Top 10 NFL Pass Rushers (1-5)

5. Julius Peppers DE Bears- This former two-sport athlete at North Carolina has maybe the most freakish ability in the entire league. His size/speed combo is frightening for Offensive Linemen to go against, but Peppers doesn't seem to bring it every down. He had 10.5 sacks last season but largely appeared disinterested. Peppers has 81 sacks since being drafted #2 overall in 2002, but he has the potential to be the best in the game.

4. Dwight Freeney DE Colts- Freeney is the standard for an undersized End in the NFL (6'1 268). His 84 career sacks and 5 Pro Bowl selections make him among the best in the game. When the Colts lost him in the Super Bowl their defense got shredded by Brees and Co. Freeney had a sack in every single college game except one (against the U hehe). The 30-year old probably doesn't have more than 3 or 4 elite seasons left, but for now he's high on this list.

3. Jared Allen DE Vikings- Allen may not be the smartest or best looking guy in the NFL. But he gets to the QB and does a great job not just sacking, but stripping the ball away. The mullet came from Idaho State to become one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL and is key to the Vikings defense. He has 72 sacks in his career and seems to keep getting better. He has had at least 14 sacks in each of the last three seasons. Don't ask him what a schism is.

2. Mario Williams DE Texans- The first overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft made Texans fans (such as Ryan Killips) cry by letting Reggie Bush go by. In the end, it turned out to be the smartest move Charlier Casserly made as Texans GM. Williams is a QB's nightmare at 6'7 295 running a 4.65 40. His high of 14 sacks in 2007 as led to him seeing consistent double teams every down. Unlike many on this list, Williams is also very stout against the run. It's safe to say the Texans made the right choice in '06.

1. DeMarcus Ware OLB Cowboys- When you think of pure pass rushers the first name that pops into most people's heads is Ware. Bill Parcells may not have led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl, but he did give them the closest thing to Lawrence Taylor since the man himself. He has made the Pro Bowl four times and has never won an NFL Def. Player of the Year award (baffling). When D-Ware comes off the edge all QBs must beware, his 64.5 sacks since 2005 is the most in the NFL. His high of 20 in 2008 showed what he is capable of when he's fully healthy, and next year he should win that Player of the Year award barring injury.

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