Patrick Kerney

Kerney exploded for a career-high 14.5 sacks in 2007, 3.5 more than his last two seasons combined (though he only played in nine games in 2006). Kerney is inconsistent in the sack department, with double-digit totals in 2002, 2004 and 2007 but 6.5 or fewer in 2003, 2005 and 2006. Kerney is much more dependable in tackles, though, with 66, 53 and 60 in his last three full seasons, respectively. At age 31, it's hard to expect a repeat of last year, but Kerney still should remain among the league's top defensive linemen, especially because of his strong tackling ability. He is an agile, well-rounded player that has also proven to be durable throughout most of his NFL career.

Kerney comes to the Seahawks this season after an injury plagued year with the Falcons. If he stays healthy, he is expected to contribute a strong pass rush, which was missing last year with the aging Grant Wistrom.

Lately, Kerney’s been alternating good years with bad, and last year wasn’t one of the good ones. He set career highs in 2004 with 53 solo tackles, 13 sacks, an interception and seven passes defended. The tea leaves suggest he’ll rebound, then, and maybe the groin and abdominal injuries he played with last year took a toll. The best reason to be optimistic about him in 2006, however, is John Abraham’s presence at right end. Last year, when right end Brady Smith missed time, Kerney had to switch to right end, facing left tackles, who are usually their team’s best lineman. It didn’t agree with him. There’s reason to be wary of a guy who doesn’t dominate against top competition on the opposing line, and Abraham doesn’t have the best health track record, but he’ll be the right end this year and is an upgrade over Smith. Kerney makes up for his lack of edge speed with a high motor and solid fundamental tools. He’s also never missed a game in seven years. This is looking like one of those good years.

Kerney set or tied career highs in just about every statistical category last year, including seven passes defended and two forced fumbles in addition to his tackles, sacks and interceptions. He’s had double-digit sacks in each of the past four years except 2003 when the entire Vick-less Atlanta squad stumbled. Linemen can be hit-or-miss from week to week but Kerney’s sacks were well spread throughout the year, a luxury a lineman can offer when he’s got so many to dole out. He’s in the prime of his career and gets great support from Rod Coleman and Brady Smith on the NFL’s leading tackling squad.

Starting left end in 2003 will move outside this year and should have plenty of chances to rush the QB.

After recording 12 sacks in 2001, Kerney had a brief trial at outside linebacker in training camp before returning to his customary end spot and notching another 10.5 quarterback mashings in 2002. Kerney also put up very solid tackle numbers for an end (46).