2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year
Written August 22, 2008 by Jason Lowry
To get ya going on the upcoming NFL season, professional handicapper Jason Lowry is going to bring you his 2008 defensive rookie of the year predictions. Last year San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis took home the award, after leading the entire NFL in tackles with 174. It should be no surprise that a linebacker took home the trophy, as they have done so almost have of the time, and have a string of 5 straight going, that dates back to Terrell Suggs back in 2003. This year there were plenty of defensive players taken early an often, and here are the 3 guys we see with the best shot at taking home the award this season.
1. Chris Long, DE, St Louis Rams
Long comes out of college as what many are saying is the best defensive player in the draft. The Rams grabbed long with the No. 2 overall pick, and there is no question that the son of former NFL great Howie Long, has what it takes to play in this league. The reason we like Long to have a great shot at winning defensive rookie of the year, is he landed on a pretty solid football team, that really doesn’t have a lot of stars on defense, and Long could end up putting up some big numbers in his first season. Though Long is much better against the run we think this guys motor will get him a good amount of sacks as well.
2. Vernon Gholston , LB, New York Jets
We think Gholston has the best chance to keep the string of linebackers winning this award going. Gholston was taken No. 6 overall by the Jets. Gholston has the great ability at putting pressure on the quarterback, causing chaos for opposing teams offenses. Gholston is now on a team that could be headed to the playoffs with Brett Farve taking over on offense, so Gholston should get plenty of exposure with everyone watching the Jets this season.
3. Glenn Dorsey, DT, Kansas City Chiefs
Many people thought the Chiefs were able to steal Dorsey at No. 5 in the draft, and they just might have found the guy the have been needing in the middle of that defensive line. There are some injury questions that concern people about this guy, but if he is healthy there is no question he will be able to put up some solid numbers this season. Dorsey will need some help from the defensive end, so teams just can’t double him the whole game. If the Chiefs are able to turn things around this year it will likely have a large part to do with Dorsey’s success on the line.
So there you have it our take on who we think is going to have a big impact as a rookie on the defensive side of things this season. If you are looking for a great place to do all your NFL betting, be sure to check out Sportsbook.com today. Also be sure to check out our take on who we think walks home with the 2008 Offensive Rookie of the Year. Want to see what others are saying about who takes home the trophy? Check out these great 2008 NFL Award Predictions.