NBC analyst Chris Simms recently ranked the top non-quarterbacks that each franchise has employed this century. While most teams were given five representatives, the Dallas Cowboys have had enough impressive players that Simms and co-host Ahmed Fareed decided to go with six in this case.
These non-QBs that Simms chose were as follows:
- Left Guard Larry Allen: One of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, Allen was voted to the Hall of Fame's All-1990s and All-2000s teams. All that matters for the purposes of this countdown is what happened in the 2000s, where Allen was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a First-Team All-Pro twice. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
- Tight End Jason Witten: A third-round pick out of Tennessee in 2003, Witten put up staggering production in 16 seasons with the Cowboys. Witten was a First-Team All-Pro in 2007 and 2010, and racked up 1,215 receptions for 12,977 yards and 72 touchdowns with the Cowboys. He's likely to be a Hall of Famer one day.
- Linebacker DeMarcus Ware: Though he had some really good years with the Denver Broncos, the bulk of Ware's Hall of Fame career came in Dallas. A first-round pick in 2005, Ware was on the All-2000s Team and is the franchise's all-time leader with 117 sacks.
- Receiver Dez Bryant: While he had a relatively short career, Bryant was one of the most physically-dominant receivers in the NFL at his peak. Between 2012 and 2014, Bryant had 273 catches for 3,935 yards and 41 touchdowns. In the final of those three seasons, Bryant was a First-Team All-Pro.
- Left Tackle Tyron Smith: Injuries in recent seasons have halted what once what still seems like a Canton-bound career, as there's no denying how impressive Smith was at the height of his powers. The former first-round pick is an eight-time Pro Bowler, has been named a First-Team All-Pro twice and was named to the All-2010s Team.
- Right Guard Zack Martin: It is a myth that owner Jerry Jones was talked out of using the No. 16 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft on quarterback Johnny Manziel. (See our Mike Fisher on the subject here.) No, the Cowboys knew what they were doing and were rewarded with a Hall of Fame-caliber offensive lineman. Currently preparing for his 10th NFL season, Martin has been a First-Team All-Pro selection on six occasions. He was also named to the All-2010s Team.
Other names considered for this list were Hall of Fame receiver Terrell Owens, running back Ezekiel Elliott and linebacker Micah Parsons. For Parsons to be weighed after just two seasons is pretty remarkable, and an indication of how dominant the start of his career has been.
You can vote for which player should be named the winner among the six finalists here.
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