4. Star Lotulelei, DT, Carolina Panthers
The Panthers 1st-round draft pick was very effective stopping the run in between Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy. Lotulelei finished 4th in the voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year after recording almost 50 tackles and 3.0 sacks as a rookie. He was one of the best run-defenders in the NFL – Pro Football Focus rated him as the 2nd most efficient run-stopper among DTs. He could also rush the passer, recording 23 QB pressures. His ability to plug the middle also allowed the Panthers to record a league-leading 60 sacks in 2013.
Lotulelei may not have had the gaudiest numbers, but his effectiveness as a run stopper and pass rusher may have made him the most valuable rookie defender to his team’s success in 2013.
3. Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
The Chargers rookie receiver led all rookies in receiving yards with 1,046 – becoming only the second 21-year-old since Randy Moss to achieve such a feat. He recorded 5 games with over 100 receiving yards (tied for 8th) and two games with 2 TDs (tied for 5th). He was named Rookie of the Week 4 times (more than any two other rookies combined) and helped the Chargers reach the playoffs for the first time since 2009.
Allen is without a doubt the best up and coming sophomore receiver in the NFL.
2. Sheldon Richardson, DT, New York Jets
The Jets surprised many when they drafted Sheldon Richardson, having already established plenty of talent on the defensive line. Instead of fighting for playing time, Richardson teamed up with All-Pro DE Muhammad Wilkerson and NT Damon “Snacks” Harrison to form one of the best defensive lines in the league. As a DT, Richardson was rated as the best rookie run-stopper in football – better than any other rookie at any other defensive position. He finished the season with 77 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
But what really impressed people, and ultimately may have led to his selection as Defensive Rookie of the Year, was Richardson’s ability to play on offense as well. Against the Carolina Panthers and Miami Dolphins, he lined up as a FB on the 1-yard line and ran in for a touchdown – tying the NFL record for offensive TDs by a DT.
Richardson’s dominance on defense and versatile athletic ability that lets him play almost anywhere makes him easily the best defensive sophomore of 2014.
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