Ranking the NFC East Linebacking Corps: Star-Studded Cowboys

Earlier this offseason, we ranked all four NFC East teams based on how strongly we felt about each squad's chances headed into 2012. Now, we're breaking things down on more of a micro scale. Here's how we view the linebacking corps within the division.

1. Dallas Cowboys

Sean Lee was one of the division's breakout players last year, Anthony Spencer is an underrated pass-rusher and DeMarcus Ware is the NFC East's best player. Regardless of the fact that there's a lot of debate surrounding the fourth spot, which is being fought over by Dan Connor and Bruce Carter, Dallas has too much talent at this level not to lead these rankings.

2. Washington Redskins

When I started writing this piece, I thought that maybe the Redskins would finally win a category. Ultimately, though, I went with Dallas.

I love Washington's starting four, but there's still some uncertainty. How much does London Fletcher have left? Can Ryan Kerrigan keep progressing, or will he experience a sophomore slump? Plus, Perry Riley's never been a starter from the get-go.

This unit could be head and shoulder above the rest by the time the season's done, but they're the runners-up for now.

3. New York Giants

New York probably has the deepest group of linebackers in the division, but the Giants don't have stars like the Cowboys and 'Skins do.

Michael Boley and Mathias Kiwanuka are very reliable starters, perhaps even a little underrated, but neither are Pro Bowlers. Beyond that, there's a slew of quality players fighting for reps, including Super Bowl hero Chase Blackburn, exceptional young tackle machine Jacquian Williams, former top-10 pick Keith Rivers and the intimidating Mark Herzlich.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Pardon me for not going all-in on the idea that DeMeco Ryans and Mychal Kendricks have completely fixed what was one of the worst linebacking units in football last season, but I'm not convinced yet.

Kendricks—a second-round pick out of Cal—has dazzled in the offseason, and Ryans is expected to bring some leadership, but one has no NFL experience and the other has injury concerns. Also, Ryans simply isn't the stud tackler everyone's been making him out to be. Just saying.

To clarify, I don't think the Eagles are going to be bad in the second layer this season, but there are still too many question marks. And in Dallas, Washington and New York, far fewer question marks exist.