Clark Judge ranks the NFL's top 5 players at each position.

[DallasInDC]

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/positional-rankings/DEF/DE

Three Cowboys mentioned:

Outside Linebackers
2. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas: Now that Wade Phillips is in Dallas, Ware might be the next Merriman waiting to happen. He's an outstanding pass rusher who plays the run well, can shift to pass coverage easily and who has terrific back-side pursuit. He's more of a complete player but isn't at Merriman's level as a pass rusher.

Cornerbacks
4. Terence Newman, Dallas: When you watch the Cowboys, the first thing you notice is opponents trying to exploit Anthony Henry. That speaks to their respect for Newman, who can fly and match up with any receiver -– either on the outside or in the slot. Hey, he once was matched with Atlanta tight end Alge Crumpler. Newman is an outstanding athlete who's unafraid to play the run.

Centers
Next best: Andre Gurode, Dallas -- He is a tough, quick player who helps key the Dallas run game. He can also play guard in a pinch.


Completely missed on Jason Witten for the TE's Other than that I think we were well repesented.

I hope we add Romo, LD and RW to that list by the end of the season.

 

[dmq]

I personally hope Leonard Davis will be on lists like this next year. Maybe Guard was his true calling.

 

[ThreeSportStar80]

Okay, why in the world didn't Dallas take Marcus McNeil in the 2nd round like they SHOULD have?? Bill Parcells, Ireland and crew!

 

[Niland76]

Okay, why in the world didn't Dallas take Marcus McNeil in the 2nd round like they SHOULD have?? Bill Parcells, Ireland and crew!

It's easy to be critical of passing on McNeil now. Yet he is still no sure thing.

If you remember right McNeil had back problems comming out of Auburn.

As well as he played as a rookie let's not get too carried away, he may have a short career do to back problems.

A man who is 6' 8" with back issues at 22 doesn't feel like a ten - fifteen year guy to me.

 

[J-DOG]

It's easy to be critical of passing on McNeil now. Yet he is still no sure thing.

If you remember right McNeil had back problems comming out of Auburn.

As well as he played as a rookie let's not get too carried away, he may have a short career do to back problems.

A man who is 6' 8" with back issues at 22 doesn't feel like a ten - fifteen year guy to me.

Agree with that.
We were not the only team to feel that way either. I think McNeil slid in that draft for those very same reasons.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Witten is definitely a Top 5 TE and Owens is a Top 5 receiver.

 

[BourbonBalz]

Ranking Shockey, Winslow, and Crumpler ahead of Witten is an insult, not to mention plain stupid.

 

[jay cee]

It's easy to be critical of passing on McNeil now. Yet he is still no sure thing.

If you remember right McNeil had back problems comming out of Auburn.

As well as he played as a rookie let's not get too carried away, he may have a short career do to back problems.

A man who is 6' 8" with back issues at 22 doesn't feel like a ten - fifteen year guy to me.

I see their reasoning after blowing the 2nd rd pick on Rogers a couple of seasons ago. But I think McNeil was worth the risk, like I thought Shaun Rogers was worth the risk in '02 I believe.

I would be ok with gambling on players who otherwise would be top of the draft, but I understand why they did not.

 

[jay cee]

Ranking Shockey, Winslow, and Crumpler ahead of Witten is an insult, not to mention plain stupid.

Totally stupid. Crumpler is a close one, that could go either way. But Shockey and Winslow just get more hype than Witten.

 

[tomson75]

Psssst....hey firehawk, where ya at?

 

[theogt]

Okay, why in the world didn't Dallas take Marcus McNeil in the 2nd round like they SHOULD have?? Bill Parcells, Ireland and crew!

If McNeil didn't have LT running behind him, he most likely wouldn't be in the top 5.

 

[CrazyCowboy]

BeWare folks..

 

[DallasInDC]

Psssst....hey firehawk, where ya at?

Exactly...That list was absent of any Commanders. :laugh2:

 

[scottsp]

McNeil was San Diego's best offensive lineman last season. Not only was he very, very good in pass protection, but late in games and when the Bolts were in short-yardage situations, they didn't hesitate to run behind this rookie.

 

[tomson75]

Exactly...That list was absent of any Commanders. :laugh2:

Nice number of posts ya got there!

 

[CATCH17]

TO is a top 5 receiver

Witten is easily a top 5 TE

Roy Williams is a top 5 safety

 

[CarlAllDay]

not to mention that duwan landry makes the safety list?????

he's ok but he has a long way to go over roy williams, bob sanders, troy polamalu, you have to be kidding me!

and the only TE's in the league that are better than witten are gates and gonzales (and maybe alge crumpler) but after that none of those over rated TE's cant even lace witten's cleats.

and nate clements? he's solid all around corner but th 2nd best in the leauge??

And he even justified the man's contract, thats crazy.

 

[CarlAllDay]

and anybody that doesnt include T.O in a top 5 wr posting he must have slapped your mother in the face or something because thats pure hatred.

T.O
steve smith
chad johnson
marvin harrison
torry holt

(this is not an order)

 

[theogt]

McNeil was San Diego's best offensive lineman last season. Not only was he very, very good in pass protection, but late in games and when the Bolts were in short-yardage situations, they didn't hesitate to run behind this rookie.

Well, he did give up 5 sacks and had 5 false starts. Not bad for a rookie, but far from perfect. It is better than the other tackle, but it's hard to judge tackles to guards and centers because they're simply different positions.

San Diego did, however, run better to the right side of the line than to the left side.

He was good in his rookie season, I wouldn't contest that, but I don't think he'd be considered a top 5 tackle if it weren't for the LT and his team going 14-2.

 

[scottsp]

Fair enough. He was an exceptional rookie. I do know the Bolts, when they were closing in on the endzone, chose to run behind him. Between LT and Turner, they scored 13 TDs left side. They also ran quite a bit more to that side.

When watching him, he looked the part of an outstanding offensive tackle.