Analysis: As a rookie in 2008 he didn't give up a sack. That's amazing. He's that good.
1. Walter Jones, Seahawks Comment: He's getting a little older, but he's made nine Pro Bowls (1999, and every year since 2001) and been named an All-Pro seven times. He blocked for former league MVP Shaun Alexander, and he's done a great job of keeping Matt Hasselbeck healthy.
Analysis: He doesn't get the due he deserves, but he's one of the best. Forms half of the best tackle tandem with David Stewart.
2. Joe Thomas, Browns Comment: The guy was outstanding at Wisconsin and made an immediate impact in the NFL. Derek Anderson had a great year, and Thomas was the runner up for Rookie of the Year, being the only player other than Adrian Peterson to get votes. He's a bit weaker in the run game, but he's still capable.
Analysis: He had trouble with speed rushers as a rookie, but improved as the season went along. Also did a nice job blocking for the run.
3. Jammal Brown, Saints Comment: I'm a lot higher on this guy than a lot of people, but I think it's justified. In three years in New Orleans, Drew Brees has thrown a total of 1,841 passes. In this time, he's taken 47 sacks for a loss of 306 yards. That can't be described as anything less than outstanding.
Analysis: In his second season he continued to play at a high level, although not as well as he did as a rookie in 2007.
4. Jason Peters, Eagles Comment: The guy is huge and strong. That's enough to be a good tackle in the NFL. Between 2006 and 2007, he only allowed eight sacks. In addition, Marshawn Lynch has posted back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons to start his career. We'll see how he does with McNabb and one of the league's top backs.
Analysis: Having played both the right and left side, he settled in nicely on the left side last season. Excels in pass protection.
5. Ryan Clady, Broncos Comment: I feel a bit guilty for putting a guy that's only played one season in the NFL on the list, but the guy got off to a good start. In 2008, he was only starting offensive lineman who gave up less than one sack. Clady finished the year being credited with allowing only half a sack, and he was penalized a total of three games.
Analysis: He didn't play as well last season for the Bills following a holdout, but he remains one of the NFL's best. A new home and a new contract should rejuvenate him.
6. Orlando Pace, Bears Comment: He has made seven Pro Bowls and named All-Pro five times. He helped Marshall Faulk become the Offensive Player of the Year three consecutive times and protected Kurt Warner's blindside, allowing him to be named MVP twice. I'd like to put him higher, but he's played a total of 23 games in the past three years, including only one in 2007.
Analysis: He teams with left guard Steve Hutchinson to form one of the best sides of any line. He is a big man who can be dominating when he wants to be.
7. Flozell Adams, Cowboys Comment: He's getting a bit older, going into his 12th season, but he continues to perform. Marion Barber has emerged as one of the league's better backs, and Tony Romo has had some great years. Adams was elected to five Pro Bowls since 2003, missing only in 2005, when he missed ten games.
Analysis: He isn't what he was a few years ago when he topped this list, but he remains a very good player.
8. Chris Samuels, Redskins Comment: After winning the Outland Trophy in 1999, he was selected third overall by the Redskins in the 2000 Draft. All he's done since then is make six Pro Bowls, including four consecutive (2005 - 2008) and helped Clinton Portis rush for 1,200 yards in four of five seasons and set the Redskins single season rushing record (1,516 yards in 2005).
Analysis: This left tackle plays with a mean streak. He is very good in the Saints pass-oriented offense.
9. Michael Roos, Titans Comment: I had to do a bit of research to compile this list, and his name came up. For those who don't know, he's a starting tackle for Tennessee, who posted the league's best record last year. As a whole, the Titans only gave up twelve sacks on the season. Rookie RB Chris Johnson and second year man LenDale White rushed for close to 140 yards per game last year. You don't do that without great play by your offensive line.
Analysis: This huge left tackle is a big reason why Philip Rivers played so well last season. He keeps him clean.
10. Bryant McKinnie, Vikings Comment: He was selected seventh overall out of Miami by the Vikings in 2002, and he's only missed four games after being named the full-time starter. This is another guy whose name might not be well known, but I'll sum it up with one line. The man blocks for Adrian Peterson, and he's the best tackle the Vikings have.
It was already rediculous that Prisco decided not to put Clinton Portis on his top 10 running backs list. But it is absolutely inexplicable for London Fletcher to not be on his top 10 ILB list. I believe that London Fletcher has the most tackles of anybody in the league since 2003, and his numbers have yet to drop off. He is a top ILB in the league, and I really don't understand
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