Our distinguished panel of writers sat down last week and voted on which players were the top stars of the 2000 NFL season. Each position was graded individually, culminating with a final 53-man roster being selected. Players at each position are listed by the number of votes that they received (highest to lowest).

The Indianapolis Colts placed the most players on the squad with five, while Oakland, Tennessee, and New Orleans each had four representatives.  The World Champion Baltimore Ravens had three players make the team, tying five other clubs with that many.  In all, 22 of the leagues' 31 teams were represented.   So, without further adieu, I present to you the 2000 BTG All-Pro Football Team.

Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota) – The first year starter threw for 3,937 yards and 33 touchdowns, while rushing for an additional seven scores. His performance helped lead the Vikings to the NFC Championship game.

Rich Gannon (Oakland) – A perfect fit for Coach Jon Gruden’s system, Gannon eclipsed his strong performance in ’99 with a better one in 2000. He passed for 3,430 yards and accounted for 32 touchdowns.

Peyton Manning (Indianapolis) – Manning keeps improving every year and is surrounded by the two of the top weapons in the game. He led the league with 4,413 yards passing and set a personal high with 33 touchdown passes.

Notes: Jeff Garcia (San Francisco) and Donovan McNabb (Philadelphia) each drew high consideration from our panel, while neither Kurt Warner (St. Louis) nor Brett Favre (Green Bay) received a single vote.

Marshall Faulk (St. Louis) – The "Marshall Plan" was in full effect this season, as Faulk scored a NFL record 26 touchdowns and gained 2,189 total yards, despite missing time with a knee injury. Faulk received nearly a perfect score from our panel.

Edgerrin James (Indianapolis) – In only his second season, James rumbled his way to 2,303 yards of total offense and 18 touchdowns. Whether it is running or catching the football, he has established himself as one of the best all-around players in the league.

Eddie George (Tennessee) – Forget about DE Jevon Kearse, George is the real "freak". He keeps running like the Energizer bunny, gaining 1,509 yards on the ground, while scoring 16 times.

Notes: This was one of the toughest positions to grade because a total of 23 players rushed for over 1,000 yards this season. Others receiving votes were rookie Mike Anderson (Denver), Robert Smith (Minnesota), Corey Dillon (Cincinnati) and Lamar Smith (Miami). Surprisingly, the trio of Emmitt Smith (Dallas), Stephen Davis (Washington) and Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh), all of whom rushed for over 1,000 yards, did not receive any consideration from our voters.

Richie Anderson (N.Y. Jets) – Anderson has shown great improvement in his all-around game over the past few seasons. He registered 853 yards receiving and dominated opponents at times with his pass catching skills. Anderson has turned into a 2000 version of former NFL standout Keith Byars.

Notes: Tony Richardson (Kansas City) was a stud for the Chiefs. He gained 1,165 yards of total offense and scored six times. On the other hand, Howard Griffith (Denver) is clearly the best pure blocking fullback in the game, as he paved the way for the third different Broncos running back to lead the team in rushing in the past three seasons.

Marvin Harrison (Indianapolis) – Harrison forms a devastating combination with QB Peyton Manning. The two hooked up for 14 touchdowns, as Harrison raced his way to 1,413 receiving yards.

Randy Moss (Minnesota) – Big skills, big mouth, big results. That is all you need to know about Moss. He led the league with 15 touchdown catches and posted 1,437 yards. Like him or not, he is the prototype receiver in the year 2000.

Rod Smith (Denver) – In 2000, Smith finally walked out of the shadow of Ed McCaffrey by posting 1,602 yards receiving and nine touchdowns. Not bad for a former undrafted free agent from Missouri Southern!

Terrell Owens (San Francisco) – Owens made headlines with his antics in Dallas, but after serving a one game suspension, he took the baton from Jerry Rice and led the 49ers with 1,451 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns. Could you imagine what his numbers would have been without the one game suspension and late-season turf toe injury?

Notes: A number of other players received consideration. A pair of Rams receivers, Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce, combined for over 3,000 yards receiving and 16 scores, while in New Orleans, it was Joe Horn who ignited a dormant Saints passing attack with 1,340 yards and eight touchdowns. Muhsin Muhammad (Carolina) and Ed McCaffrey (Denver) combined for 203 receptions, as each led their respective conference in pass receptions.

Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City) – If there was a more dominating player at a single position than Gonzalez, I must have missed it. He caught 93 passes for 1,203 yards and nine touchdowns. His blocking has improved by leaps and bounds, and he could be even better if QB Elvis Grbac’s consistency and the Chiefs’ ground game improved.

Chad Lewis (Philadelphia) – I guess the third time is the charm! Lewis was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Eagles a few years back, but was cut several times before rejoining the team last season. All he did was gain 735 yards and score three touchdowns, while giving QB Donovan McNabb a steady third-down target.

Notes: Fred Wycheck (Tennessee) continues to be the Titans’ best pass catcher and most reliable weapon when the ball is in the air. However, it was Freddie Jones (San Diego) who showed the most improvement of anyone at this position. He had 766 yards receiving and scored five touchdowns for a team that used a new quarterback every week. Kyle Brady (Jacksonville) also showed a lot of improvement as a receiver this season and could be ready to blossom further in 2001.

Tom Nalen (Denver) – The best technician at a pivotal position. He is very smart and lent a big hand in the strong development of OG Lennie Friedman.

Barret Robbins (Oakland) – A big, physical, nasty interior lineman, Robbins was the anchor of a much-improved offensive line that allowed the Raiders to have the AFC’s top rushing attack.

Larry Allen (Dallas) – Allen is clearly the best player at his position. He is headed to Canton one day and is possibly the only bright spot for a Cowboys team that seems to be headed south.

Bruce Matthews (Tennessee) – Four scores and seven years ago… I think that Matthews started playing right after Abe Lincoln ended that speech! He continues to hammer opposing defenders and has aided the development of OG Benji Olson.

Ron Stone (N.Y. Giants) – The Giants front office knew what they were doing when they stole Stone away from the Cowboys. He is not as athletic as Allen, but outside of him, there has not been a better guard in the NFC over the last two years.

Randall McDaniel (Tampa Bay) – As a free agent, McDaniel stayed in the NFC Central division, but just moved south. It made no difference, as he kept up his strong level of play, leading the way for RB Warrick Dunn.

Jonathan Ogden (Baltimore) – One of the more dominating lineman to play in the last ten years, Ogden’s aggressiveness and on-field intensity have improved to the point where his opponents are just happy to play to a standstill, rather than getting smashed to the ground.

Orlando Pace (St. Louis) – I thought that Pace’s conditioning and consistency were down from a year ago, but the rest of our panel decided that he was still good enough to warrant such a high grade. If this were Florida, I would have demanded a recount!

Kyle Turley (New Orleans) – Forget about OT Willie Roaf, Turley was the best player on the league’s most improved offensive line. He is physical, athletic, and nasty on the field but is very personable off the field. Watch for Turley to draw his first Pro Bowl assignment after the 2001 season.

Tarik Glenn (Indianapolis) – Coming out of college, Glenn had all the ability in the world, but also had a mediocre work ethic and a huge weight problem. He has gotten his act together over the last two years and dominated his side of the line this year. Glenn has the potential to go to Hawaii next season.

Jason Taylor (Miami) – The entire front office of the Dolphins have been waiting for Taylor to have a season like this one for the last two years. He recorded 14.5 sacks and recovered four fumbles, while wreaking havoc in opponent’s backfields due to his athleticism and quickness.

Hugh Douglas (Philadelphia) – After an injury plagued ’99 campaign, Douglas came out like a house on fire this year. His 15 sacks sparked a much-improved Eagles pass rush, which also included rookie DT Corey Simon’s 8.5 sacks.

Trace Armstrong (Miami) – The veteran bookend to Taylor and a free agent to be, Armstrong led the AFC with 16.5 sacks. He was helped by the inside duo of Tim Bowens and Daryl Gardener, along with the fine play of cornerbacks Sam Madison and Patrick Surtain.

Marcellus Wiley (Buffalo) – Wiley replaced future Hall of Fame DE Bruce Smith this season, and responded by tallying a career-high 10.5 sacks. It was excellent timing for the Columbia University grad who is now a free agent.

