Last week, we published an NFL Rookie of the Year article about the Top 5 contenders on offense. This week, we’re publishing a piece on the top 5 Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates. Check it out so you can place your bets against their odds to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year!
Ranking the Top 5 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates Entering 2020
Top 5 Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
Chase Young +200
Washington Football Team’s top draft pick could turn into one of the very best defensive-ends the National Football League has ever seen. Young has a motor that never quits. In his last two seasons as an Ohio State Buckeye, Chase produced 79 total tackles. 35.5 of those tackles were for a loss. He also had 35.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles. Unless his game doesn’t translate to pro football, it’s hard to see Young losing the award.
Isaiah Simmons +500
Simmons is a Swiss Army Knife type player, which means he can line-up as a defensive-end, outside-linebacker, inside-linebacker, or at strong safety. As a Clemson Tiger, Isaiah terrorized ACC offenses. In the NFL, his versatility should help him.
Or not.
The problem with being “versatile” in the NFL is that defensive coordinators prefer players that are experts at specific positions. If you believe Simmons’ versatility is a benefit, by all means, back him at the odds. But, it’s there’s guarantee Isaiah gets enough playing time to win the ROY.
Kenneth Murray +900
With their first Round 1 pick, the Chargers drafted Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. With their second first-round pick, they went for Oklahoma inside linebacker Murray. Kenneth is a very good pass rusher. But he must learn coverage skills in the NFL. That could take time. Because the Bolts figure to use Murray only on passing downs, he’s difficult to back at the current odds.
Patrick Queen +900
Queen isn’t big, which is one of the reasons he fell to the Baltimore Ravens in the first-round. But the former LSU standout linebacker has excellent coverage skills. That makes him an every down player in the Ravens’ 3-4 defense. Queen is a good blitzer as well and he’s excellent against the run. We must expect John Harbaugh to use Patrick the right way. He’s got a big shot to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Jeffrey Okudah +1400
Okudah will start, but he’s not Deion Sanders. Also, in 2019, Jeff didn’t record an interception and had just 13 tackles. That doesn’t mean he won’t help the Lions’ defense. It does mean he may not accumulate the necessary stats to win the Rookie of the Year.
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