The 2012 draft class has quite an act to follow. The last two defensive rookie of the years, Ndamukong Suh and Von Miller, were both difference makers in their rookie seasons.
2012 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ranking the top five candidates for the award
Both Suh and Miller were drafted No. 2 overall in their respective drafts, so the bar won't be set quite that high for the 2012 draftees, as no defensive player was taken until Morris Claiborne at No. 6. However, teams are counting on some of these guys to make an impact in year one.
Which players are the most likely to win the award? Check out my top five candidates after the jump.
1. Luke Kuechly, Linebacker, Carolina Panthers
Luke Kuechly will immediately be relied upon to be the heart and soul of Carolina’s defense. He is smart, instinctive and should make a quick transition to the NFL. The Panthers are going to move him around, saying he has the versatility to play any linebacker position in the 4-3. Also worth noting, linebackers have won the award 10 of the last 12 seasons.
2. Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, New England Patriots
Another linebacker that should see the field often in 2012 is Dont'a Hightower of the New England Patriots. Bill Belechick gets the most out of his defensive players, and Hightower is instantly one of the most talented players on this defense. Jerod Mayo won the award back in 2008, and Hightower could have a shot at this year.
3. Fletcher Cox, Defensive Tackle, Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have raved about how perfect a fit Fletcher Cox is for their defense. With the talent already in place in Philadelphia, Cox could have a chance to make some big plays. He is a disruptive player on the inside, which is a formula for winning over the voters of this award.
4. Bruce Irvin, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks
Call me crazy, but Bruce Irvin has a real chance to win defensive rookie of the year in 2012. Whether or not he was a reach at No. 15 is irrelevant, because Pete Carroll believe in Irvin and is going to put him in a position to make plays. He will play a similar role in Seattle's defense to what Aldon Smith played in San Francisco last year. We've all seen Irvin's athleticism, so he could pile up the sacks and make a run at this award.
5. Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens
Terrell Suggs won't play in 2012, opening the door for Ravens second round pick Courtney Upshaw to have an impact in his rookie season. There was some confusion about his training camp conditioning test, but Upshaw is on the field working towards making an impact in his rookie season.
Sleeper: Nick Perry, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers
Who is your pick to win 2012 Defensive Rookie of the Year? Fire away in the comments.
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