Notes: Veterans Michael Strahan (N.Y. Giants) and Joe Johnson (New Orleans) drew consideration from our voters, as did Jevon Kearse (Tennessee) and Eric Hicks (Kansas City). All four of those players recorded 9.5 or more sacks this past season.

La’ Roi Glover (New Orleans) – Glover ran wild over opposing offensive linemen this season, with the help of DT Norman Hand, DE Joe Johnson and rookie DE Darren Howard. Glover paced the NFL in sacks with 18, while also making 67 tackles.

Warren Sapp (Tampa Bay) – The boisterous Sapp continues to back up his words by dominating opponents on the field. He finished second in the league with 16.5 sacks, despite being the most double teamed defender in the NFL.

Keith Hamilton (N.Y. Giants) – The glue of the Giants defense this past season, Hamilton does all the dirty work and rewarded "Big Blue" fans with 10.5 sacks.

Trevor Pryce (Denver) – An extremely quick and active interior lineman, Pryce notched 13.5 sacks, while helping the Broncos defense force 44 turnovers this year.

Notes: Mammoth run stopper Ted Washington (Buffalo) and rookie pass rusher Corey Simon (Philadelphia) were also strong contenders at this position.

Ray Lewis (Baltimore) – Add one more award to Lewis’ 2000 trophy case, as the league’s Defensive MVP and Super Bowl MVP was an unanimous selection to our squad. He averaged over 11 tackles per game, which included countless big stops in crucial situations.

Jeremiah Trotter (Philadelphia) – Within a short period of time (two years), Trotter has become the best middle linebacker in the NFC. According to several NFL scouts, Trotter is not only the Eagles’ top linebacker, but also their best defensive player.

Notes: After being moved to inside linebacker, NFL Rookie of the Year Brian Urlacher responded by recording 125 tackles and nine sacks. He along with Sam Cowart (Buffalo) and London Fletcher (St. Louis) all had big seasons patrolling the middle of the field.

Derrick Brooks (Tampa Bay) – Outside of MLB Ray Lewis, no one covered more ground in 2000 than Brooks. He led the Buccaneers with 146 tackles and was the catalyst in helping the defense register a total of 41 turnovers.

Jason Gildon (Pittsburgh) – Gildon took charge on the field this season, teaming with fellow OLB Joey Porter to combine for 24 sacks, 13.5 of which belonged to Gildon. His play against the run improved substantially, as he also turned in 77 tackles.

Junior Seau (San Diego) – It was hard to find many bright spots for the Chargers in 2000, but Seau’s continued strong play was one. His 122 tackles placed him second on the team, while he also added three sacks and showed his commitment to the organization by signing a new contract that will keep him in San Diego for the remainder of his career.

Keith Mitchell (New Orleans) – An undrafted free agent, Mitchell has turned himself into a fine all-around defender. His pass coverage skills have increased due to hard work and film study, while his ability to make big plays is evident by his five turnovers forced and two touchdowns scored this season. Mitchell also contributed 88 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

Notes: Jessie Armstead (N.Y. Giants), Mo Lewis (N.Y. Jets) and Takeo Spikes (Cincinnati) drew recognition for their fine seasons. Spikes is starting to draw some attention despite playing on one of the worst defensive units in football.

Sam Madison (Miami) – The ultimate respect that is paid to Madison is that opposing coordinators refuse to throw the ball his way. When they did, he responded by intercepting five passes. His superb play helped the Dolphins defense force 41 turnovers, including 28 picks.

Samari Rolle (Tennessee) – Rolle’s progression from talkative underachiever to prolific playmaker has allowed the Titans defense to step up its play to a new level. Tennessee’s defense recorded 17 interceptions this season, with Rolle grabbing an AFC best seven picks.

Champ Bailey (Washington) – Bailey stepped out of Deion Sanders and Darrell Green’s shadow with a 62-tackle, five-interception season. He was able to consistently play at a high level, despite facing the opposing team’s top receiver in all 16 games.

Charles Woodson (Oakland) – The former Heisman Award winner’s consistency improved in 2000. He made 79 tackles, picked off four passes, and was part of a much-improved secondary that helped the Raiders to a plus-17 takeaway ratio.

