But, since we don't know how Watt's health will be entering the season, I will pick Kahlil Mack. He has shown steady improvement as a player and pass rusher since his career started in Oakland. Mack will be helped by the addition of Bruce Irvin on the other side, especially on passing downs. The other thing that will help him: I expect the offense to continue its improvement behind Derek Carr. This will put the defense in a position to have more pass-rushing opportunities because the opposition will be playing from behind. With J.J. Watt's injury, we don't know what he's going to be able to do this year, so I'm taking the upset pick and going with Ziggy Ansah. He was so raw coming out of college and continues to get better every year. I don't think he has even scratched the surface of his potential. Ansah might not have 20 sacks this season, but 16 or 17 is within reach -- and could get him the crown. J.J. Watt could be limited early in the season, and that leaves the door open for a new sack leader. I watched the Raiders practice last week and let me tell you: Offenses are going to have a hard time against Bruce Irvin and Khalil Mack. Mack is poised to have a big season with Irvin, a complementary pass rusher, on the opposite site. Everson Griffen will lead the league in sacks this season because the Vikings are a team that, more often than not, should be playing from ahead. The emergence of Minnesota's offense with Adrian Peterson, Teddy Bridgewater and weapons in the passing game ( Stefon Diggs, Laquon Treadwell and Kyle Rudolph) will give the team early leads, allowing the defense to hunt.