Lawrence Taylor: If I Played With Tuck And Osi 'I'd Have 40 Sacks A Year'

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) - Lawrence Taylor is universally known as the greatest linebacker in the history of the National Football League.

That is rarely, if ever, disputed.

But would the Hall of Famer have been even more dominant if he played alongside the Giants' current defensive unit?

The 10-time Pro Bowler seems to think so.

"Let me tell you: if I was playing with those two guys [Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora], I'd have 40 sacks a year and I ain't kidding you," Taylor told The Record in an email. "There isn't a discussion about this collective group. They are clearly the best in football today."

L.T. also couldn't resist touting the abilities of defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, who asserted himself as a dominant force last season. The third-year player had a coming-out party in 2011, amassing 86 tackles, two forced fumbles and 16.5 sacks.

Could he someday be the next Taylor?

The second-overall pick in 1981 wouldn't make such a declarative statement, but he couldn't help but praise Pierre-Paul for his seemingly unlimited potential.

"I have seen a few games over the past two years and listen, the kid is impressive," Taylor told The Record. "He has everything that you would draw up for a DE: size, speed, technique. To me those are the key attributes, even more so than brute strength."

In Taylor's storied NFL career -- spanning 12 years -- he accumulated 1,088 tackles, 142 sacks and nine interceptions.

Hypothetically, would L.T. in his prime have his most dominant season if he played alongside Justin Tuck, Osi Umenyiora and Jason Pierre-Paul? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below...