Can anyone catch Chase Young for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Chase Young is the clear favorite to be the first defensive player selected in the NFL Draft next month, after an impressive college career at Ohio State. 

The dynamic defensive end is also the early frontrunner for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

Young, who has the highest grade of any prospect entering the draft, will face his share of challengers for the award. For starters, It's never a guarantee that the first defensive player selected goes on to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. It has happened twice in the last six years. Nick Bosa accomplished the feat last season with the San Francisco 49ers, and older brother Joey Bosa did it with the San Diego Chargers in 2016. 

Here's a look at the top contenders for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year:

Isaiah Simmons (Clemson)

Isaiah Simmons is coming off a breakout junior season with Clemson, with eight sacks and 104 total tackles, including 16 for a loss. He has the potential to be a star in the NFL and could be an interesting bet for Defensive Rookie of the Year. 

Simmons possesses outstanding speed as a linebacker – he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds at the combine – and could be a versatile weapon in a team’s defensive scheme. 

That versatility could provide plenty of opportunities to put up big numbers in his first year.

Simmons’ ability has drawn comparisons to Indianapolis Colts standout Darius Leonard, who was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2018.

A.J. Epenesa (Iowa)

A.J. Epenesa didn’t have a great showing at the NFL Draft Combine and that reportedly could hurt his stock with the draft approaching.

Although his combine performance was subpar, Epenesa was a force to be reckoned with at Iowa during his three years in the Big Ten. He was disruptive on the defensive line, with a career-high 11.5 quarterback sacks in his junior year. He also had 14 tackles for a loss, 49 total tackles, and four forced fumbles. 

If he does fall down the draft order, perhaps that will serve him with extra motivation entering the NFL season. Never underestimate a player that stands 6-foot-6, weighs 280 lbs and plays with a chip on his shoulder.  

Patrick Queen (LSU)

One knock on Patrick Queen seems to be that he spent only one season – his junior year – as a starter with the LSU Tigers. But there is a sense he could emerge as a quality rookie starter in the NFL. 

Queen posted 85 total tackles for the Tigers last season, including 12 for a loss and three quarterback sacks. He also posted one interception and a fumble recovery. 

It’s all about opportunity. Queen won’t be the first defensive player off the board, but that will do little to silence the hype about his potential. If he can live up to that billing, it could put him in contention for the award. 

K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)

K’Lavon Chaisson is yet another standout linebacker out of the LSU Tigers program, with the sixth best grade entering the draft and athletic ability to be a menace in the pass rush. 

After a torn ACL injury completely disrupted his 2018 season, Chaisson came back and broke out in 2019, posting 6.5 sacks and 13.5 tackles for a loss with the Tigers.  

This draft class possesses plenty of top-end talent at the linebacker position, with players that could leverage their athleticism into productive rookie campaigns. 

The Defensive Rookie of the Year Award is definitely not a slam dunk, even if there is little suspense about which defensive player gets selected first.  

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