PFT: New York Giants' Mt. Rushmore overwhelmingly features Lawrence Taylor

In Pro Football Talk's Mt. Rushmore series, one New York Giant stood far and above the rest.

Former New York Giants linebacker, who many consider to be the greatest pass rusher to ever play in the NFL, appeared on 96 percent of the ballots cast. Behind him, Eli Manning appeared on 53 percent of the ballots, Bill Parcells on 48 percent and Michael Strahan on 44 percent.

Other New York Giants players and front office members include Wellington Mara, the longtime co-owner of the team who hands down is one of the more influential team owners in league history. Mara received 36 percent of votes.

Former running back and TV color analyst Frank Gifford appeared on 28 percent of ballots, while Super Bowl-winning quarterback Phil Simms appeared on 24 percent. Coach Tom Coughlin showed up on a mere 20 percent.

Earlier this week, we laid out the candidates for the New York Giants Mt. Rushmore, with nominees including those mentioned above, as well as others such as Harry Carson, Mark Bavaro, Rosey Brown and Sam Huff.

It's hard to argue against a Mt. Rushmore featuring Taylor, the league's best pass rusher; Manning, a two-time Super Bowl MVP; Parcells, who also led the team to the Promised Land twice; and Strahan, one of the most beloved New York Giants players in franchise history.

But then again, with a franchise stricken with such history, is it almost ... ridiculous ... to exclude Mara or Coughlin? Perhaps yes. Perhaps no. A case could easily be made for either cause.

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