough to be a pass rusher. A true superstar who almost single-handedly altered the fortunate of a franchise overnight.

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