11. DeMarcus Ware, LB, Dallas Cowboys
Ware played his college ball at Troy, dominating the Sun Belt and ultimately being named to that conference’s All-Decade Team. Despite playing in a smaller conference and being labeled as a “Tweener,” accumulating 27.5 sacks in his college career made Ware an obvious 1st-round selection.
The Cowboys are no doubt happy with their choice. After nine seasons in Dallas, Ware left as the franchise’s all-time leader in both sacks and forced fumbles. He then spent the final three years of his career in Denver, helping the Broncos win a Super Bowl. In 12 seasons, Ware went to the Pro Bowl nine times, led the NFL in sacks twice, and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade 2000s Team. In 2023, Ware was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, beating Rodgers as the first member of the class of 2005 to reach Canton.