NFL Predictions: Jared Allen and 6 D-Linemen Who Will Scare QBs in 2012

The defensive lineman is one of the quarterback's many nightmares. 

One of the main jobs as a defensive lineman is to punish the quarterback and make sure he falls to the ground. With the pressure that they bring, they can force quarterbacks into bad throws or force them out of the pocket to make them feel uncomfortable. 

With their exceptional speed, strength and size, the D-line is one an important component in disrupting an opponent's offense.

Without further adieu, here are the defensive linemen who are sure to scare quarterbacks in the 2012-2013 season. 

1. Jared Allen. Minnesota Vikings

Coming off a disappointing 11-sack season in 2010, Allen bounced back in 2010 to have one of the best years in his career.

The league leader in sacks last year, Allen came a half-sack short of Michael Strahan's NFL single-season sack record of 22.5. He also led the league last year in yards lost on sack with 151. 

For a Vikings team playing for really nothing more than pride last season, Allen was also able to force four fumbles as well as have one interception. 

It is reported that the Vikings are also planning on limiting Allen's snaps, which will mean that he will stay fresh for the time he is on the field chasing down quarterbacks. 

With his ability to come off the edge with both incredible strength and speed, Allen is sure to have another great season with the Vikings. 

Known for his rodeo celebrations after a sack, we can expect more of the same. 

2. DeMarcus Ware. Dallas Cowboys

One of the best at his position, DeMarcus Ware is an absolute beast when chasing down quarterbacks. 

Ware's consistency is unmatched, as he has been ranked in the top 10 in the NFL in sacks since the 2006 season. Able to play both the linebacker position, as well as the defensive line, Ware possesses a rare speed and strength combination that offensive linemen cannot stop. 

Ware has set the standard for the 3-4 pass-rushers, as he has been able to produce year in and year out. Through his first seven seasons, Ware has been able to notch an impressive 99.5 sacks, as he is a sack machine.

As long as Ware is healthy, there is no reason to believe why he should not be able to put up big numbers and put quarterbacks to the floor again in the 2012 season.  

3. Jason Pierre-Paul. New York Giants

At only age 23, "JPP" has made a name for himself in the league. With the Giants' defensive line dealing with injuries last season, Pierre-Paul found a significant amount of playing time, and he benefited greatly from it. 

In only his sophomore season in the league, Pierre-Paul was able to rank top five in the NFL in sacks with 16.5, as well as make the first team All-Pro and the Pro Bowl. 

Pierre-Paul was an important piece to the Giants defensive line that helped them win a Super Bowl, as he was able to keep constant pressure on quarterbacks throughout the season. 

JPP has showed the NFL his incredible skill at such a young age, and the scary thing is, he still hasn't reached his prime. 

4. Aldon Smith. San Francisco 49ers

Rookie Aldon Smith thrived last year under Jim Harbaugh's defense, recording an unbelievable 14 sacks. Despite not starting a single game last season, Smith finished the season a half-sack shy of the NFL single season sack record for rookies. 

He was also named Defensive Rookie of the Year by Pro Football Writers of America and finished the season with 37 total tackles and two forced fumbles. 

Much like DeMarcus Ware, Smith is a strong edge run defender, who can play both defensive line and linebacker. 

Putting up great numbers in only his rookie year, Smith is sure to give a scare to more quarterbacks in his sophomore year in the league. 

5. Jason Babin. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles got themselves one heck of a player when they acquired Babin from the Titans last off season. 

Babin had a career year last season, as he finished the season third in sacks behind Ware and Allen with 18. At one point in the season, he went on a rampage, acquiring eight sacks in three games and finished the season with 40 tackles. 

Although he has emerged in the later half of his career, Babin had a strong 2011 season and is poised for another great year as he plays another year with his old defensive line coach from the Titans, Jim Washburn.

A veteran, with experience in the Eagles' defensive scheme, Babin can be expected to produce another strong season hunting down signal-callers in 2012. 

6. Elvis Dumervil. Denver Broncos

The sack king back in 2009, Dumervil has since been slowed by injuries. However, he ended the second half of last season on a high note, as he averaged a sack per game and finished with 9.5 for the year.  

His strong second half showed that he has recovered from his injuries, as he dominated and looked like the Dumervil that recorded 17 sacks in 2009.

Dumervil looks to keep the momentum going from the end of the 2011 season and carry it over into this year.  

Healthy with a full offseason and some help in linebacker Von Miller, he is looking to play on a high level consistently and play like the Elvis Dumervil that won the sack crown. 

That means bad news for quarterbacks.