APAs promised, we’re letting you decide the midseason NFL awards.
First up? The defensive rookie of the year.
The candidates are, in no particular order (actually, it’s alphabetical), Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, Broncos linebacker Von Miller, Cardinals cornerback Patrick Peterson, 49ers defensive end/linebacker Aldon Smith, Texans defensive end J.J. Watt.
The decision to highlight Peterson in the photograph accompanying this item should not be interpreted as any hint or preference. Instead, I’m hoping to get Peterson on PFT Live for Friday, and a little sucking up can’t hurt.
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I think you forgot Marcell Dareus.
Mason Foster
Marcell Dareus
Aldon smith hands down !!!
No Marcell Dareus forgot Marcell Dareus
Aldon Smith
And Adrian clayborn
Chris Harris, the undrafted defensive Roy.
Aldon “All-Day” Smith.
Patrick Peterson is the truth man… no wonder the Cards gave up DRC so easily, this kid is far more talented than him… DRC cant cover a practice squad player!
Ryan Kerrigan is the lone bright spot on the entire Skins team. It is wonderful to see a young producer with skill.
How many defensive rookies have won games like Patrick Peterson last week? It’s hard to find a bad choice though.
Has to be Aldon Smith, he’s not even officially a starter yet because the Niner defense is so nasty yet he’s still putting up huge numbers, (6.5 sacks and a safety).
Honestly, this is actually a tough choice because all of these rookies have been impressive thus far
Ryan Kerrigan is playing like a boss, he and Fletcher are the soul of that Defense. Kerrigan is already a better all-around player than Orakpo. Pretty good for an ‘non-athletic’ guy.
It’s definitely Aldon Smith. This kid is a beast.
P Peterson is the real deal. The guy is becoming lockdown and this on special teams? Come on now.
Von Miller…hands down!!!
Aldon smith hands down. Patrick Peterson had one good game hasn’t done too good this year on defense. He has only been good on special teams. Aldon smith had the safety to really help out in the Detroit game. Had a few sack fumbles too.
I guess Aldon Smith was worth a high first round pick after all…
How do you leave Marcell Dareus off this list? He’s been a beast.
Easily Demarcus Van Dyke
Aldon Smith or Patrick Peterson. I don’t think you can go wrong with either of those two.
The Bills run defense was so bad last year, Marcell Dareus should get rookie of the year for just getting them to mediocre.
I get everyone going crazy for Aldon Smith his and Von Miller their sack total is crazy. If you were to include special teams its kind of had to not say Patrick Peterson he has had impact from day one, but for me the best all around player has been Ryan Kerrigan
Poll needs more Sean Lee.
Peterson has been terrible defensively. hes been great on special teams. he surely shouldnt win DROY
If you aren’t voting for Von Miller, then you haven’t been paying attention. He is the truth.
Marcell Dareus should be on this list, as others have stated. I’ve never seen an interior DL run to the sidelines as fast as he does. He gave his all trying to run down Dalton on his first down run as the Bengals were moving to set up a winning field goal. Dareus was the only one who read the play and made a go at him.
He’s blocked several passes including a few that have ended up getting intercepted. Either way his hands are always up.
Kerrigan, Watt and Smith are all good players, but Kerrigan and Smith are more pure pass rushers. Watt stands out amongst them as a force in stopping the run.
Peterson is athletic and does highlight stuff with his special teams play and Von Miller is a stud.
But, really, for all that he does for his team as a rookie, Dareus has got to be the guy. Like someone else said, Dareus deserves the credit for taking this team from awful at run defense to mediocre (and maybe Nick Barnett a little).
Huge oversight. Do you watch football or just read magazines all day?
onthingz-dot-com
Psquared is a lock for Special Teams rookie of the year but he has a ways to go defensively. There has been steady improvement as a CB
Von Miller is tearing it up with 6.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles this season.
Peterson has shown hes a good returner but for defensive rookie of the year Ill take Aldon Smith.
Nice to see Aldon Smith getting some recognition, I didn’t think many people other than Niners fans realized just how good this kid is.
It’s crazy that Marcell Dareus is not on this list!!! WTF is wrong with you people!! Have you seen him play. All of these other players are good, but Dareus has been a beast this year!! Shame on all of you for leaving him off this list. Wake up!!!!
I cannot vote, because the true answer is not present: Marcell Dareus. Von Miller has played very well, as has Ryan Kerrigan, but I would have to go with Dareus.
Peterson might have won that Cards game, but this is for Defensive ROY; Peterson has not been great at CB, only as a return guy. He would probably win Special Teams ROY.
I’m shocked marcel dareus is left off this list… WOW.. Smh…
If Patrick Peterson didn’t run back that kick this week he wouldn’t be on this list. Hype. I like the guy, but I’m just saying he doesn’t deserve a spot on this poll.
Von Miller has hands down been the best defensive rookie this year!
Ryan Kerrigan !!!