by Mike Harmon

Updated: August 22, 2008, 8:23 PM EST 1 comment

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Combine a prolific (or moderately so) offense with a solid pass rush, occasional blitzes from the linebacker slots and clamp-down corners, and you'll generate ample turnovers. In this final installment of the category leader projections, I'm targeting the ball hawks, those game-changers who come down with the timely interception, which invariably leads to some pointing, dancing and extended celebrations.

Let's start the charge with a three-way tie for the lead.

1t. Antonio Cromartie, San Diego Chargers

The Chargers are stocked and ready for another monster run in the AFC West this season, although the mention of Dr. James Andrews in conjunction with Shawne Merriman's health is certainly disconcerting. Assuming Merriman and Luis Castillo are ready to resume their brilliance in the front seven, Cromartie and the secondary will continue to reap the benefits. I do suspect that the opportunistic Cromartie receives fewer balls in his direction this season, much in the same way that Nnamdi Asomugha of the Raiders did a year ago. However, he'll make the most of his chances.
2007 Total: 10 interceptions
2008 Projection: 8 interceptions

1t. Sean Jones, Cleveland Browns

Jones has become a force in the secondary for Cleveland, registering nine interceptions and 26 pass defenses in the past two seasons. The high-powered Cleveland offense (provided that the team can come close to matching its 2007 output) will force opposing teams to take shots downfield, offering Jones the chance to make plays. Additionally, the team added Shaun Rogers to the line, whose presence should help slow opposing running games (they allowed 129.5 yards per game) and force quarterbacks into more third-and-long situations.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 8 interceptions

1t. Antrel Rolle, Arizona Cardinals

Rolle sustained a high ankle sprain in practice that will keep him out of the preseason tilt against Oakland, but it doesn't appear that the injury will limit him for the regular season. He's built like a tank and will enjoy his role (no pun intended), roaming the secondary to lay out big hits and reap the benefits of the coverage applied by Eric Green and Roderick Hood (with help from Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie). If Travis LaBoy, Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor can generate a sustained push up front, Rolle stands to produce a breakout year.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 8 interceptions

4t. Leigh Bodden, Detroit Lions

Bodden is currently listed as part of the second unit in Detroit, but don't expect that to remain the same entering the regular season. He was acquired through a trade with the Browns to bolster the atrocious pass defense and offers a veteran presence that the secondary was lacking. Bodden has big-play ability and should help this defense take a step forward in 2008.
2007 Total: 6 interceptions
2008 Projection: 7 interceptions

4t. Champ Bailey, Denver Broncos

Bailey enters his 10th year in the NFL and has been slowed by a hamstring injury this summer. However, Bailey will be rested and ready to continue his dominance against opposing receivers. He posted only three interceptions last season after tallying 18 picks in the prior two years. But, look between the lines a bit more. Bailey still had 14 pass defenses last season, and has averaged nearly 17 pass defenses during his career. Additionally, he's only missed three games during his NFL time. I expect a nice rebound season in the INT column.
2007 Total: 3 interceptions
2008 Projection: 7 interceptions

4t. DeAngelo Hall, Oakland Raiders

DeAngelo Hall should have ample opportunities to make plays on an already talented Raiders defense. (Sara Wolfram / Getty Images)

Hall sustained ligament damage in his right hand, but the injury shan't keep him off of the field. I'm intrigued by the additions to the Oakland defense. There should be adequate pressure up front, allowing the re-tooled secondary that includes Hall alongside Super Bowl winner Gibril Wilson, hard-hitter Michael Huff and shutdown corner Asomugha. The presence of Asomugha will force quarterbacks to look in the direction of Hall more frequently, and Hall most certainly has the ability to make a break on the ball.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 7 interceptions

4t. Leon Hall, Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are optimistic that Keith Rivers can give them the playmaker at linebacker that's been lacking given the recent spate of injuries and off-field issues. If he succeeds, Hall will be a prime beneficiary in the secondary. Cincinnati is scheming to have the cornerbacks press at the line and be more aggressive in coverage, which means that Hall may get beat downfield on occasion. However, he'll also guess right quite a bit.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 7 interceptions

