Ranking the Best Defensive Lineman in AFC East Heading into 2012

The AFC East is going to be one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL over the course of the next few years.

The Buffalo Bills have made some great defensive signings, Ochocinco has gone south to Miami, and"Tebow Time" has made its way to New York.

It will be tough to level the playing field when Bill Belichik and Tom Brady are still running the show in New England, but the rest of the division is at least making an effort.

Defensively, each team had their weaknesses last season, and all of them have tried to fill in the gaps via the draft and offseason signings.

As we soon enter training camp, here is a sneak preview of the top defensive lineman in the AFC East in 2012.

12. Chandler Jones

Chandler Jones is going to have some big shoes to fill next year as he enters his first NFL season.

The Patriots defense is coming off one of their worst seasons in recent memory, and defensive ends Andre Carter and Mark Anderson have skipped town.

With those two combining for 20 sacks last season, the Patriots will be expecting Jones to step right in and come up with a handful of sacks himself in his rookie year.

For those of you who don't know, Chandler comes from quite the athletic family. His brother Arthur plays defensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, while his brother Jon is the current UFC light heavyweight champion.

11. Muhammad Wilkerson

As a rookie last year, Muhammad Wilkerson recorded 49 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

With a year under his belt, he should be able to improve upon these numbers and be a pass rushing threat up front for the Jets defense.

On a team that features Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie as the rocks of the secondary, the Jets are in need of a young pass rusher to help force the ball out of the quarterback's hands.

10. Mark Anderson

Mark Anderson will return to the AFC East next season, but not with the New England Patriots.

Anderson will be part of the deadly defensive line that has now been assembled in Buffalo.

The 6'4", 225-pound defensive end led the Patriots last season with 10 sacks.

Expect him to put up decent numbers, yet again, as he lines up opposite pass rushing superstar Mario Williams.

9. Sione Pouha

Jets defensive tackle Sione Pouha was surrounded by a bunch of youngsters in 2011.

The veteran led the defensive line with 58 tackles last year, numbers that he should be able to replicate in 2012.

It is unclear if first round pick Quinton Coples will make an impact next season, but the D-line should be in decent shape now that Muhammad Wilkerson and Kenrick Ellis have some experience.

8. Jared Odrick

The 28th overall pick of the 2010 NFL Draft played his first whole season with the Dolphins last year.

Coming off the end, Jared Odrick recorded six sacks and 22 tackles in his rookie season.

With Jason Taylor's retirement, you can expect Odrick to bring the rush a lot more often in 2012 and help Cameron Wake disrupt the opposing quarterback's comfort level in the backfield.

7. Jonathan Fanene

The New England Patriots have some voids to fill from the departure of last year's sack leaders Andre Carter and Mark Anderson.

They hope that Jonathan Fanene will be a piece to that puzzle.

Last season, Fanene racked up 24 tackles and 6.5 sacks for the Cincinnati Bengals.

This year he'll likely be lining up opposite rookie Chandler Jones, both of whom have something to prove on this new look Patriots front line.

6. Randy Starks

Randy Starks finished the 2011 season on a high note, recording two tackles, a sack and two interceptions against the Jets on New Years Day.

He had 4.5 sacks on the year to go along with his 34 tackles lining up at defensive tackle for the 'Phins.

The team expects him to be a veteran presence with Paul Soliai up front, as youngsters Jared Odrick and Olivier Vernon will see some time off the ends this year.

5. Kyle Williams

The Bills defensive line will be a force to be reckoned with in 2012, much thanks to the Williams tandem.

Defensive tackle Kyle Williams missed most of last season with a foot injury but will return healthy for the start of this season.

In 2010, he had a career year, boasting 77 tackles and 5.5 sacks.

This defensive line is going to be filthy in 2012.

4. Vince Wilfork

Vince Wilfork has been at the heart of the Patriots defensive line for nine years now.

The 6'2", 325 pound nose tackle was good for 52 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble last season in New England.

This four-time Pro Bowl selection will lead the way up front once again as the Patriots hope to bring some light back to their struggling defense.

3. Marcell Dareus

Marcell Dareus is going to be a great defensive tackle for years to come.

Standing in at 6'3" and 331 pounds, this 22-year-old out of Alabama packs a whole lot of power.

He had 43 tackles and 5.5 sacks as a rookie last season, impressive statistics for his NFL debut.

With the addition of pass rushing threats Mario Williams and Mark Anderson on the ends, Dareus should be able to blow through the middle and improve upon those numbers in his sophomore outing.

2. Cameron Wake

The Miami Dolphins sack leader will be back at it again in 2012.

Last season, Cameron Wake had 42 tackles and 8.5 sacks coming off of the end for the Dolphins.

In 2010, he had a monster year when he racked up 57 tackles and 14 sacks, earning his first career Pro Bowl trip.

Expect him to keep up the pass rush in this new look Dolphins defensive scheme.

1. Mario Williams

The Bills made one of the best signings this offseason by bringing Mario Williams to Buffalo.

With Tom Brady still as dominant as ever in New England, Buffalo was in need of a big time playmaker to help out on the front line.

Expect Williams to record at least 10 sacks for the Bills in 2012 as their rejuvenated defensive line looks as promising as any in the league.