Darnell Dockett

Out for the season due to a torn ACL.

Starter at right defensive tackle. On an above average D-line he has consistently recorded around 50 tackles and 5 sacks each of the last five years. Expect much of the same this season.

He hasn't duplicated his impressive nine-sack season from 2007, but Dockett remains one of the league's best interior linemen in Arizona’s 3-4 defense. With the exception of a 49-tackle season in 2008, Dockett has reached the 50-tackle mark each of his last five years, totaling 27 sacks in that same span. And while he’s still likely the best player on his defensive line, end Calais Campbell and nose tackle Dan Williams are a talented pair who can make offenses pay for focusing on Dockett too heavily. That sort of high-floor, low-ceiling production won’t make Dockett much of a headliner in IDP leagues, but it does make him a reliable second option in leagues that mandate two starters on the defensive line.

Dockett lists as a DT, but is expected to line up at end in the Cardinals’ reconfigured defense this season. Playing on the edge — and for a new contract — the inconsistent Dockett could potentially build upon his impressive 2009 campaign, when he racked up seven sacks and tallied 51 tackles and an interception.

Dockett made the Pro Bowl in 2007, but he did so largely based upon the eight sacks that he made in Arizona’s first eight games. From the midpoint of the 2007 season through the 2008 regular season, Dockett recorded just five sacks in 24 contests. There’s definitely some talent here, as well as good size, but Dockett has been unproductive more often than not. He has only 19 sacks in 80 career NFL games.

Dockett had a strange 2007 season. He made eight sacks in his first eight games and then endured a seven-game drought. Part of the problem was a season-ending injury to teammate Bertrand Berry, which turned more attention toward Dockett. His tackle numbers also took a dive during the second half, from 35 to 23. Dockett turned 27 this offseason and still offers considerable upside, especially with a healthier and improved supporting cast. He lacks the strength and quickness to get through a double team, so he needs help from his teammates. After making the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement last season, Dockett wants to renegotiate the five-year contract he signed in 2006, but that probably won't happen and shouldn't keep him off the field in 2008.

Dockett is an interesting sleeper in 2007. He is still officially a defensive tackle, but he will act a lot like a defensive end in Arizona's new hybrid 4-3/3-4 scheme. The Florida State product significantly improved his fitness level during the offseason and should have more sack opportunities this season.

Starting defensive tackle. He has potential, but has yet to put up big numbers in the NFL. Judging by his first two seasons, figure him for an interception, a forced fumble, a couple of sacks, and 20-30 tackles. Dockett is capable of better stats, but his best chance for that is if Arizona moves him to defensive end.

Dockett has been outspoken in his pursuit to become a dominant interior lineman after a solid rookie season. He has been dedicated in work outs and has set ambitious goals for sacks and a selection to the pro bowl this season. Look for Dockett to have a standout season.

Dockett, the 2004 third-rounder for Florida State, has first round talent but fell due to questions about his character. He has the speed to play on the end, but has been named the preseason starter at left tackle. The emphasis will be on penetration and the team feels this move will allow him to utilize his quickness to get into the backfield, with right-side tackle Russell Davis taking the bulk of double teams.