Notes: Ronde Barber (Tampa Bay), Troy Vincent (Philadelphia) and Eric Allen (Oakland) combined for 16 interceptions and garnered a lot of attention from our voters. Ray Buchanan (Atlanta) also picked off six passes and Dexter McCleon (St. Louis) had eight interceptions, but both failed to intercept any votes.

Darren Sharper (Green Bay) – A former William & Mary standout, Sharper led the league in interceptions with nine. He had 92 tackles and should cash in on his impressive statistical season with a huge free-agent deal.

Rodney Harrison (San Diego) – Harrison was a standout on a Chargers team that did very little right in 2000. His numbers across the board were very impressive, as he led the Chargers in tackles with 127, while adding six sacks and six interceptions. He also has a penchant for drawing unsportsman-like penalties, which does endear him to Pro Bowl and All-Pro voters.

Sammy Knight (New Orleans) – Knight has been a turnover machine for the Saints ever since he signed with them as an undrafted free agent out of USC. He finished this season with 101 tackles and five interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.

Victor Green (N.Y. Jets) – Green is one of the most underrated players in the NFL. The former Akron standout keeps posting big numbers for "Gang Green’s" defense, but gets overshadowed by players like OLB Mo Lewis, LB Bryan Cox, and CB Marcus Coleman. Green had 105 tackles and led the team with six picks.

Notes: Blaine Bishop (Tennessee) and Brock Marion (Miami) were next in line behind our top four selections. Surprisingly, Kurt Schulz (Detroit) and Brian Walker (Miami) combined for 13 interceptions, but received zero votes.

Matt Stover (Baltimore) – The Ravens’ most consistent offensive weapon this season, Stover led the league in field goals made with 35 and finished with 135 points, which is a new career high for him.

Mike Vanderjagt (Indianapolis) – The former CFL standout, Vanderjagt has established himself as a legitimate weapon from beyond 40 yards. Most of his 25 field goals were of the long variety, and he completed the year with 121 points.

Shane Lechler (Oakland) – While kicker Sebastian Janikowski got all the glory on draft day, it was Lechler who provided the Raiders with a steady diet of booming punts and excellent defensive field position. He averaged 46 yards per punt as a rookie.

Darren Bennett (San Diego) – The punter from down under, Bennett continued to launch punts into outer space again this season. He tied Lechler in average yards per punt with 46, while also seeing extended duties, since the Chargers offense was so deficient.

Derrick Mason (Tennessee) – At the start of training camp, Mason was hoping to just make the team, especially after the signing of WR Carl Pickens. A rash of injuries allowed Mason to not only produce on special teams, but also as their top receiver. He averaged 27 yards per kickoff and 13 yards per punt return, including one score.

MarTay Jenkins (Arizona) – A refugee from the Cowboys, Jenkins led the league in kickoff return yards with 2,186. In fact, his 82 returns were nearly 20 more than his closest NFC competitor (Glyn Milburn – 63). He also had the third longest kickoff return for touchdown (98 yards) of the season.

Notes: Jermaine Lewis (Baltimore), who scored twice on returns and Darrick Vaughn (Atlanta), a rookie that brought back three kickoffs for touchdowns also drew consideration.

2000 OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Marshall Faulk (St. Louis) – Faulk received 19 of our 20 first-place votes, and won this award of the second year in a row (see the 1999 All-Pro team). His NFL record-setting 26-touchdown effort and 2,189 yards of total offense enabled him to beat out QB Daunte Culpepper (Minnesota), RB Eddie George (Tennessee), RB Edgerrin James (Indianapolis) and QB Rich Gannon (Oakland) for this award.

2000 DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Ray Lewis (Baltimore) – No doubt that Lewis was the primary catalyst behind the league’s best defense. The Ravens defense allowed a total of 188 points in 20 games, which is an average of nine points per game. Lewis’ 183 tackles in the regular season, plus his 52-yard interception return for a touchdown in the playoff win over Tennessee, were just two of the reasons why he earned this title over the likes of DT La’Roi Glover (New Orleans), DT Warren Sapp (Tampa Bay), DE Jason Taylor (Miami) among others.