Are you ready for the 2008 fantasy football season? KFFL is and we are here to help you dominate your fantasy football draft on the way to bringing home a fantasy league football championship this season.

Knowing the latest surrounding each fantasy football pick is essential in having a strong fantasy football draft. The following is KFFL's breakdown of draft-worthy defensive line options.

Be sure to check back often, as KFFL's free fantasy football coverage is updated weekly until the start of the 2008 fantasy league football season. For your fantasy football rankings and fantasy football cheat sheets, look no further. You can access those through KFFL's free fantasy football draft guide!

Tier 1

1) Aaron Kampman | Green Bay Packers | 6-foot-4, 270 Pounds | 7th Year

PROS Kampman has competed in 63 of a possible 64 games since 2003 with the only game missed coming last year after the Packers had wrapped up a playoff spot. He recorded at least a half-sack in seven straight games from Week 2 through Week 8, totaling nine sacks in that period. The Iowa native has averaged 75 total tackles since 2004 - finishing in the top 10 each year - and managed 12 sacks last year, just one year after leading his position with 15.5 sacks.

CONS: Kampman did not have a sack in five of his last seven games and managed only three sacks total during that stretch. The loss of defensive tackle Corey Williams (Cleveland Browns) and the possible suspension of tackle Johnny Jolly could limit the line's effectiveness.

FANTASY TIP: Kampman has been consistent over the last four years and should be viewed as a No. 1 lineman.

2) Jared Allen | Minnesota Vikings | 6-foot-6, 270 Pounds | 5th Year

PROS Allen increased his sack total to 15.5 last year in 14 games, which led the NFL, and has been a beast since entering the league, averaging 11 sacks per season. He recorded seven multi-sack games last year. He joins a Minnesota line that already has mammoth tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams. Both should free up Allen. He has also increased his tackles with 141 total tackles over the last two years.

CONS: Allen tends to be an all-or-nothing player. He tallied nine games with one sack or less last year, finishing five of those games with no sacks. The two games Allen missed last year were because of suspension. He could miss even more time if he has further substance-related trouble.

FANTASY TIP: Allen should be one of the top linemen drafted and has value as a solid No. 1 lineman. However, he could be overvalued in drafts because of his name recognition and the thought that he can only get better by going to a strong defense like that of the Vikings.

3) Jason Taylor | Washington Redskins | 6-foot-5, 255 Pounds | 12th Year

PROS Taylor leads his position in sacks over the last four seasons with 46 sacks. He has finished with less than 11 sacks just once in the last six seasons - even then he managed 9.5 sacks. He has 13.5 sacks in December over the last three years, which is his highest monthly total during that span.

CONS: He can be slightly inconsistent. During a four-week stretch last year (Week 7 to Week 11), Taylor managed just four total tackles and 1.0 sack. As well, Taylor is expected to make the shift from the right side - where he was on most quarterbacks' blind side - to the left end spot, where he could be lined up against the tight end more often.

FANTASY TIP: Taylor could be overvalued in drafts because of name value (how many other defensive ends have appeared on Dancing with the Stars), though he would make a viable selection as a No. 1 lineman.

Tier 2

4) Trent Cole | Philadelphia Eagles | 6-foot-3, 270 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS Cole improved his sack totals for the third straight year, finishing with 12.5 last year. The end was at his best during the first two months of the season - 9.0 sacks, 38 tackles - though he chipped in with a solid December (3.5 sacks, 18 total tackles).

CONS: The Eagles to do not have many other legitimate pass rushers at this position to take pressure off Cole. He does not have the kind of proven track record you would expect from a top defensive end, so there is always the chance he will be a letdown. He is also not immune to slumps as he did not register a sack and managed only eight solo tackles in four November games last year.

FANTASY TIP: Entering his fourth season, and just 25 years old, Cole could be ready to become a household name. View him as a strong No. 1 lineman with solid upside.

