NFL: Predicting this season’s award winners
By Brad Rowland
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jadeveon Clowney, DE Houston Texans
Honestly, choosing Jadeveon Clowney to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year almost feels like cheating. The former South Carolina defensive end was the presumptive number one pick in the NFL Draft from the time he left high school, and that projection came to life this season with the Texans.
From a physical perspective, Clowney brings incredible tools to the table, and the collection of size, strength and speed allows many experts to project him for double-digit sacks as a rookie. Fortunately for Clowney, he will not be the focal point of the opposition’s strategy, either, as Houston also boasts All-Pro defensive lineman J.J. Watt on the same front, and as such, Clowney should see plenty of single coverage during his maiden voyage through the league.
Even if he doesn’t touch double-digits in the sack department initially, Clowney’s presence will be felt from opening day forward.
Runner-up: Ryan Shazier, LB Pittsburgh Steelers