ESPN names LT best edge rusher ever

ESPN names LT best edge rusher in NFL history

Hall of Fame pass rusher Lawrence Taylor put together an impressive list of accolades throughout his NFL career.

Taylor’s honors include league MVP, three-time Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, 10-time All-Pro (8x First-Team, 2x Second-Team), 10x Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl Champion, all leading to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

ESPN recently conducted a poll to find the greatest NFL players at each defensive position. As a surprise to no one, Taylor took the crown as the best edge rusher in NFL history, receiving 40 of 50 possible votes.

“Taylor announced himself to the league as a rookie in 1981 with 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 pass knockdowns, 2 forced fumbles and an interception and won the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award,” writes ESPN’s Jeff Legwold. “There are many around the league who say Taylor changed the way people thought pass-rushers could be used in a defense. Taylor’s best season came in 1986, when he led the league in sacks (20.5), won MVP and earned his third Defensive Player of the Year award.”

Here is what some of the other ESPN writers had to say about Taylor as the league’s greatest edge rusher ever.

“Taylor is the best football player I have ever seen, regardless of position. I’ve heard the Reggie White arguments, but they always strike me as parochial — Philadelphia fans who don’t want to admit the guy from New York was better than their guy — and I just don’t see where White was better outside of longevity. Even Patriots coach Bill Belichick considers LT the best player in the history of the game, and who am I to argue with that?” — Dan Graziano

“Taylor is arguably the best defensive player in NFL history, and he redefined the outside linebacker position. His 1986 season will forever be one of the most memorable seasons by a defensive player. His aggression, relentless nature and ability to take over games made him special.” –…