5) Mario Williams | Houston Texans | 6-foot-7, 291 pounds | 3rd Year

PROS: The first overall draft pick in 2006, Williams proved his worth with a huge second half in 2007. He recorded 10 sacks in his final seven games and saw his tackles increase from 2.6 per game through Week 9 to 5.1 per game over that same seven-game stretch.

CONS: Williams was largely non-existent through the first half of the 2007 season. He finished with three tackles or less in seven of his first nine games and managed just two sacks from Week 2 through Week 9.

FANTASY TIP: Williams has value as a low-end No. 1 defensive lineman, though his name value and strong finish last season figures to have owners overvaluing the towering defensive end.

6) Kyle Vanden Bosch | Tennessee Titans | 6-foot-4, 278 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS Vanden Bosch fell a half-sack short of his career-high with 12 last year while he managed 60 tackles (48 solo). It marked the third straight year he has finished with at least 60 tackles. The streaky end turned in his best month during December last year, finishing with 6.0 sacks and 26 tackles. Defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth is a beast in the middle of the line and helps keep blockers honest.

CONS: He was also a slow starter last year with just two sacks and 17 tackles in his first six games. As well, he has never been able to string together back-to-back elite seasons. The loss of defensive end Antwan Odom (Cincinnati Bengals) could mean more pressure on Vanden Bosch to perform.

FANTASY TIP: Vanden Bosch stands as a weak No. 1 end entering this season. He has moderate upside, though you might not expect much more improvement unless the Titans develop another pass-rushing threat on the other side of the line.

7) Jovan Haye | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 6-foot-2, 285 Pounds | 4th Year

PROS Haye broke out last year after two indifferent seasons. He finished the year with 68 total tackles (48 solo) and six sacks. The former practice squad player was fairly consistent with his tackles as he had at least four tackles in nine games.

CONS: Prior to last year, Haye managed just 17 tackles (11 solo) during his first two seasons in the NFL. He played only two games as a rookie and could turn out to be a one-hit wonder. As well, Haye occupies the tackle position, which generally is not as favorable for sacks. He recorded only two sacks over his final nine games.

FANTASY TIP: His tackles make him attractive as a solid No. 1 defensive lineman, and he could be undervalued because he lacks the name value of others on this list.

8) Aaron Schobel | Buffalo Bills | 6-foot-4, 243 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS The Bills added defensive tackle Marcus Stroud to their line, which should help eat up blockers and take some pressure off Schobel. He finished the season strong with four sacks in his final five games and managed 21 solo tackles in that time. The eight-year vet has proven himself to be an elite pass rusher with 45.5 sacks totaled from 2003-06.

CONS: Schobel's sacks dipped down to 6.5 last year, the lowest they have been since his rookie season. He's the biggest pass rushing threat on the Bills defense, making him a target for double teams. He did not have many big weeks last year, registering three solo tackles or less 11 times.

FANTASY TIP: With the new additions on their defense, Schobel could bounce back this year. He has value as a decent No. 1 with some upside.

Tier 3

9) Terrell Suggs | Baltimore Ravens | 6-foot-3, 260 Pounds | 6th Year

PROS Suggs recorded four of his five sacks during a five-week period from Week 6 through Week 11. His tackles also increased during that stretch as he managed 36 takedowns in that span. He averaged 10 sacks per season during the first four years of his career.

CONS: Suggs' sacks dropped to just five last year - the lowest total of his five-year career. He also showed his streaky side with four sacks coming in five weeks. He managed just one sack in the 11 other games. In fact, Suggs failed to provide much fantasy support outside of those five weeks as he recorded four tackles or less in nine of the other 11 games.

FANTASY TIP: Suggs, with five years in the Ravens system, has not shown up at training camp because of a contract dispute. However, don't let this keep you from taking him. He is a veteran who likely doesn't need as many reps in camp. He could be drafted as a decent No. 1 defensive lineman.