4t. Asante Samuel, Philadelphia Eagles

Samuel has been battling minor injuries during camp, so his back is somewhat of a concern as we roll into the regular season. He registered 16 interceptions in his final two years in New England before earning his big payday for Philadelphia. Samuel leaves the high-powered New England attack for a Philadelphia team expected to rank among the best in the NFC. The Eagles have been hit by injuries at wide receiver, but the offense will still put pressure on opponents with Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook ready to roll. It's possible that Samuel sees fewer balls in his direction given his propensity to make the big play, but I believe that he'll still gamble to make a handful of big plays.
2007 Total: 6 interceptions
2008 Projection: 7 interceptions

9t. Atari Bigby, Green Bay Packers

I love the athleticism of the Green Bay defense and, frankly, I just love Bigby's name. Who doesn't think about Pac-Man — the game, not the cornerback — when they hear the name "Atari?" I'm anticipating more pressure from Aaron Kampman and KGB on the D-line combined with top-notch work on the corners from Charles Woodson and Al Harris (provided they can stay healthy), thereby allowing Bigby to continue his opportunistic ways. Bigby notched five interceptions and nine pass defenses in his first year as a starter. I suspect that he'll also get to gamble a bit more this season as the Packers seek more big plays from the defense.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 6 interceptions

9t. Ken Hamlin, Dallas Cowboys

An injury to Terence Newman has allowed rookie Mike Jenkins to receive valuable playing time and experience this summer. Getting matched up against Terrell Owens is certain to help you acclimate to the speed and physicality of the NFL in a hurry! With Newman expected to return to the squad for the season opener and the anticipated reinstatement of Adam (no longer "Pacman") Jones, the Cowboys secondary will be stronger and deeper. As such, Hamlin will have more freedom to operate in space and react to the ball. There's no question that Dallas will boast one of the league's most potent offenses, meaning that opposing quarterbacks will be launching deep balls while trying to keep pace. Hamlin will be there to field the errant throws.
2007 Total: 7 interceptions
2008 Projection: 6 interceptions

9t. Richard Marshall, Carolina Panthers

Marshall is in a battle for a starting role as the preseason rolls toward its end, but we got a glimpse of his playmaking ability when he intercepted a fake field goal and sprinted 78 yards to the end zone against the Eagles. Marshall has intercepted three passes in back-to-back years, with 26 pass defenses. I believe that the return of a more consistent Carolina offense guided by Jake Delhomme will help open opportunities in the secondary.
2007 Total: 3 interceptions
2008 Projection: 6 interceptions

9t. Kerry Rhodes, New York Jets

The Jets have upgraded both offensively and defensively this offseason, and that puts Rhodes in position to rebound from a down 2007 season. His tackle total dropped precipitously, although Rhodes did still record five interceptions with 10 pass defenses. I anticipate that an improved pass rush and that the offensive improvements (perhaps you've heard of that No. 4 guy?) will boost opportunities for the secondary to make plays.
2007 Total: 5 interceptions
2008 Projection: 6 interceptions

13t. Rashean Mathis, Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville defense welcomes some new names to Jack Del Rio's scheme, but the winning formula remains the same. Run the ball down your opponents' throats with Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew and play strong, aggressive defense. One of the large questions with this unit is whether Mathis can stay healthy. He played through pain in 2007, appearing in 14 games while recording one interception. I suspect that Mathis gets back to his big-time playmaking self this season. He averaged six interceptions during the period from 2004-06.
2007 Total: 1 interception
2008 Projection: 5 interceptions

13t. Marcus Trufant, Seattle Seahawks

Trufant experienced a breakout season for the Seahawks last year, registering a new career mark of seven interceptions. That isn't to say he wasn't on the radar as a strong player for years, but those pesky statistics tend to grab more eyes. He has averaged 16 pass defenses per year during his five-year pro career and has been remarkably durable (he's missed only two games). The Seattle offense has been decimated by injuries, but the defense is ready to roll. Trufant will capitalize on the opportunities presented by the sustained pass rush and superior linebacker work.
2007 Total: 7 interceptions
2008 Projection: 5 interceptions

13t. Donte Whitner, Buffalo Bills

Whitner recorded an interception in his first preseason action against the Steelers. With a re-tooled defense for Dick Jauron that has been bolstered by the return of Paul Poluszny, I expect the secondary to be more active this season. Whitner knows Jauron's system and works well in space with good closing speed. There were many detractors when the Bills announced his selection in 2006 (eighth overall). Whitner will silence them this season.
2007 Total: 1 interception
2008 Projection: 5 interceptions