Who will be the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020?

While the offensive side of the ball can often lack clear candidates for the rookie of the year award, the defensive side of the ball is never lacking candidates. That is the case once again in 2020 as the Defensive Rookie of the Year field appears to be loaded. The only position not to feature in this award in the last 20 years is safety, but any defensive lineman, linebackers or cornerbacks could be in the running for this prize. Who do our analysts see taking home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020?

Our Analyst's Picks

Alex Chinery (Head of Analytics): Isaiah Simmons, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Plumping for a hybrid linebacker to win this award may be a sure-fire way of being wrong but that is how much I believe in Isaiah Simmons. Able to play almost anywhere on the defensive side of the ball Simmons will become known for flying round the field and making plays. Those highlightplays will be enough to win him this award.

2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year

Ben Rolfe (Head of NFL Content): Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are going to be must-watch television every week in 2020 and their defense will be under the spotlight. With Earl Thomas gone, they need a big leader to step up and Queen could be just that. Queen has the chance to match the type of season that was put together by Darius Leonard in 2018 when he won this award.

Callum Squires (NFL Analyst): Isaiah Simmons, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Chase Young is hard to ignore, but I think Washington might be losing too many games for him to be THAT impactful. Whereas, Mr Simmons can be an integral part of the Cardinals defense that I’ve already back to help the franchise make a leap into playoff contention this season. He plays everywhere, he makes plays everywhere, the NFL is going to love him.

Michael Norbury (NFL Betting Analyst): Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team

He looks to be a force of nature; this award often goes to sack artists and he should have his fair share.

Paul Mainwaring (NFL Analyst): Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team

I hate picking Washington players but this kid has too much talent. Look out for Young to be a superstar by seasons end

Simon Carroll (Head of NFL Draft Content): Javon Kinlaw, IDL, San Francisco 49ers

DeForest Buckner’s departure means that Kinlaw looks set to be a ready made replacement as a starter in this fearsome defensive front. With offensive lines having their hands full controlling Nick Bosa, Dee Ford and Arik Armstead, Kinlaw could seriously benefit from a lack of attention.

Steve Moore (NFL Betting Analyst): Isaiah Simmons, LB, Arizona Cardinals

Chase Young will be the best rookie in 2020. However, with Washington getting beat most weeks, he may well struggle to get the sack numbers because the other teams will not need to pass that much. Therefore, Isaiah Simmons gets the award for the splashy plays he does make.

Tom Scott (NFL and Fantasy Football Analyst): Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Football Team

This one is easy. Chase Young simply takes the league by storm, much like Nick Bosa did last season.