10) Justin Smith | San Francisco 49ers | 6-foot-4, 275 Pounds | 8th Year

PROS Smith joins the 49ers after starting every game for the Cincinnati Bengals over the last six years. He has ranked in the top five in tackles at the position over the last two years - 78 in 2007, 81 in 2006 - and should anchor the line in San Francisco. Smith could see some time at linebacker in the 49ers 3-4 defense, which could give him more opportunities for tackles.

CONS: Smith managed just two sacks last year and has just 15.5 sacks over the last three seasons. The line does not appear to offer him much help with defensive end Marques Douglas' three sacks the most among returning linemen.

FANTASY TIP: He led the Bengals linemen in tackles six of seven seasons and has proven to be a consistent end. However, he does not have the sack totals of an elite end, and his fellow linemen are suspect. View him as a weak No. 1 end with upside.

11) Darryl Tapp | Seattle Seahawks | 6-foot-1, 270 Pounds | 3rd Year

PROS Tapp is expected to start as the right defensive end opposite All-Pro defensive end Patrick Kerney, who likely will see more attention from opposing blockers. The third-year end registered a career-high 41 solo tackles and seven sacks in 2007, including a five-tackle, four-sack game against the St. Louis Rams in Week 7.

CONS: Tapp did not do much in the 15 games outside his Week 7 effort last year. He sacked the quarterback just three times in those games and had just 1.5 sacks over his last nine contests. At this point, Tapp is more potential than production.

FANTASY TIP: Tapp makes a decent candidate as a borderline No. 1 end with potential to break out. However, look to lock up a more proven option to pair with him.

12) Patrick Kerney | Seattle Seahawks | 6-foot-5, 272 pounds | 10th Year

PROS: A durable end - he has missed just seven of a possible 144 games in his career - Kerney registered a career-high 14.5 sacks last year. His tackles also reached the 60 plateau for the first time in four years. He was a beast in the second half with 11 sacks in his final eight games. 

CONS: Kerney was a streaky end last year with nine of his sacks coming in a four-game stretch. Over the first eight games of the year, Kerney managed just 3.5 sacks and finished with four tackles or less six times.

FANTASY TIP: Kerney should be regarded as a low-end No. 1 defensive lineman. However, be prepared for some erratic outings.

13) Osi Umenyiora | New York Giants | 6-foot-3, 261 pounds | 6th Year

PROS: Umenyiora has averaged just a shade better than 10 sacks per season over his last four years, making him one of the league's better pass rushers. His tackles over that period are also solid with an average of 53 tackles per season.

CONS: Eight of Umenyiora's 13 sacks last year came in two games, leaving him with just five sacks in his other 14 games. He failed to record many big games in tackles, recording three or less 10 times. The retirement of defensive end Michael Strahan could allow defenses to concentrate more on stopping Umenyiora.

FANTASY TIP: Umenyiora gives value as a strong No. 2 defensive lineman, though he should ideally be paired with a consistent No. 1 option.

14) Julius Peppers | Carolina Panthers | 6-foot-7, 283 pounds | 7th Year

PROS: Peppers averaged 10.7 sacks per season during his first five years, and he tallied at least 50 tackles from 2004 to 2006. He's as physically gifted as any defensive end in the league and entering a contract year, Peppers is set to shift to the right side, which he believes is his natural position.

CONS: Peppers was a disaster last season, turning in a career-low 2.5 sacks. His tackles weren't much better as he recorded only 38 and managed more than three just once over his final eight games.

FANTASY TIP: Peppers is a high-end No. 2 option based on his bounce back potential, though he might be selected earlier than he should because of his name value.

Tier 4

15) John Abraham | Atlanta Falcons | 6-foot-4, 263 pounds | 9th Year

PROS: Abraham is adept at putting the quarterback on his backside, recording at least 10 sacks in each of his four 16-game seasons. He averaged 3.9 tackles per game from 2001 through 2005 with the New York Jets, proving he's capable of racking up solid tackle totals.

