After taking a look last week at the pros and cons of my five top candidates for the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, let's review the cases for the defensive candidates now.
Starting with a former two-platoon player who could make a big immediate impact, here are five players I think could win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Myles Jack, Jacksonville Jaguars
Pros: There might not be a rookie with a better situational fit than what Jack has in Jacksonville.
The Jaguars' defense was a sieve last year when covering running backs. According to data tracking by ESPN Stats & Information, Jacksonville ranked 29th in receiving yards allowed (897), 29th in yards after catch (818), tied for 24th in receiving touchdowns allowed (five), and 25th in reception percentage (78.9 percent) on targets to opposing running backs.
Things weren't much better when the Jaguars tried stopping opponents' tight ends, as Jacksonville ranked 27th in yards allowed (965), 30th in yards per reception (11.9), tied for 25th in receiving touchdowns (9), and 21st in reception percentage (70.4 percent) on throws to opponents' tight ends.
Jack is arguably the best coverage linebacker in the 2016 draft class. He once shut down Nelson Agholor and led all linebackers in pass breakups over the past three seasons (19). His coverage prowess led ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. to list Jack as one of the top early impact rookies from the second and third rounds of the draft.
Cons: Jack tore the lateral meniscus in his right knee last season and reportedly has degenerative issues in that same knee. If these lead to injury rust, Jack may not display his collegiate level coverage skills out of the gate.
Bottom line: UCLA coach Jim Mora has said that his former star player will win the DROY award. As long as Jack stays healthy, Mora's prediction is apt to come true.