The best NFL draft pick ever at every slot from No. 1 to 262

Posted Jul 9, 2025
2. Lawrence Taylor, OLB, North Carolina (1981): The best defensive player of all time is also the best second overall pick of all time. Taylor is one of two defensive players ever to win NFL MVP, and that rarefied air all but cements him over contenders such as Marshall Faulk, Julius Peppers, and Calvin Johnson. Modern contenders don't hold a candle to L.T. (ESPN.com)

Related: Football, Tar Heels in the NFL

Preview: Expectations mount for UNC's fall sports in 2026
With top goal scorers Ryleigh Heck and Dani Mendez graduating, UNC field hockey will need to fill offensive gaps. Stepping into her fourth year as...
Mon Jun 8, 2026

UNC Football Opponent Snapshot: Miami
After a complex offseason where former Duke quarterback Darian Mensah publicly committed to return to the Blue Devils before entering the transfer portal and signing...
Mon Jun 8, 2026

Newsletter: Diamond Heels to Omaha, Wei Lin Update, ACC-SEC Challenge, Two Football Commits
UNC Baseball is headed back to Omaha for the College World Series, Michael Malone and Carolina Basketball is pursuing another point guard, ACC-SEC Challenge matchups...
Mon Jun 8, 2026

Titans LB Cedric Gray Aiming to be a More Complete Player in Year 3
Cedric Gray made a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2. Now, the Titans linebacker wants to take things to another level. "The biggest...
Sun Jun 7, 2026