A superscalar microprocessor is provided that includes a predecode unit configured to predecode variable byte-length instructions prior to their storage within an instruction cache. The predecode unit is configured to generate a plurality of predecode bits for each instruction byte. The plurality of predecode bits associated with each instruction byte include an end bit and two ROP bits. The ROP bits indicate a number of microinstructions required to implement the instruction. The plurality of predecode bits are collectively referred to as a predecode tag. An instruction alignment unit then uses the predecode tags to identify microinstructions. The instruction alignment unit dispatches the microinstructions simultaneously to a plurality of decode units which form fixed issue positions within the superscalar microprocessor. Because the instruction alignment unit identifies microinstructions, the multiplexing of instructions from the instruction alignment unit to the decoders is simplified. Accordingly, relatively fast multiplexing may be attained, and high performance may be accommodated.