Comparing Butkus and Taylor, however, is like comparing apples and oranges. One was the greatest middle linebacker ever, and the other was the finest outside. Both were intimidating and forced teams to change their game plans. Both, along with every other linebacker on this list, had outstanding instincts, toughness and a desire to get to the ball. Some had prototype size and speed, while others were too small or even too slow on the stopwatch. But the bottom line was always production.
1a. Dick Butkus / Bears
He was another defensive lineman versus the run and the best inside run-stuffer ever. Had a great knack for reading plays and smelling out screens. Meaner than a junkyard dog and had receivers who went over the short middle hearing footsteps. Had great anticipation and fine range versus the run for one so large, until his knees got really bad and he had to play in a limited area. Always tackled like a vise.
1b. Lawrence Taylor / Giants
Until Taylor came along, nobody thought of outside linebackers as pass rushers first. Taylor had great explosiveness off the line, a tremendous closing burst and an uncanny knack for the pass rush. He always seemed to turn in and flatten out at just the right time. When he was not causing fumbles with his shocking hits, he was a master at stripping the ball. His combination of speed, explosive strength and athleticism were uncanny, and he had such great instincts that his poor practice habits and preparation never were much of a factor until late in his career. Like Butkus, he played through unbelievable pain and almost never slowed down.
Until Taylor came along, nobody thought of outside linebackers as pass rushers first
______________________________________________________
This is certainly not true.