The 1981 NFL Draft

The 1981 NFL Draft is regarded as one of the most talented and transformative in the league's history. Held on April 28-29, 1981, at the Sheraton Hotel in New York City, this draft produced an exceptional number of Hall of Fame players and significantly impacted the landscape of the NFL for over a decade.

The 1981 NFL Draft produced NFL legends like Lawrence Taylor, Ronnie Lott, and Mike Singletary, shaping the league's landscape for years to come.

✦ The First Round: A Foundation of Greatness

The first round of the 1981 draft was particularly strong, featuring several players who would go on to achieve legendary status. The New Orleans Saints selected Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers from the University of South Carolina with the first overall pick. While Rogers had a productive career, the draft's true gems were selected later in the round.

The New York Giants, with the second pick, selected Lawrence Taylor, a linebacker from the University of North Carolina. Taylor is widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history, revolutionizing the linebacker position with his speed, athleticism, and pass-rushing ability. His impact on the game was immediate and profound, earning him the Defensive Player of the Year award as a rookie.

The Seattle Seahawks selected Kenny Easley, a safety from UCLA, with the fourth overall pick. Easley became a dominant force in the secondary, known for his hard-hitting style and exceptional ball skills. His career, though shortened by injury, earned him a place in the Hall of Fame.

The San Francisco 49ers, who already had a strong foundation, added another Hall of Famer with the eighth pick, selecting Ronnie Lott from USC. Lott, originally drafted as a cornerback, became one of the greatest safeties of all time. His toughness, intelligence, and leadership were instrumental in the 49ers' dynasty of the 1980s.

Other notable first-round selections included Hugh Green (7th, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), a highly touted linebacker from Pittsburgh, and Dennis Smith (15th, Denver Broncos), a hard-hitting safety from USC. Mark May (20th, Washington Redskins) and Brian Holloway (19th, New England Patriots) were solid offensive linemen who had long careers. Hanford Dixon (22nd, Cleveland Browns) was a popular and very good cornerback.

✦ Beyond the First Round: Hall of Famers and Stars

The 1981 draft's talent extended well beyond the first round. The Chicago Bears selected Mike Singletary, a linebacker from Baylor University, in the second round (38th overall). Singletary became the heart and soul of the Bears' dominant defense of the mid-1980s, known for his intensity, leadership, and exceptional play. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1998.

The second round also saw the selection of players like James Brooks (24th, Cincinnati Bengals), and Cris Collinsworth (37th, Cincinnati Bengals) who became important offensive contributors for their teams. The Oakland Raiders drafted Howie Long (48th overall), a defensive tackle from Villanova University, in the second round. Long became a dominant defensive lineman known for his strength, quickness, and pass-rushing ability, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. Round 2 also saw the selection of a very good linebacker in Rickey Jackson (51st, New Orleans Saints).

The Washington Redskins had an exceptionally productive draft, selecting several players who would become key contributors to their success in the 1980s. Among them were offensive linemen Mark May (first round) and Russ Grimm (third round), and defensive lineman Dexter Manley (fifth round), all integral parts of the "Hogs" offensive line and dominant defensive front that helped the Redskins win multiple Super Bowls.

✦ Legacy of the 1981 NFL Draft

The 1981 NFL Draft is remembered for its remarkable depth of talent. The players selected in this draft had a lasting impact on the league, leading their teams to numerous championships and earning individual accolades. The presence of four Hall of Fame players (Taylor, Easley, Lott, and Singletary), along with other highly successful players, solidifies its place as one of the greatest draft classes in NFL history. This draft was a key factor in several teams' success, with players leading teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins to Super Bowl victories in the following decade.

Info courtesy of Newspapers.com and Pro-Football-Reference.com