In the grand scheme of things stats don’t matter, wins do. We would all be lying if we said we didn’t care about stats however. In this series we will be looking at the statistical leaders of each division in the NFL. For this article we’ll take a look at sack leaders for each division. Sack leaders in the NFL must be extremely talented and must have a wide skillset. Without further adieu, let’s get into it.
AFC North: DE Myles Garrett- Cleveland Browns
This is a difficult choice between Garrett and T.J. Watt but I’m going to give the edge to the former first overall pick this season. Myles Garrett is a master of his craft. He blends together power, finesse, footwork, and hand technique to create a truly dominant pass rusher. I think he could put up Aaron Donald type numbers this year.
Myles Garrett Sack Projection: 16.5 Sacks
AFC South: DT DeForest Buckner- Indianapolis Colts
Buckner is one of the best interior defensive lineman of this generation and he finally has some help off the edge with the arrivals of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo and the development of Kemoko Turay. Buckner is a powerful technician who relies on his hand usage and footwork to beat guards. I expect some huge numbers from Buckner this season.
DeForest Buckner Sack Projection: 13 Sacks
AFC East: DE Emmanuel Ogbah- Miami Dolphins
The AFC East is a weak division when it comes to pass rushers. However, Emmanuel Ogbah is no chump. Ogbah is an extremely powerful hand in the dirt defensive end who plays with heavy hands and great leverage. Ogbah’s production will rely on how much attention Jaelan Phillips, Christian Wilkins, and Raekwon Davis can draw away from him.
Emmanuel Ogbah Sack Projection: 10.5 Sacks
AFC West: OLB Von Miller- Denver Broncos
Von Miller is entering his 11th season and is still an incredibly talented pass rusher. He is coming off a season ending injury which is concerning but his minimal preseason snaps were promising. Von has Bradley Chubb across from him to draw away attention which will allow for more one on ones.
Von Miller Sack Projection: 11.5 Sacks
NFC North: DE Danielle Hunter- Minnesota Vikings
When healthy, Danielle Hunter is a menace to the offensive tackle position. Hunter is a technical master who uses his hand moves and footwork to outsmart and out finesse his opponents. Very few tackles can handle Hunter one on one and I expect him to come back from injury with a vengeance.
Danielle Hunter Sack Projection: 13 Sacks
NFC South: DE Brian Burns- Carolina Panthers
Brian Burns is an animal. The former Florida State Seminole has absolutely everything it takes to be one of the best pass rushers in recent history and not many people recognize that. The question has always been whether or not he could put all the tools together and be coached up to his potential. This season is going to be his breakout campaign where he puts the whole league on notice.
Brian Bruns Sack Projection: 14 Sacks
NFC East: DE Chase Young- Washington Football Team
The term generational talent should never be used lightly and is only for players with unicorn abilities that only come around once in a blue moon. Chase Young is a generational talent. I think he is going to lead the league in sacks and will embarrass some offensive lineman while doing it. He has absolutely everything you could possibly want in an edge rusher and we are going to see a historic season from him this year.
Chase Young Sack Projection: 16.5 Sacks
NFC West: DT Aaron Donald- Los Angeles Rams
The king of all pass rushers in recent history has been Aaron Donald. Donald is one of the most dominant players in the history of the National Football League and has done so as an interior defensive lineman. If the Rams are going to live up to expectations, it is going to be on the backs of Matthew Stafford and Aaron Donald.
Aaron Donald Sack Projection: 14 Sacks