NFL Draft: The history of running backs taken No. 2 overall
Eric Dickerson. player. SMU. 2. 51. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Running Back
Eric Dickerson is one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and he was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams with the second overall pick of the 1983 NFL Draft.
While at SMU, Dickerson was part of the Pony Express backfield with Craig James that tore through college football. Dickerson ran for 4,450 yards and 47 touchdowns over his four years at Southern Methodist. A consensus All-American season in 1982 cemented Dickerson as the top back in the 1983 NFL Draft, in front of Penn State running back Curt Warner who was selected third overall.
The Baltimore Colts selected John Elway first overall so the Rams were able to draft Dickerson with the second pick. Elway never played for the Colts, while Dickerson played for the Rams from 1983-87, and actually wound up on the Indianapolis Colts from 1987-1991.
Over his prolific NFL career, Dickerson was the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1983, the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1986, a five time first-team All Pro and a six-time Pro Bowl selection as well.
Dickerson still holds the record for rushing yards in an NFL season with 2,105 yards in the 1984 season for the Rams. He’s in the NFL Hall of Fame, had his number retired by the Rams’ organization and is in the Colts ring of honor. Over his career, the 6-3, 220 pound Dickerson totaled 13,259 rushing yards and 90 touchdowns on the ground.