Three rookies that could be the defensive rookie of the year
With so much talent on the defensive side of the ball, what rookies could win the defensive rookie of the year award?
Author:
May 5, 2021
This class was very offensive-heavy, but there are still several talented defenders who can make an impact early on in their careers. That being said, to win the rookie of the year as a defender, a player essentially has to be a first-round pick. The last defensive rookie of the year on defense was DeMeco Ryans in 2006. He was the 33rd pick in the draft. Last year it looked like Jeremy Chinn or Jaylon Johnson would have a chance to win, but Chase Young ended up winning, even though he missed time due to injury. Here are the three most likely candidates to win defensive rookie of the year next season:
Top Prospects Of The 2021 NFL Draft
Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), QB
Lawrence has been described as a generational talent that could transform a franchise, the kind of praise scrutinizing sports writers reserve for only 5-10 players per draft.
Advertisement
Zach Wilson (BYU), QB
An instinctual quarterback who thrives out of the pocket, Wilson could make a real difference for an NFL squad after he gets back from his Latter-Day Saints mission trip in 2023.
Advertisement
Penei Sewell (Oregon), OT
After opting out last season, Sewell will have his work cut out for him remembering how to buckle his helmet and push people.