by Mike Harmon

It felt strange to be contemplating the "Sack" scoring category, knowing that my easy entry in the top 15 had retired for a spot on FOX NFL Sunday. Although it forced me to release Michael Strahan in a deep keeper league that included IDP slots, I'm excited to hear him proffer his opinions each week. For what it's worth, I retained Mike Vrabel and Asante Samuel, so I'll be OK. Am I too smitten with veteran players?

In any event, Strahan had to be removed from the list, but two of his former Giants teammates are represented herein. In fact, the NFC East is heavily represented, with sackmaster Jason Taylor joining the fray.

1. Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings made a big splash by fortifying an already-strong defensive unit with the 2007 NFL sack leader. The Minnesota front four is now perhaps the most fearsome in the game. You've got Pat and Kevin Williams in the middle and Ray Edwards (sleeper in IDP leagues) ready to dominate. Allen generated 43 sacks during his four-year tenure in Kansas City. Working alongside such behemoths on the line, Allen establishes a new career mark in 2008.
2007 Total: 16 sacks
2008 Projection: 17.5 sacks

2. Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers

Merriman has now terrorized opposing quarterbacks for three NFL seasons, averaging nearly one sack per game (39.5 in 42 career contests). The Chargers defense is back for another run, with Antonio Cromartie becoming a true shutdown corner. As such, quarterbacks are checking down to the next option, offering Merriman time to turn the "lights out." Sorry, I just couldn't resist. Barring an injury, Merriman will obliterate the competition once again, challenging Allen for the league lead in this category.
2007 Total: 12.5 sacks
2008 Projection: 16.5 sacks

3. Jason Taylor, Washington Redskins

He danced his way into the hearts of a nationwide television audience almost as deftly as he's danced into opposing backfields during his career. Taylor starts a new chapter in his career with a shift to the ultra-competitive NFC East and an intriguing Washington defense. He fills the spot opposite Andre Carter (himself a 10.5-sack contributor in 2007) in a new scheme. I expect Taylor to be energized by the move, motivated by the possibility of returning to playoff contention. He's missed only one game since his rookie year, having racked up at least 8.5 sacks in nine of the past 10 seasons. The grass will be greener.
2007 Total: 11 sacks
2008 Projection: 14 sacks

4. Mario Williams, Houston Texans

Following the 2006 season, the Bush/Williams debate raged throughout the sporting world. Williams dominated opposing tackles and racked up 14 sacks in 2007, Bush struggled, and the argument flipped. The Houston defense is mighty intriguing entering 2008, with Amobi Okoye and Travis Johnson clogging the middle, Williams terrorizing quarterbacks and DeMeco Ryans becoming a household name. Williams began what will be a long streak of double-digit sack campaigns last year.
2007 Total: 14 sacks
2008 Projection: 13 sacks

5. Patrick Kerney, Seattle Seahawks

Kerney adjusted brilliantly to a change in personnel, as he recorded a career-high 14.5 sacks in the Seattle defense. He's been slowed a bit in camp by a calf injury, but it's not expected to cause any issues during the regular season. With questions surrounding the offense (health and personnel), the Seahawks will be banking on another huge year from Kerney and Darryl Tapp at the ends (Tapp had seven sacks last year). The secondary is strong, and barring an injury or precipitous drop-off in production, they'll provide Kerney time to go to work once again.
2007 Total: 14.5 sacks
2008 Projection: 12.5 sacks

6t. DeMarcus Ware, Dallas Cowboys

Ware has developed a knack for making the big play and clearly benefits from the presence of Greg Ellis on the field. The improvement of Anthony Spencer (the team is excited about his progress in camp) will help the Cowboys to overwhelm opposing lines and generate ample sacks and turnovers once again. Lest we forget, the secondary will be even stronger with the expected return of Adam "Pacman" Jones. Ware has generated eight or more sacks in each of his three NFL seasons (33.5 in 48 career games).
2007 Total: 14 sacks
2008 Projection: 12 sacks

6t. Osi Umenyiora, New York Giants

His tag team partner Strahan turned in his pads for a microphone, but the Giants already had lined up players to fill the void (or, at least make a valiant attempt). Umenyiora now draws the double-teams to which Strahan had become accustomed, but the ability to bring Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka off the other edge should give him more than a few shots at opposing quarterbacks. Umenyiora amassed 27.5 sacks in his past two full seasons on the field, and I fully anticipate another double-digit total this year.
2007 Total: 13 sacks
2008 Projection: 12 sacks

