In my first post about rookies, I broke down the first-year players on offense who will score big points and take you to a fantasy title. This time, I will tell you which rookies will try to keep those points off the board.
In this piece, I will talk about Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates.
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Johnathan Cyprien is my odds on favorite to win this award. He has pretty much been named the starter as safety for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Watching him at FIU, I said wow. Cyprien can run from sideline to sideline, fill the alley and has the much-needed ability to cover those big tight ends. Not to mention he will hit you and keep hitting you as long as you keep getting up. This guy can have at least 100 tackles and will be a playmaker on that defense, while making history at the same time. No Jacksonville Jaguar has ever won Defensive ROY and Cyprien has a great chance to be the first.
Jarvis Jones was my original pick to win this award until I jumped on the Cyprien train. The former Georgia Bulldog will rush the passer from day one. In that 3-4 defense that lost James Harrison he will immediately come in and fill the void at linebacker. Going into his final season at UGA and even after the season was over, Jones was a top 8 pick. Then he ran his 40-yd dash and he slipped on many draft boards. But, I will not get on my soap box about 40 yard dashes in this article. This defense is always near the top of the league and Jones can be those fresh legs that inject life into a defense with a little age. Another reason I feel Jones could win this honor is he will be on a better defense on a bigger stage. The Steelers could have the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Remember, you heard it here first!
My, how times have changed for Tyrann Mathieu. He went from being kicked out of school and off the football team to now being a millionaire and playmaker in the NFL. Talk about your story of redemption. The Cardinals needed to add some help in the defensive backfield very, very badly and they did just that. Yes, Patrick Peterson is monster. To call the safety position and other cornerback spot weak and suspect would be a compliment. Mathieu will slide over to free safety but will move all over the field. The former LSU Tiger can get sacks and interceptions, plus he adds value in the return game. I wouldn’t be surprised if he won this award. Mathieu will play the 49ers and Seahawks and if he makes plays against those premier teams, he could get Defensive ROY like his mentor Patrick Peterson.
Speaking of former LSU Tigers making plays on defense, don’t sleep on Kevin Minter who will push for starting middle linebacker with the Cardinals.
Unlike Cyprien, Jones and Mathieu will have a fantasy impact to put those defenses over the top with their ability to get sacks, interceptions and touchdowns. Don’t get me wrong Cyprien can do all of that, but that Jaguars defense will be middle of the road at best. The Cardinals and Steelers defenses can be elite, right now and put your fantasy team over the top.
Manti Te’o has one thing the other players on this list, the other players don’t have. And that’s preseason media hype. Whether it be for the right or wrong reason, he has the hype. Plus, he has a strong chance to start at linebacker. Hype and playing time are two good ingredients to winning this award. Te’o would be the first Charger to win Defensive ROY since Shawne Merriman in 2005. Before that, it was Leslie O’Neal in 1987. Bonus points for a Leslie O’Neal reference!
Barkevious Mingo, affectionately known as “KeKe”, will get after the passer and could be one of the new faces that take the Browns back to the playoffs. When, the Cleveland Browns drafted “KeKe” with the 6th overall pick they hope to pair him with free agent acquisition Paul Kruger in a new 3-4 defense. So Mingo could get a lot of one-on-one matchups on the outside and the former LSU product could take advantage. Not to mention new defensive coordinator Ray Horton loves to get aggressive and blitz. If Mingo has an impact on this revamped defense, throw his name in the hat.
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Next up, Eric Reid. The one thing Reid has going for himself is the great team around him. Plus, the Dutchtown, LA, native could be a starter on the best defense in the NFL. Like Mingo, he is on a defense that loves to give different looks and pressure the quarterback. Reid has the skills to move down in the box and support the run and hit receivers and knock the ball out. Out of all the defensive rookies, he is surrounded by the most talent. This allows Reid to just go out and do his job and not have to worry about playing “out of himself.” Something I think he had a tendency to do while in Baton Rouge. A rookie making big plays for one of the best defenses will always have a chance to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. LSU could be well represented in a very competitive race for this award.
Dion Jordan was one of many players drafted from Chandler High School in Arizona. When, the Dolphins brought his talents to South Beach they projected him as someone who could rush Tom Brady, who always lights them up. Jordan has the potential to be an elite pass rusher and if he gets off to a fast start, look out for another Jordan in the future.
Now to the rookie who may have the biggest shoes to fill. Dee Milliner was drafted to replace Darrelle Revis. If that wasn’t enough, he probably will see most of the passes as quarterbacks would rather throw away from Antonio Cromartie. Milliner showed his playmaking ability while in Tuscaloosa and he will need to bring his “A-Game” every game because he will be challenged from Week 1. If he proves to be that shutdown corner in a big New York market, he could be the first Jets to win the award since Jonathan Vilma in 2004.
Other candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year:
Arthur Brown, LB, Ravens
Ziggy Ansah, DE, Lions
JJ Wilcox, S, Cowboys
Sio Moore, LB, Raiders
DJ Swearinger, S, Texans
Jon Bostic, LB, Bears
Xavier Rhodes, CB, Vikings
Shariff Floyd, DT, Vikings
Kenny Vaccaro, S, Saints
Alec Ogletree, LB, Rams
Matt Elam, S, Ravens
