3. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys. Ware is just a notch below Merriman outside. He is another top pass rusher who displays remarkable speed and quickness. Lost in his quarterback-chasing prowess is Ware's ability to seal off edges against the run and run with both backs and tight ends in coverage.

16. Greg Ellis, Dallas Cowboys. Ellis returned from injury to learn a new position in '07 and responded with 12 1/2 sacks. Although he is aging (he will turn 33 in August) and may lose his job to Anthony Spencer sooner rather than later, Ellis is a solid run defender as well and brings a veteran presence to the Dallas D.

24. Zach Thomas, Dallas Cowboys. Old school allegiances die hard and so we have a hard time rooting against Thomas, even at 35. He has defied the odds as an undersized middle man for his entire career. He has played in every scheme imaginable and succeeded. He has crafted a career as super-productive linebacker because of a head, heart, and hustle mantra that won't allow him to offer anything less than his best effort on every snap. The Cowboys let Akin Ayodele go for a reason. They expect Thomas to perform.