8. Elvis Dumervil, Denver Broncos

He's not your classic pass rusher off of the edge, as Dumervil stands only 5-foot-11. However, you can't deny Dumervil's talent and skill at reaching opposing quarterbacks. Dumervil was a phenomenal force in his rookie season out of Louisville, posting eight sacks. With a refinement of technique and great support from the linebackers and secondary, Dumervil notched 12 sacks last season. Besides, with a name like Elvis, how can you go wrong? (Leave Mr. Grbac alone.)
2007 Total: 12 sacks
2008 Projection: 11.5 sacks

9t. Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

According to all reports, Freeney will be back on the field to torment the duo of Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton in the season opener. The fact that he's had back-to-back shortened seasons is certainly of concern, but few dominate like Freeney when he's healthy. If Freeney and Robert Mathis can stay healthy, look out. He averaged 12.75 sacks in the four-year period from 2002-05.
2007 Total: 8 sacks
2008 Projection: 11 sacks

9t. Aaron Kampman, Green Bay Packers

Aaron Kampman should benefit from a solid linebacking unit and produce a nice sack total. (Jonathan Daniel / Getty Images)

While the world spent many hours consumed by the Brett Favre experience, the Green Bay defense quietly went through its paces. The linebacking corps is deep and expects even bigger things for A.J. Hawk and the return of Abdul Hodge. Kampman, another Big Ten product (Iowa), has posted back-to-back seasons with a double-digit sack total (27.5 total). The return of Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila certainly helps Kampman's cause, as opponents have to pick their poison on the double-team. Cullen Jenkins will rotate in for KGB as he returns from arthroscopic knee surgery. The lone question on this unit rests in the secondary. Will Charles Woodson and Al Harris continue their strong play on at cornerback?
2007 Total: 12 sacks
2008 Projection: 11 sacks

11. Justin Tuck, New York Giants

As a pass rushing specialist in 2007, Tuck piled up 10 sacks. Now, he looks to translate his skills into the full-time defensive end position vacated by Strahan's move to the studio (Welcome to the team, sir.). He'll shift to tackle in certain situations to allow Mathias Kiwanuka (returning from a broken leg) to help overpower offensive lines, but I don't suspect that the move impacts his sack total at all. Stardom awaits this 6-foot-5 powerhouse.
2007 Total: 10 sacks
2008 Projection: 10.5 sacks

12t. Adewale Ogunleye, Chicago Bears

"Hey, Wally, do something funny." OK, so that quote from "The Simpsons" doesn't seem germane here, but Bears fans will certainly be calling on Wale to come up huge this season to help offset uncertainty on offense. Ogunleye has piled up nine or more sacks in four different seasons and, barring injuries to Tommie Harris, Alex Brown or multiple members of the secondary, I expect him to reach that territory once again. The defense is loaded with playmakers and stands ready for a Week 1 showdown against Indianapolis.
2007 Total: 9 sacks
2008 Projection: 10 sacks

12t. Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans

The theme of the day has been health. When healthy, Kearse remains a formidable pass rusher. After all, he is nicknamed "The Freak." The big question is whether Kearse can avoid getting dinged up and make it through a full season. If so, he'll benefit immensely from the stellar play of Albert Haynesworth on the interior.
2007 Total: 3.5 sacks
2008 Projection: 10 sacks

14t. Greg Ellis, Dallas Cowboys

The back spasms that Ellis has experienced during camp forced me to take pause for a moment, but the moment was fleeting. I'll downplay the fact that Ellis has missed 10 games in the past two seasons, and try to focus on the fact that this unit is quite strong (particularly if Terence Newman rebounds quickly from his injury and Pacman gets reinstated). I'm expecting another strong year from Ellis on the line, even if Anthony Spencer does work more into the rotation.
2007 Total: 12.5 sacks
2008 Projection: 9.5 sacks

14t. John Abraham, Atlanta Falcons

Abraham sustained an ankle injury in the preseason opener, but the injury is not considered serious enough to cost him any playing time. He'll likely be held out of the second and perhaps even the third preseason game as a precaution. It's only appropriate that we speak of an injury when addressing Abraham. When healthy, he remains one of the most imposing forces on the line. Abraham has recorded double-digit sacks in each NFL season in which he appeared in every game (four times). The Falcons are still building their offense, so expect Abraham and the unit to spend quite a bit of time on the field.
2007 Total: 10 sacks
2008 Projection: 9.5 sacks