We are now 11 weeks into the 2014-15 NFL season and it is time to look at the award races around the league. The Defensive Rookie of the Year Award race is heating up and is about to welcome a young star into the company of Von Miller, Luke Kuechly, and Sheldon Richardson. Here are three standout young talents that are already making noise in the league, and are trying to make their case for the coveted DROY Award.
C.J. Mosley – Middle Linebacker – Baltimore Ravens
Not only has Linebacker C.J. Mosley stood out as one of the best rookies in the league, but right now he’s playing like one of the best veterans in the league. The Alabama product has filled the whole left at the middle linebacker position by Ray Lewis. Mosley plays every down and is a defensive force unlike any other in the league. With 90 total tackles (58 solo), two interceptions, and a forced fumble so far this season; Mosley is far ahead of anybody in the DROY race.
Anthony Barr – Outside Linebacker – Minnesota Vikings
Despite that last sentence, Anthony Barr deserves some recognition. The first pick of the amazing draft class that was the Vikings 2014 Draft class, Barr has made noise in Minnesota. The man from UCLA may only have as many total tackles as Mosley has solo tackles (58) but he’s also tallied four sacks, a forced fumble, and three fumble recoveries, one of those returned for a game winning overtime touchdown against Tampa Bay. It’s difficult to determine which stat line is more impressive considering Mosley and Barr play two similar-sounding yet very different positions but with everyone saying Mosley is the clear-cut winner right now, I’m here to tell you not to count out Barr.
Kyle Fuller – Cornerback – Chicago Bears
Kyle Fuller should lead all rookie members of the secondary for Rookie of the Year. Fuller stepped in when all-pro Charles Tillman went down with a torn triceps and was immediately able to contribute in the secondary. With three forced fumbles and three interceptions, the Virginia Tech product leads this list in turnovers, however Fuller has often been exposed with some soft defense making him a low level dark horse for this award.