N.F.L Rookie Watch (Defensive)

Updated: January 4th

By: Kyle Howe

It is always interesting to see how a Draft Experts projections turn out, and we here, are very intrigued by this years class of rookies. Every week we give you the top 5 players in the hunt for Rookie of the Year on the offensive and defensive side of the ball. Click here for the Offensive Rankings.


	1. Aldon Smith- OLB San Francisco 49ers It seemed inevitable that Aldon Smith was going to shred the woeful St Louis Rams offensive line, and get the Rookie Sack Record of 16.5, but it just didn't happen. Smith had somewhat of a slow week, but it was clear that neither he, nor Jim Harbaugh cared too much about the record, and that they cared more about the playoffs instead. Smith had just 2 tackles on the day, but saw much fewer snaps than normal. In just 1 season, Smith established himself as one of the leagues most feared pass rushers, while still showing he has room to get much better. Whoever the 49ers play in the divisional playoff matchup, they’re going to have to watch out for Aldon Smith.
	2. Von Miller- OLB Denver Broncos Halfway through the season, Von Miller had this award locked up, but he has really fallen off in recent weeks, allowing Aldon Smith to surpass him. Miller has a more complete stat line than Smith, but these past few weeks, I feel as if Miller played himself right out of the top spot. Fortunately for Miller, the Broncos still made the playoffs with an 8-8 record, and the Rookie of the Year tends to be a bit of a popularity contest, so he still has a very good shot at winning the award. I also know Miller’s thumb has been an issue these past few weeks, but even so, his play has been completely lackluster. His drive and motor seem to be non-existent, and he appears to be shying away from contact far too often. Even though he didn't shine down the stretch, Miller had a superb Rookie Season, and it's hard to find a player on defense who made more of a difference for his team than Miller did. Without Miller, the Broncos don't even sniff the playoffs.
	3. Patrick Peterson- CB Arizona Cardinals I don’t think anybody expected Patrick Peterson to play this Sunday after suffering an achilles injury the week before. However, the electrifying rookie still came out and played. Last year we hyped him up as the draft's most talented player, and he showed nothing this year that would make us think we were wrong.The guy is not only a defensive stud, he’s potentially the league’s best punt returner as well (just ask the St. Louis Rams). Arizona finished the season winning 7 out of their last 9 games, and things are really looking up for them. Along with the team, next year I really expect Peterson to grow as a cover corner, and to develop into one of the league's elites.
	4. Richard Sherman- CB Seattle Seahawks Just like his fellow rookie and Stanford alumni Doug Baldwin, Richard Sherman has had an eye-popping rookie season for the Seahawks. Sherman actually had an even more productive season than his Cornerback counterpart Patrick Peterson. The reason he is ranked lower than Peterson is because of Peterson’s performance on special teams. Quietly, Sherman lead all rookies in both interceptions, and pass deflections this year with 4, and 22 respectively. At the beginning of the season, the Seahawks appeared to be short at cornerback, but now it appears to be one of their stronger spots with Sherman and second-year player Brandon Browner. Sherman and teammate Doug Baldwin are perfect examples of why teams must not overlook late-round players.
	5. Jabaal Sheard- DE Cleveland Browns After Ryan Kerrigan had two sub-par performances in the last two weeks of the season, this spot belongs to the NFL’s third leading rookie in sacks. Jabaal Sheard is another guy who finished the season on a tear, tallying 3 sacks in his last 3 games. Sheard and fellow rookie Phil Taylor give the Browns a lot of hope on defense for the future. With Sheard’s edge rushing ability, and Taylor’s complete skill set at defensive tackle, this Browns defense could find itself being one of the more fearsome in a couple of years. Also, let’s not forget about that great secondary led by second-year players Joe Haden and TJ Ward. After being a highly scrutinized pick by a lot of experts, Sheard has really proved the doubters wrong.