During the pre-season, NFL media draft analyst Jason Zierlein shone a spotlight on eight NFL newbies he believed had a good chance to be officially named the best defensive player in the league at the NFL Honors awards ceremony Feb. 2.
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The NFL doles out an overall Rookie of the Year Award each year and also recognizes a Defensive Rookie of the Year and an Offensive Rookie of the Year.
The fresh blood that is found in rookies can be life-giving to teams. In the past, the Defensive Rookie of the Year award has gone to greats such as Derrick Thomas (1989), DeMeco Ryans (2006) and Joey Bosa (2016).
In 2018, the Defensive Rookie of the Year award went to Indianapolis Colts Linebacker Darius Leonard. He was a second-round draft pick from the South Carolina State. He was also the first non-first-round pick to win the award since DeMeco Ryans in 2006. He had the most tackles in the NFL at 163. With Leonard’s help, the Colts’ defense soared to the top 10 (from one of the worst in the NFL the previous season).
Leonard is proof that it is not always easy to predict who the top players will be. As of now, it is anyone’s guess as to who will be honored with the title of 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. With such a talented pool, the odds look good for each player.
So, how are the eight gentlemen Zierlein named looking now that the 2019 professional football season is well underway? Their performance up to this point could be telling of what will happen at the NFL Honor Awards. Let’s take a look at some of their season highlights so far.
Devin White, Linebacker, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Months ago, Devin White was Zierlein’s top pick for the man who is most likely to be crowned Defensive Rookie of the Year. A dedicated athlete, White skipped his senior season at Louisiana State University to make himself eligible for the NFL draft.
So far for White, the season could be going better. Before the start of the season, his beloved horse, Daisy Mae, passed away. Going into November, with nine games left in the regular season, the Buccaneers had won two games and lost five. At that time, White had secured 23 tackles.
White suffered a knee injury while facing off with the Panthers early in the season, which kept him from playing in the Sept. 22 game against the New York Giants (where the Buccaneers lost 32-31).
Ed Oliver, Defensive Tackle, Buffalo Bills
Ed Oliver was the No. 9 overall draft pick and, according to Zierlein, is known for his agility, quickness and twitch. Going into November, he had 18 tackles as the team was 5-2 for the season.
For Oliver, teamwork has been the name of the game. After the Bills turned the game against the Dolphins around in week seven, winning with a 10-point lead, Oliver credited the outcome to the team’s family-like bond and faith in each other. A recharging bye week also helped. In the same game, Oliver achieved his first career sack and said he was ready to make more big plays.
Nick Bosa, Defensive End, San Francisco 49ers
During a mid-season check-in on Oct. 31, Nick Bosa was considered the leading contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year, and, according to NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah, he was being considered for the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. At that time the 49ers were on an 8-game winning streak with zero losses for the season.
Bosa’s brother, Joey Bosa, won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2016 after a successful season with the Los Angeles Chargers. All eyes have been on Nick this season as fans wait to see if he will add to the family’s football legacy.
Quinnen Williams, Defensive Tackle, New York Jets
At mid-season, Quinnen Williams did not rank on Jeremiah’s Top 25 list, and the Jets only had one win under their belt heading into November. However, that does not mean Williams has not had a meaningful season.
In fact, prior to the NFL’s trade deadline on Oct. 29, it was reported that another team was interested in Williams, but the Jets refused to let him go. Although he has only had 16 tackles for the season, the team’s leaders see the 6’3”, 313 lb. 21-year-old as an asset to the team.
Devin Bush, Jr., Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
At the close of October, the Steelers had a 3-4 record. With 59 tackles and two sacks, Devin Bush, Jr. has undoubtedly been a big contributor when the team has come out on top. In fact, he is being regarded as the centerpiece of the Steelers’ defense. Despite the team’s mediocre first half of the 2019 season, Bush is continually praised for his talent and potential. He is one to watch as the rest of the season plays out.
Bush comes from a football family. His father, Devin Bush, Sr., is an NFL veteran who played for the Atlanta Falcons (1995-1998), St. Louis Rams (1999-2000) and Cleveland Browns (2001-2002). While playing for the Rams, he was part of the 23-16 Super Bowl XXXIV win against the Tennessee Titans in 2000.
The remaining three of Zierlein’s top Defensive Rookie of the Year predictions are:
- Josh Allen, Edge, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Brian Burns, Edge, Carolina Panthers
- Montez Sweat, Edge, Washington Redskins
At the half-season mark, Allen sat at No. 3 on Jeremiah’s list, and Burns ranked at No. 8. Sweat was no longer on the radar.
History tells us that the lineups for the Defensive Rookie of the Year predictions shift throughout the season. Last year’s winner was not predicted to prevail, but he proved himself worthy as the matchups played out.
The NFL Honors awards presentation will take place the night before the Super Bowl at the game’s host city. It airs on the same network as that year’s championship game.
