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2014 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates
By Vinnie Iyer @vinnieiyer
If you’re looking to identify the 2014 NFL Defensive rookie of the Year early, you should start with the front seven. For 15 consecutive seasons, including Jets lineman Sheldon Richardson last year, an end, tackle or linebacker has taken home the Associated Press honor.
There has been a non-secondary trend for much of the award’s history since 1967. The last corner to win was the Raiders’ Charles Woodson in ‘98. The most recent safety was the Buccaneers’ Mark Carrier in ’90.
While there are a few DBs with a chance to snap the streak this season, the best bet is a high-impact tackler and pass rusher:
1. Khalil Mack, OLB, Raiders
Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie just compared Mack to one of his former standout Packers, Clay Matthews. Coach Dennis Allen envisions what he had in Denver with a younger Von Miller.
High praise, for sure. Mack, Sporting News' preseason pick for defensive rookie of the year, has exceptional pass-rush skills and range to ace the strong side immediately in Allen’s base 4-3. He’ll make big plays covering ground everywhere. At 6-3, 252, Mack is similar in size and athleticism to Matthews.
2. Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, Texans
There are still plans to play Clowney opposite dominant J.J. Watt, but in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4, it is projected to be at outside linebacker. The move from college end will allow Clowney to operate in the open field and cater to his strengths as a pure pass rusher at first.
Clowney has been slowed a little by injury in camp, but Houston should still count on him pushing toward double-digit sacks during the season. It just won’t be quite the rookie resume to match Mack.
3. Ryan Shazier, ILB, Steelers
Pittsburgh needed more punch in the heart of Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Shazier’s fresh, fast legs and heady, rangy play will provide just that. His speed, quickness and instincts set him up to be a tackling machine. He also can deliver impact plays in coverage and force key turnovers. Shazier will show the traits of a safety and outside linebacker with his athleticism, because he can get all over the field from the inside.
4. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
Aaron Donald (AP Photo)
Donald joins a St. Louis front four that already features prolific pass-rushing ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long. The tackle next to him, fellow first-round Michael Brockers, is underrated.
Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams know that Donald’s combination of power and quickness will make him an immediate force against the run. But with the attention the ends get outside, Donald is determined to also contribute much to the pass rush inside. A similar disruptor, Sheldon Richardson stood out enough to win the award last season, and Donald has that ability.
5. Anthony Barr, OLB, Vikings
Barr lasted a while longer than Khalil Mack, but he also landed in a favorable 4-3 scheme to start on the strong side. He’s built for what coach Mike Zimmer wants to do as a versatile attack player. They’ll count on him to be a sound tackler on early running downs, but on passing downs, Barr will be unleashed more as a pass rusher off the edge. There are plenty of opportunities for numbers, a la Mack. Barr is just a few notches below and may not be on the field as much.
6. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Ravens
Just as Ryan Shazier for archrival Pittsburgh, Baltimore is expecting big things from Mosley in a full-time role. He was one of the safest picks in the draft and an ideal fit to flank savvy Daryl Smith in the middle of the Ravens’ base 3-4.
They have done a quick overhaul inside two years removed from Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe. Mosely’s athleticism and range will translate to many tackles, his best stat to push for DROY.
7. Calvin Pryor, S, Jets
Did you see the Super Bowl? Every team wants a back-end hammer such as Kam Chancellor to clean up and lay the wood on offensive players. It was an easy decision for Rex Ryan to put Pryor in that role.
Pryor packs a wallop greater than his 5-11, 207-pound frame. It’s a bonus that he’s capable, despite his inexperience, to be a real defensive leader right away. He’s your best bet of anyone to possibly end that DB DROY drought.
8. Deone Bucannon, S, Cardinals
Did you see the Super Bowl? The Cardinals are also well aware of what Kam Chancellor did, having seen twice every season. So they didn’t hesitate to use a first-rounder on Bucannon to round out what’s developing into a top secondary (Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, Tyrann Mathieu).
Bucannon, built like a linebacker and capable of hitting like one, will be a key extra run stopper. But for passing downs, he’s got underrated coverage and ball skills to get some interceptions, too. Think of him as a younger Dashon Goldson.
9. Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears
Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings continue to give Chicago a solid starting duo, but the team will get Fuller involved often. While he gets some chances to work outside, he’ll make his early money in the slot. At 5-11, 190, the first-rounder will be busy in a division loaded with good third receivers.
When he’s on the field with Tillman and Jennings, you can bet those teams will test him. Expect Fuller to be ready for those tests, with a good interception total to help his cause.
10. Telvin Smith, OLB, Jaguars
He shouldn’t be a DROY sleeper, given he was one of the leaders of Florida State’s national championship-winning defense. But in NFL terms, he is, because of his fifth-round draft status in contrast to all those first-rounders. At that time, many teams couldn’t figure out if he should remain at linebacker or move to safety.
The Jaguars are in the process of reshuffling their starting outside linebackers in training camp. Smith is right there in that mix, impressing with his standout pass coverage skills. He is in good position to contribute in a regular role soon. If he also carries over his consistent run-stopping skills from his time with the Seminoles, watch out. Coach Gus Bradley had a history of unearthing LB gems in Seattle.
