Top NFL Defensive Rookies

[r8rh8rmike]

Top NFL defensive rookies

11/27/2009

(In alphabetical order. Stats through Monday.)

Jairus Byrd
Team — Buffalo Bills
Position — Safety
College — Oregon (Clayton High)
Draft history — 2nd round (No. 42 overall)
Key stats — 8 interceptions, 36 tackles

Brian Cushing
Team — Houston Texans
Position — Linebacker
College — Southern California
Draft history — 1st round (No. 15 overall)
Key stats — 88 tackles, 1½ sacks, 2 interceptions

Vontae Davis
Team — Miami Dolphins
Position — Cornerback
College — Illinois
Draft history — 1st round (No. 25 overall)
Key stats — 27 tackles, 2 interceptions (one for TD).

Louis Delmas
Team — Detroit Lions
Position — Safety
College — Western Michigan
Draft history — 2nd round (No. 33 overall)
Key stats — 55 tackles, 1 interception.

James Laurinaitis
Team — Rams
Position — Linebacker
College — Ohio State
Draft history — 2nd round (No. 35 overall)
Key stats — 96 tackles, 2 interceptions.

Clay Matthews
Team — Green Bay Packers
Position — Linebacker
College — Southern California
Draft history — 1st round (No. 26 overall)
Key stats — 31 tackles, 4 sacks

Brian Orakpo
Team — Washington Redskins
Position — Defensive end
College — Texas
Draft history — 1st round (No. 13 overall)
Key stats — 41 tackles, 7 sacks

[Warner4prez]

Our boy J-Lau has played like a man possessed. Very impressed indeed--I thought he was the wrong pick over Rey, glad I didn't have to pull the trigger on that one.

I really liked Byrd as well. I thought we'd even have a shot to grab him in the 3rd as a CB. Surprised to see that he is playing that well though! I truly hope that the powers that be recognize that Defensive rookie of the year is not a popularity contest, rather something based on skill and contribution. If this is the case, I'd think our guy is a lock.

[jkramsfan]

this was a great pick in the last draft as most of the guys wanted him, he will be around for along time.

[Keenum]

I was surprised he wasn't taken when we got him. I remember sitting down to watch our 2nd pick, and when they announced it was James I was very surprised he was still there!
Very glad we got him! Looks like a guy who will feel a need for 10+ years!