2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions – Top 5 Favorites and Contenders to Win NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: For nearly a decade, linebackers have dominated the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Detroit defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh did win the award in 2010, but eight of the last nine recipients have been linebackers. Defending winner Von Miller added his name to that list last year from his outside linebacker spot, and while there are a few players from this year’s crop of rookie linebackers that could continue the streak, it isn’t a sure thing. With that in mind, here is a look at the top contenders for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming 2012 NFL season.
2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds and Predictions – Top 5 Favorites
1. Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Carolina Panthers
He was a tackling machine at Boston College, and Kuechly’s strength, technique and nose for the football will allow him to continue to be productive in the NFL. While he won’t have as many opportunities to make big plays behind the line of scrimmage because of Carolina’s suspect defensive front, Kuechly will pile up tackles. He is always around the football, and when he gets his hands on ball carriers, they go down. Kuechly was pushing 200 tackles in 13 games in college. He will top 100 in a 16-game season as a pro, and his steady production will make him the man to beat for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.
2. Morris Claiborne, Cornerback, Dallas Cowboys
Dallas traded up to get the top cover corner in the draft, and Claiborne will start immediately for a secondary that struggled last season. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan will find plenty of ways to employ a ballhawk like Claiborne, and with DeMarcus Ware bringing pressure off the edge, opposing quarterbacks won’t have a lot of time in the pocket. Claiborne is the total package at cornerback, and he will grab his fair share of interceptions as a rookie. His ability to make big plays in the return game only helps his chances of being named Defensive Player of the Year.
3. Mark Barron, Safety, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Although safeties haven’t had a great track record at winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award, Barron could end the drought. Plain and simple, he can do it all from the safety position. He is hard hitter that can stuff the run and light up receivers going over the middle. Barron can also rush the passer and cover down the field. His versatility and ability to stuff the stat sheet will definitely keep him in the mix for some rookie honors. Whether or not he can create enough turnovers and make enough game-changing plays in Tampa Bay will ultimately determine if he can win top honors.
4. Melvin Ingram, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers
While he might not have the physical build of Shawne Merriman, Melvin Ingram could become the next player to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award for the Chargers. Like Merriman, he has the combination of size and speed to play both outside linebacker and defensive end. His versatility will allow him to stay on the field in a variety of situations, and Ingram will be putting heat on opposing quarterbacks all season long. San Diego has been adding talent to its defensive in the last few drafts, and Ingram should benefit from plenty of big play opportunities. The only question is whether or not he can show week-to-week consistency as a rookie.
5. Bruce Irvin, Defensive End, Seattle Seahawks
Seattle was actually criticized during the draft for reaching for Irvin, and while the Seahawks could have probably traded down and still picked him, there is no denying his ability to rush the passer. His chances of being named Defensive Rookie of the Year will probably be hurt by the fact he likely won’t be an every-down player in his first year. However, he could still approach double-digit sacks as a rush specialist in passing situations. If Irvin can earn himself some extra playing time sooner rather than later, his ability to pile up sacks could allow him to make a late run at top honors.
2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
2532 Bruce Irvin +2000
2533 Casey Hayward +1500
2534 Chandler Jones +1000
2535 Courtney Upshaw +1000
2538 Dont’a Hightower +1000
2539 Dontari Poe +1500
2540 Dre Kirkpatrick +1000
2541 Fletcher Cox +1200
2542 Harrison Smith +1500
2543 Janoris Jenkins +1500
2544 Jerel Worthy +2500
2545 Luke Kuechly +500
2546 Mark Barron +1200
2547 Melvin Ingram +2000
2548 Michael Brockers +2000
2549 Morris Claiborne +650
2550 Mychal Kendricks +1500
2551 Nick Perry -1200
2552 Quinton Coples +1800
2554 Stephon Gilmore +1600
2557 Field +600
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