NFL Picks and Predictions: 2012 All-Rookie Team (Defense):As far as rookie classes go, the 2012 crop is going to be remembered mainly for its star-studded offensive group led by the like of Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Alfred Morris. However, the group of rookie defensive players was just as impressive, if not more so. First-year players at several positions made immediate impacts, and several rookies were among the most productive in the entire NFL. With that in mind, here is a look at my picks for a loaded 2012 All-Rookie team on the defensive side of the ball.
NFL Picks and Predictions: 2012 All-Rookie Team (Defense)
Defensive End: Chandler Jones, New England Patriots
He was arguably the most productive rookie defensive linemen in the game this year. Jones led all rookie linemen with 45 tackles and three forced fumbles. He also finished second among rookies at the position with 6.0 sacks.
Defensive End: Derek Wolfe, Denver Broncos
Playing alongside Von Miller and Elvis Dumervil, Wolfe enjoyed a strong rookie campaign. He finished second among rookie linemen in tackles with 40, and his 6.0 sacks tied him for the second most at the position.
Defensive Tackle: Fletcher Cox, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had a rough year, but Cox was a bright spot. He led all rookie DTs with 39 tackles and 5.5 sacks. He also led all rookie defensive linemen with 32 solo tackles. Cox wasted little time becoming one of the better individual playmakers at the position.
Defensive Tackle: Mike Martin, Tennessee Titans
He slid under radar thanks in large part to Tennessee’s poor record, but Martin got the job done at the tackle spot. He finished second among rookie DTs with 37 tackles, and the total also put him fifth among rookie linemen. Martin also ranked third among rookie DTs with 3.0 sacks as he proved he was more than just a run stopper.
Linebacker: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Not only did Keuchly lead all rookies in tackles, he actually led the entire NFL with 164. Throw in a sack, three fumbles recoveries and two interceptions, and Kuechly is on his way to becoming star at the linebacker spot.
Linebacker: Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David finished third among rookies with 139 tackles, but his individual effort stood out. He actually led all rookies with 112 solo tackles, and that total ranked second in the entire NFL. David also added 2.0 sacks and a pick, but his biggest strength was his ability to shed blocks and make plays on his own.
Linebacker: Bobby Wagner, Seattle Seahawks
Plenty of players on Seattle’s league-leading scoring defense are going to get recognized, and Wagner is among them. He finished second among rookies and seventh in the entire NFL with 140 tackles. Wagner also flashed his athleticism, finishing with 2.0 sacks and three interceptions.
Cornerback: Janoris Jenkins, St. Louis Rams
Just call him a big play waiting to happen. Jenkins took three of his four interceptions back for scores this year, and he also recovered a fumble and took it in for a score. In addition to his four defensive touchdowns, Jenkins finished third among rookie defensive backs with 73 tackles and second with 18 passes defended.
Cornerback: Casey Hayward, Green Bay Packers
When Charles Woodson went down, defenses began to pick on Hayward. He responded to the challenge by leading all rookies with six interceptions and 27 passes defended. In fact, Hayward finished fifth in the NFL in interceptions this year and third in passes defended.
Safety: Harrison Smith, Minnesota Vikings
Smith finished third in the NFL among defensive backs and led all rookies with 103 tackles this season. He was also plenty disruptive in other areas, as well. Smith added a sack, three interceptions, 14 passes defended, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. To top it off, he took two of his three picks back for scores.
Safety: Mark Barron, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay’s pass defense struggled, but Barron showed plenty of promise and lived up to his reputation as a hard hitter. He overcame a modest start to finish second among rookie defensive backs with 89 tackles, including 72 solo. He also defended 11 passes and added an interception and a forced fumble.
Punter: Bryan Anger, Jacksonville Jaguars
Given the state of their offense, I guess it’s a good thing the Jaguars have a strong punter. Anger led all rookie punters with a 47.8 gross average, a 40.8 net average and 31 punts inside the 20-yard line. Those numbers stacked up well among punters in general, and Anger finished seventh in the NFL in both gross and net average and sixth in punts inside the 20.
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