Draft day provides an unforgettable memory for many NFL stars.From those who go as first overall picks, like Fernando Mendoza this year, to others like Aaron Rodgers and Shedeur Sanders, who suffered an infamous draft slide, receiving that long-awaited call from a general manager marks the beginning of their pro career.The NFL draft marks the beginning of every prospect’s pro careerGettyMany prospects are surrounded by close friends, family and loved ones on NFL draft night, making the moment even more special.Lawrence Taylor’s epic draft day storyLegendary linebacker Lawrence Taylor, though, did things a little differently.Back in 1981, Taylor came out of college as the ACC Player of the Year and a Unanimous All-American who had set numerous defensive records with North Carolina.In a poll of NFL GMs taken before the draft, 26 out of 28 said if they had the first selection, they would take Taylor.One of the two GMs who said they wouldn’t take him was Bum Phillips, who had just been hired as coach and GM by the New Orleans Saints.As fate would have it, the Saints were also the team who had the first pick in the draft.On draft day, Phillips made good on his decision not to draft Taylor, and New Orleans instead selected Heisman Trophy-winning halfback George Rogers with the first pick.That left the New York Giants, in possession of the second pick, with a clear run at Taylor.GM George Young did just that, to the raucous approval of the crowd in attendance at the draft, which was held in New York City.LT admitted he didn’t remember much of draft dayWhile it was undoubtedly a special moment, Taylor himself doesn’t remember much of it, given he had slammed more than 40 beers on the big day.Taylor was drafted by the Giants at second overall in 1981GettyHe was regarded as the top prospect coming out of college and went on to forge a Hall of Fame careerGettyHe made the admission nearly three decades on.“I don’t remember too much, I had 41 Coors Lights that day,” Taylor said on the red carpet outside of the 2010 draft.“Definitely don’t remember what happened.”Taylor, who went on to become a two-time Super Bowl champion, added that he watched the draft from home ‘like everybody else’.These days, prospects are usually surrounded by family and friends as they watch on, but the linebacker’s crowd back in 1981 was a little different.He revealed: “I had my drinking buddies around me.”He recalled his draft experience on a red carpet outside of the 2010 draftX@_MLFootballHe went on to win two Super Bowls with the GiantsGettyHe is widely considered the greatest defensive player in NFL historyGettyWhile draft night was a little hazy for Taylor, he went on to forge a Hall of Fame career in the NFL.He played 13 seasons with the Giants and is universally regarded as the greatest defensive player of all time — some even consder him to be the best football player ever.Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Taylor was a disruptive force at outside linebacker, and is credited with changing defensive game plans and pass rushing schemes, as well as offensive line blocking schemes and offensive formations.He won both the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and the AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in his debut season, and went on to produce double-digit sacks each season from 1984 through 1990.The Giants defense, nicknamed the ‘Big Blue Wrecking Crew,’ led New York to victories in Super Bowl XXI and XXV.Taylor was named the league’s MVP for his performance during the 1986 season — he and Alan Page (1971) are the only defensive players in league history to win the award.He even starred in the main event of WrestleMania XI.While his NFL career is legendary, Taylor has lived a controversial lifestyle, both on and off the field.He admitted to using drugs including cocaine as early as his second year in the NFL, and was suspended for 30 days in 1988 by the league for failing drug tests.Taylor had a number of off-field controversies during and after his NFL careerAFPNFL's Greatest......Ranking the top 10......Quarterbacks of all-time – Can anyone better Tom Brady?Wide receivers of all-time – Does Randy Moss or Jerry Rice come out on top?Running backs of all-time – Stacking Jim Brown, Barry Sanders, Walter Payton, Emmitt Smith and moreTight ends of all-time – How does Travis Kelce compare?Taylor appeared with Donald Trump, saying he is “here to serve”Taylor’s drug abuse escalated after his retirement, and he was jailed three times for attempted drug possession.From 1998 to 2009, he claims to have lived a sober, drug-free life, and has since worked as a color commentator on sporting events after retirement, as well as pursuing a career as an actor.Last year, Taylor joined Donald Trump as the President signed an executive order that expanded on his council on sports, fitness and nutrition, including reviving the Presidential Fitness Test in public schools.Taylor appeared alongside President Donald Trump and golfer Bryson DeChambeau recently@FoxNewsTaylor appeared to be caught off guard when he was asked to speak at President Trump’s event — but said he was “here to serve.”LT was joined by golf star Bryson DeChambeau and Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker as the US made preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics.Giants’ 2026 draft so farThe Giants will be hoping Taylor’s draft day antics aren’t repeated by anyone this year.The Giants had two picks inside the top 10 of this year’s draft, using them on Ohio State linebacker Arvell Reese (No. 5) and Miami offensive lineman Francis Mauigoa (No. 10).The addition of Reese is expected to boost the Giants’ defensive capabilities, especially when combined with Brian Burns, Abdul Carter and potentially Kayvon Thibodeaux, who might yet be traded.“The Giants just became the scariest edge-rushing group in the NFL and truthfully it’s not even close,” CBS Sports’ Mike Renner said of the Reese pick, giving it an A+.Meanwhile, Nick Baumgardner of the The Athletic said: “”Mauigoa is a terrific run blocker, the heart of Miami’s offense and as reliable as it gets. “This has been a terrific draft for the Giants. Arvell Reese at No. 5 is outstanding value and there were some in the NFL who considered Mauigoa as this draft’s top offensive lineman. Could be an immediate guard, maybe a long-term tackle. Either way, he’ll be a factor in New York.”Giants’ remaining 2026 Draft OrderRound 2, Pick No. 37Round 4, Pick No. 105Round 5, Pick No. 145Round 6, Pick No. 186Round 6, Pick. No. 192 (from MIA)Round 6, Pick No. 193 (from DAL)Stay up to date with the latest from the NFL across all platforms – follow our dedicated talkSPORT USA Facebook page and subscribe to our talkSPORT USA YouTube channel for all the offseason news, interviews and more.