Since defensive players are more likely to start right away than offensive guys, picking the Defensive Rookie of the Year is less about opportunity to play and more about straight-up skill and supporting cast. <\/p>\n
Here are the top 10 picks & NFL predictions For The 2011 Defensive Rookie Of The Year.<\/h3>\n
1. Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions (+500)<\/strong><\/p>\n Does the presence of reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Ndamukong Suh help or hurt Nick Fairley\u2019s chances of winning the award this year? I\u2019ll go with the former. Teams simply won\u2019t be able to key on Fairley since Suh will be such a major concern. That could give Fairley opportunities to make big plays as a run stopper and pass rusher. 2. Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos (+500)<\/strong><\/p>\n I think Von Miller has a chance to make a Patrick Willis-like impact as a rookie with the Denver Broncos. The man is unbelievably talented, faster than some running backs, and has a legit chance to be among the NFL\u2019s tackling leaders this season. Because of his athleticism, he also has the ability to come up with big plays like pick-sixes or fumble-return touchdowns. Those are the kinds of \u201csexy\u201d accomplishments that Fairley can\u2019t match.<\/p>\n 3. Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals (+500)<\/strong><\/p>\n I\u2019m surprised sportsbooks have the stones to make Peterson a co-favorite. A defensive back hasn\u2019t won the ROY since Charles Woodson in 1998. The position is just too complicated for youngsters to dominate as rookies. Peterson will be outstanding but he\u2019ll have to take his lumps in the pass-happy NFC.<\/p>\n 4. Marcell Dareus, DT, Buffalo Bills (+650)<\/strong><\/p>\n Even though Suh won the award as a defensive tackle last year, he was the first at his position to do so in 16 years, so the deck may still be stacked against Marcell Dareus. He also won\u2019t have much help as part of a Bills defense that ranked dead last against the run by a mile last season. Teams can key on him.<\/p>\n 5. Prince Amukamara, CB, New York Giants (+800)<\/strong><\/p>\n Consider Amukamara as a sleeper. I still doubt he\u2019ll win the award given his position but I\u2019d argue that he has a better chance than Peterson given his situation. The New York Giants defense could be excellent this season. It may force opposing quarterbacks into bad throws and Amukamara may wind up with a handful of picks.<\/p>\n 6. Jimmy Smith, CB, Baltimore Ravens (+800)<\/strong><\/p>\n Smith could make some big plays as a rookie for the same reason Amukamara might, as he\u2019ll be part of a great defense, but there\u2019s a talent gap between him and the first two DBs on this list. Remember, Smith lasted until the end of the first round. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n 7. Bruce Carter, LB, Dallas Cowboys (+1000)<\/strong><\/p>\n On one hand, Bruce Carter should have a nice opportunity to produce in the Lone Star State and the award primarily goes to linebackers. On the other hand, Carter is just about the only second-round pick in contention for the Defensive ROY. Do we know for sure that he\u2019s good enough to be an above-average NFL starter?<\/p>\n 8. Aldon Smith, LB, San Francisco 49ers (+1000)<\/strong><\/p>\n Don\u2019t sleep on Aldon Smith. The outside linebacker could form a devastating tandem with Patrick Willis and will have opportunities to rush the quarterback in a Clay Matthews-type role. He had 11 sacks as a defensive end in 2009 and six at outside linebacker in 2010 with Missouri.<\/p>\n 9. Adrian Clayborn, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+1200)<\/strong><\/p>\n Clayborn is the first defensive end to appear in the top 10. I think that greatly increases his chances to win, as the other tackles, corners and linebackers may cancel each other out in the voting. As part of an emerging Tampa defense, Clayborn may pile up sacks as a rookie. He\u2019s a legit contender for the award.<\/p>\n 10. Cameron Jordan, DE, New Orleans (+1200)<\/strong><\/p>\n Like Clayborn, Jordan will have a solid chance to make plays as a rookie. While he won\u2019t be part of an elite defense in New Orleans, defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams likes to pressure the quarterback, so the athletic Jordan could post some big numbers.<\/p>\n Von Miller was considered by many scouts to be the most talented player in the entire draft. Also in his favor, seven of the last eight Defensive Rookie of the Year winners have been linebackers. The position just lends well to being right in the middle of the action all the time. An athlete like Miller should make plays all over the field and capture the 2011 award.<\/p>\n Von Miller +500<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/07\/Defensive-Rookie-Of-The-Year-Odds.jpg\" "\\"Defensive")
CappersPicks.com has\u00a0NFL odds up on a ton of futures, and you will also find NFL lines up for early games as well.<\/a><\/h3>\n
THE PICK<\/h3>\n
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction: <\/h3>\n