Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates: Who’s made the leap already?

This was a draft loaded with defensive talent with pass rushers and cornerbacks in particular. So far there have been mixed results but typically these positions take longer to develop, there’s plenty of time for everyone on this list. Let’s take a look at how NFL.com’s ‘Top 10 Defensive Rookie of the Years Candidates’ have got on so far.

So far McDonald has seen too much action with the Jets, playing just 13 snaps in week one. Since then he hasn’t seen the field. This shouldn’t be too much of a concern for Jets fans given how good their D has been but it would be nice to see him earn some playing time soon.

Kancey has so far only managed 11 snaps on defense as a calf injury has kept him sidelined since then. He looked to be a key member of the Bucs’ defensive front this season but so far hasn’t been able to showcase his talent on the field.

The versatile Branch is looking a steal for the Lions. Drafted in the second round he has already become a huge part of their secondary, picking off Patrick Mahomes and returning it for a TD in week one and playing lights out against the Falcons in week three. If he keeps this up, DROY wouldn’t be a stretch.

Gonzalez has been awesome through three weeks, slotting straight into Bill Belichick’s system in New England. Tasked with guarding A.J. Brown in week one, Gonzalez held up well and has only improved since then. Expect the former Oregon Duck to be a lockdown corner for years to come.

Wilson is a player that needs some time to develop. He was never expected to come in and make an impact immediately given his time in college. So far though he has been quiet, which could be worrisome for Raiders fans. He has a long way to go.

Forbes is a feisty cornerback who has shown flashes in his burgeoning NFL career. His interception against the Broncos in week two was a great play on the ball but he needs to find some consistency to become a truly elite cornerback in the NFL.

Jalen Carter is, by some advanced measures, already one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. Credited with 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles through three games, he is rapidly becoming a central part of the Eagles’ defensive front. Probably the front-runner for DROY so far.

Jack Campbell was the second of the Detroit Lions’ slightly mystifying first-round selections. So far though, the 6’4” linebacker has settled in nicely to life in the NFL. He has flown around the field, racking up some good tackling numbers and recorded a sack to boot. There is only so much impact an inside linebacker can make, but Campbell is off to a good start.

The Seahawks have got themselves a hell of a cornerback in Witherspoon, showcasing his incredible talent through three weeks of the season. His physicality is top end for a cornerback, willing to get stuck in on defense, and his reading of the game whilst in pass coverage has been promising so far.

After the Texans traded up to grab Anderson with the third overall pick, many were suggesting it was a rash move. Five months later and the reasoning is starting to make some sense. Pairing a rookie defensive end of Anderson’s quality with Demeco Ryans gives the Texans an opportunity to build something truly special. The former  Alabama player is lighting it up so far.