By Vinnie Iyer @vinnieiyer
If you’re looking to identify the 2014 NFL Defensive rookie of the Year early, you should start with the front seven. For 15 consecutive seasons, including Jets lineman Sheldon Richardson last year, an end, tackle or linebacker has taken home the Associated Press honor.
There has been a non-secondary trend for much of the award’s history since 1967. The last corner to win was the Raiders’ Charles Woodson in ‘98. The most recent safety was the Buccaneers’ Mark Carrier in ’90.
While there are a few DBs with a chance to snap the streak this season, the best bet is a high-impact tackler and pass rusher:
1. Khalil Mack, OLB, Raiders
Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie just compared Mack to one of his former standout Packers, Clay Matthews. Coach Dennis Allen envisions what he had in Denver with a younger Von Miller.
High praise, for sure. Mack, Sporting News' preseason pick for defensive rookie of the year, has exceptional pass-rush skills and range to ace the strong side immediately in Allen’s base 4-3. He’ll make big plays covering ground everywhere. At 6-3, 252, Mack is similar in size and athleticism to Matthews.
2. Jadeveon Clowney, OLB, Texans
There are still plans to play Clowney opposite dominant J.J. Watt, but in Romeo Crennel’s 3-4, it is projected to be at outside linebacker. The move from college end will allow Clowney to operate in the open field and cater to his strengths as a pure pass rusher at first.
Clowney has been slowed a little by injury in camp, but Houston should still count on him pushing toward double-digit sacks during the season. It just won’t be quite the rookie resume to match Mack.
3. Ryan Shazier, ILB, Steelers
Pittsburgh needed more punch in the heart of Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Shazier’s fresh, fast legs and heady, rangy play will provide just that. His speed, quickness and instincts set him up to be a tackling machine. He also can deliver impact plays in coverage and force key turnovers. Shazier will show the traits of a safety and outside linebacker with his athleticism, because he can get all over the field from the inside.
4. Aaron Donald, DT, Rams
Aaron Donald (AP Photo)
Donald joins a St. Louis front four that already features prolific pass-rushing ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long. The tackle next to him, fellow first-round Michael Brockers, is underrated.
Jeff Fisher and Gregg Williams know that Donald’s combination of power and quickness will make him an immediate force against the run. But with the attention the ends get outside, Donald is determined to also contribute much to the pass rush inside. A similar disruptor, Sheldon Richardson stood out enough to win the award last season, and Donald has that ability.
5. Anthony Barr, OLB, Vikings
Barr lasted a while longer than Khalil Mack, but he also landed in a favorable 4-3 scheme to start on the strong side. He’s built for what coach Mike Zimmer wants to do as a versatile attack player. They’ll count on him to be a sound tackler on early running downs, but on passing downs, Barr will be unleashed more as a pass rusher off the edge. There are plenty of opportunities for numbers, a la Mack. Barr is just a few notches below and may not be on the field as much.
6. C.J. Mosley, ILB, Ravens
Just as Ryan Shazier for archrival Pittsburgh, Baltimore is expecting big things from Mosley in a full-time role. He was one of the safest picks in the draft and an ideal fit to flank savvy Daryl Smith in the middle of the Ravens’ base 3-4.
They have done a quick overhaul inside two years removed from Ray Lewis and Dannell Ellerbe. Mosely’s athleticism and range will translate to many tackles, his best stat to push for DROY.
7. Calvin Pryor, S, Jets
Did you see the Super Bowl? Every team wants a back-end hammer such as Kam Chancellor to clean up and lay the wood on offensive players. It was an easy decision for Rex Ryan to put Pryor in that role.
Pryor packs a wallop greater than his 5-11, 207-pound frame. It’s a bonus that he’s capable, despite his inexperience, to be a real defensive leader right away. He’s your best bet of anyone to possibly end that DB DROY drought.
8. Deone Bucannon, S, Cardinals
Did you see the Super Bowl? The Cardinals are also well aware of what Kam Chancellor did, having seen twice every season. So they didn’t hesitate to use a first-rounder on Bucannon to round out what’s developing into a top secondary (Patrick Peterson, Antonio Cromartie, Tyrann Mathieu).
Bucannon, built like a linebacker and capable of hitting like one, will be a key extra run stopper. But for passing downs, he’s got underrated coverage and ball skills to get some interceptions, too. Think of him as a younger Dashon Goldson.
9. Kyle Fuller, CB, Bears
Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings continue to give Chicago a solid starting duo, but the team will get Fuller involved often. While he gets some chances to work outside, he’ll make his early money in the slot. At 5-11, 190, the first-rounder will be busy in a division loaded with good third receivers.
When he’s on the field with Tillman and Jennings, you can bet those teams will test him. Expect Fuller to be ready for those tests, with a good interception total to help his cause.
10. Telvin Smith, OLB, Jaguars
He shouldn’t be a DROY sleeper, given he was one of the leaders of Florida State’s national championship-winning defense. But in NFL terms, he is, because of his fifth-round draft status in contrast to all those first-rounders. At that time, many teams couldn’t figure out if he should remain at linebacker or move to safety.
The Jaguars are in the process of reshuffling their starting outside linebackers in training camp. Smith is right there in that mix, impressing with his standout pass coverage skills. He is in good position to contribute in a regular role soon. If he also carries over his consistent run-stopping skills from his time with the Seminoles, watch out. Coach Gus Bradley had a history of unearthing LB gems in Seattle.
