Justin Tuck – Apart from a really strong Super Bowl performance (should have gotten the MVP in my opinion), he hasn't been enough of a standout to get on the cover. 12 sacks last year is impressive, especially considering last year he was a 3rd DE or 2nd DT. But there are far better and more deserving choices.

Albert Haynesworth – 8.5 sacks for a DT? That's incredibly impressive, undeniable. Plus he was injured for a couple games, making it all the more astounding. But I'd hate for anyone to look past his on-the-field conduct 2 seasons ago (which people apparently already have). He stomped Andre Gurode's helmet, pulling it off his head and then proceeded to stomp at least twice more, leaving Gurode with 30 stitches and landing Haynesworth a 5 game suspension (personally, it should have been more). I know players have personal matters off the field, and not all those are completely known, but this was on the field and after a play had concluded. There's absolutely no justification for that.

I can see all the other choices on the cover, except for Joey Porter (sorry Devin, I know the sacks helped, but he only had 41 tackles, not what you want from a LB, I don't see how he could be above DeMarcus Ware). Though I don't believe Ed Reed should be on it at all, though I would not be at all surprised. He's a glorified ball-hawk. People vote him to the Pro-Bowl because he's fun to watch and interceptions are remembered. But he's a Free Safety, he's not doing his job unless he gets interceptions. But as a defensive player, he's good but seems to have gotten complacent playing deep coverage and waiting for quarterbacks to make mistakes (which one does in almost every game, multiple times often). His total tackles this season and last season combined to 80 (solo and assisted). His rookie season he had 71 solo tackles (85 total). He was a force beyond ball-hawking. And he had 5 interceptions that year. He's good, but not the "best safety in the league" as many argue.

My picks, based on who is most deserving:

1) James Harrison
2) Troy Polamalu
3) DeMarcus Ware (as beleaguered as the Cowboys looked coming down the stretch, his individual achievement is undeniable)
4) Cortland Finnegan (he was the star of the Tennessee defense, along with Michael Griffin, in my opinion. 5 picks (one for a touchdown) is nothing to scoff at from a CB, but also a sack and 69 tackles leads to his overall defensive presence and a spot on my picks)
5) Brian Dawkins (unquestionably the leader of a perennially superior defense, he racked up 75 tackles and 3 sacks, helping to carry a mediocre Philadelphia offense into the playoffs and beat the 1 seed Giants)

Okay, ya, this post is far too long, but the subject warrants explaining and discussion. Other names I'd throw out there for possibilities: Jared Allen, Chris Gamble, James Farrior, Bradie James, Kevin Williams, Terrell Suggs, and Brandon Meriwether. Come on, I'm from Boston, how could I not throw a Patriot on the list. The guy had 83 tackles, 2 sacks and 4 picks in his second season, and he wasn't supposed to start. But once again, injuries plague New England's efforts. Always next year.