CONS: Abraham has not done much tackling during his two seasons in Atlanta. He totaled just 18 during his injury-plagued 2006 season and managed only 32 last year. He's also injury-prone, having missed 21 of a possible 80 games in his last five seasons.

FANTASY TIP: Abraham should be a quality No. 2 defensive lineman, though he does come with substantial injury risk.

16) Charles Grant | New Orleans Saints | 6-foot-3, 285 pounds | 7th Year

PROS: The presence of defensive linemen Will Smith and Sedrick Ellis should help free up Grant from possible double teams. When at his best, Grant is a tackling machine with an average of 68 tackles per season from 2004 through 2006.

CONS: Grant has done little in the way of sacks lately. He managed just 2.5 sacks last season and has 11 combined over the last three years. His tackles dropped to 48 last year, the lowest they've been since his rookie season. He was indicted on involuntary manslaughter during the offseason, which figures to at least serve as a distraction.

FANTASY TIP: Grant's best value is as a solid No. 2 option with considerable risk and moderate upside.

17) Ty Warren | New England Patriots | 6-foot-5, 300 pounds | 6th Year

PROS: One of the defensive team captains, Warren has averaged 63 tackles per season since 2004. New England's high-powered offense often forces teams to pass more often, giving him more chances for sacks. The presence of defensive lineman Richard Seymour frees up Warren from some double teams.

CONS: Warren's play dropped off in 2007 as he managed just 53 tackles after posting 84 in 2006. He has never finished with more than 7.5 sacks in a season and has just 17.5 in 79 career games. He did not turn in many big games last year, compiling more than four tackles just three times.

FANTASY TIP: Warren is a consistent lineman and should provide good late-round value as your No. 2 guy.

18) Justin Tuck | New York Giants | 6-foot-5, 274 pounds | 4th Year

PROS: Playing in all 16 games last year (staring two), Tuck turned in a breakthrough performance with 65 tackles and 10 sacks. With defensive end Michael Strahan retiring during the offseason, the door is open for Tuck to garner more playing time.

CONS: Tuck played in just 20 games before last year, managing 41 tackles and one sack. He does not have much of a track record, excluding 2007. He was inconsistent with his tackling last season, recording three or fewer tackles seven times last year. With Strahan gone, Tuck could see more double-teams.

FANTASY TIP: Tuck can be drafted as a No. 2 lineman with considerable upside, though you'll want to pair him with a seasoned No. 1.

19) Andre Carter | Washington Redskins | 6-foot-4, 252 pounds | 8th Year

PROS: Carter shot back to respectability as a pass-rusher last year with a 10.5-sack effort, his highest total since 2002. He also has 111 tackles over the last two seasons. The addition of defensive end Jason Taylor should draw a lot of attention on the other side of the line.

CONS: Carter turned in some rather pedestrian efforts in 2007. He finished with three tackles or less in eight games and four or fewer in 13. In the three seasons prior to 2007, Carter averaged just 4.2 sacks per year.

FANTASY TIP: Carter should provide solid value as your second fantasy defensive lineman with moderate upside following the acquisition of Taylor.

20) Leonard Little | St. Louis Rams | 6-foot-3, 263 pounds | 11th Year

PROS: Little (toe) has looked strong in camp and could bounce back this year if defensive end Chris Long, the team's first-round pick, can provide some help opposite Little. The veteran averaged 47 tackles and 11.4 sacks per season from 2001 through 2006.

CONS: Injuries were a problem last year as a torn ligament in his left toe ended his season after just seven games. Even in those seven games, Little managed only one sack and racked up just 19 tackles. He turns 34 in October and could be entering the twilight of his career.

FANTASY TIP: Little ranks as a decent No. 2 defensive lineman with moderate risk (given his injuries and age) and reward.