Defensive End

1. Jeremy Beal, Oklahoma
Gerald McCoy got all the attention on OU’s line, but Beal was far more productive last year. The third-team All-American became the first player in OU history to record three sacks in two different games in the same year, and he led the Sooners with 11 sacks. Oklahoma typically features top-notch defensive lines, and Beal is a big reason why the loss of McCoy won’t be a big setback for OU.
2. Aldon Smith, Missouri
Smith was one of the big surprises in the Big 12 last year. As a redshirt freshman, he broke Missouri’s single-season sacks record with 11.5 and was named the conference’s defensive freshman and newcomer of they year.  Smith can become an even more devastating pass rusher as he continues to improve his technique – though opposing line coaches will key on him way more this year.
3. Sam Acho, Texas
Acho started all 14 games as a junior last year and led the Longhorns with four fumble recoveries and put up 63 tackles (44 solo), 14 tackles for loss and 10 sacks, including one each in the Big 12 and national title games. The senior will team with Alex Okafor, Eddie Jones and touted incoming freshman Jackson Jeffcoat to make a formidable ends unit for Texas.
4. Pierre Allen, Nebraska
Allen had several big games last year, yet Suh and Crick were so good that you might not have noticed. He got two sacks and forced a fumble in the Holiday Bowl and seven tackles (three for loss) and two more sacks against Texas Tech. Allen also deflected a Colt McCoy pass for a first-quarter interception against Texas. NU finished second in the nation in sacks last year, and Allen will need more than the five he got last year if NU hopes to stay among the nation’s elite as rushing the passer.
5. Ugo Chinasa, Oklahoma State
Chinasa has been a playmaker for OSU’s line for the past two years and has started 26 straight games. He led Cowboy linemen in tackles in 2009 and collected 6.5 sacks. OSU’s line will be deeper than usual this season – the team returns seven of the 10 men it used in its defensive line rotation last year.
Honorable mention: Jake Laptad, Kansas; Alex Okafor, Texas; Marquez Herrod, Colorado

Defensive Tackle

1. Jared Crick, Nebraska
Sporting News’ season preview not only declared Crick a Heisman candidate, and also called him the best player in the nation. That’s extraordinary praise for a guy who’s only a redshirt junior. I don’t need to tell you why Crick is a great player, but it is important to remember this: Crick and Ndamukong Suh were a dominant duo because of their chemistry. Both knew what the other was going to do on each and every play. In order for Crick to become one of the nation’s premier defensive players, he’ll need that same bond with projected new starter Baker Steinkuhler.
2. Adrian Taylor, Oklahoma
Like Crick, “A-Train” benefitted from playing next to McCoy, the future No. 3 overall pick. The double-teams McCoy drew allowed Tayor to made 37 tackles (seven for loss) and collect 3.5 sacks. Three of his tackles for loss came against Nebraska. He’s made 27 straight starts, but he suffered a serious leg injury in the Sun Bowl and missed spring practices. His dislocated ankle should be healthy by the time fall ball starts.
3. Colby Whitlock, Texas Tech
The three-year starter will face a bit of a challenge this fall: learning new defensive coordinator James Willis’ 3-4 defense. Both of Tech’s starting defensive ends graduated, too, so Whitlock will face even more pressure to hold up the line. Whitlock collected 45 tackles and three sacks last year, and he’ll need to make some tough adjustments to produce more this year.
4. Phil Taylor, Baylor
Taylor, a Penn State transfer, was expected to make a big impact in his first year with the Bears and was a disappointment. The Big 12 preseason defensive newcomer of the year started just nine games and produced 25 tackles (2.5 for loss) and frequently had to come out of games due to poor conditioning. At 6-feet-4 and 355 pounds, Taylor could be an impact player if he keeps his weight in check.
5. Jamarkus McFarland, Oklahoma
I considered Steinkuhler for this spot, but McFarland did more with less playing time in his first season. As a true freshman, he played in only seven games yet produced 2.5 sacks. He’ll take Gerald McCoy’s starting spot and should get even better as offensive lines focus on Adrian Taylor.
Honorable mention: Baker Steinkuhler, Nebraska; Kheeston Randall, Texas; Dominique Hamilton, Missouri