NFL: Top 5 candidates to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Zack Kelberman | Aug 29, 2014

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jun 17, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier (50) participates in drills during minicamp at the UPMC Sports Performance Complex. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Ryan Shazier, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker

The Steelers needed some new blood in the middle of longtime coordinator Dick LeBeau’s 3-4 defense. Enter Shazier, the Ohio State product who was named an All-American in 2013.

Shazier is a bit undersized at 237 pounds, but makes up for it with a rangy and instinctive playing style. He displayed his freakish athleticism in Pittsburgh’s preseason tilt against the Bills, when he notched 11 solo tackles and an interception.

Starting next to Lawrence Timmons, Shazier’s upside is sky high. He has the type of motor comparable to Bills LB Kiko Alonso, who came in second in DROY voting last year. That Shazier is a tackling machine will only be a boon to his chances.

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