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Giants Now: Lawrence Taylor named to The 33rd Team's best all-time defensive front 7

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Lawrence Taylor selected to The 33rd Team's best all-time front 7

When it comes to the top defensive players in NFL history, you'd be hard-pressed to find many analysts who would not select Lawrence Taylor among the best, if not the very best.

So, it should come as no surprise that when long-time NFL and collegiate coach Dave Wannstedt recently chose his best all-time defensive front seven, the Giants' all-time sack leader was the first name on the list.

"If we are talking edge rushers, it has got to be L.T," Wannstedt wrote. "Bill Belichick, the greatest coach of all-time, said he was the best player of all-time, and his statistics back this up. Taylor is a three-time Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY). That speaks for itself. But, more importantly, in my opinion, he played in that 3-4 New York Giants defense with Bill Parcells and Belichick, and he changed the game. People do not realize what a game-wrecker Taylor was as a pass rusher. That's how he made his living. So much so that when he would drop into coverage, offensive live coaches and coordinators would put a smile on their faces and clap.

"His dominance on the line forced offenses to turn protection to whichever side Taylor was on. Coordinators wanted to make sure you got a big offensive lineman blocking L.T. rather than running the opposite way and expecting a running back to block him. That's what most teams did. When L.T. was on the field, you must use the lineman to him to give you the best chance to slow him down."

Taylor's 142.0 career sacks are the most in franchise history, just a half-sack more than Michael Strahan (despite playing 32 fewer games).

His accolades include two-time Super Bowl Champion (XXI, XXV), three-time Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986), league MVP (1986), Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), 10-time All-Pro selection (1981-1990), 10-time Pro Bowler (1981-1990), and an induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, just to name a few.

Here is everyone listed on Wannstedt's best all-time defensive front seven:

  • EDGE Lawrence Taylor
  • EDGE Reggie White
  • DT Joe Greene
  • DT Aaron Donald
  • LB Derrick Brooks
  • LB Ray Lewis
  • LB Junior Seau

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