X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

RotoBaller Writer Predictions: 2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year

The RotoBaller NFL writing team casts its votes for who will be the Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2016 NFL season.

This piece wraps up our series where RotoBaller's football writers give you their predictions for the upcoming NFL and fantasy football season.

In this article, we will get the predictions on who will be win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2016.

Editor's Note: Purchase a full season NFL Premium Pass (including Draft Kit + DFS Premium), and also get MLB Premium + DFS for free through October. Premium DFS lineup picks, expert lineups, tools and more - seven days a week. You can see screenshots of our NFL Premium and MLB Premium and DFS tools. What are you waiting for?

Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

 

2016 Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions

 

Jalen Ramsey, Jaguars CB

Joey Christopoulos (Tudddyguy)

Joey Bosa...... kidding! The front runner has to be Jalen Ramsey. Some draft experts believed he was the best pure talent in the draft. On a rising Jaguars team, he has the potential to step in and gain some national attention at the same time. A pick six in the first few games would go a long way towards paving the way for this Jags defensive back to take home the DROY prize.

Pierre Camus (@Pfunk00)

With money-hungry Joey Bosa still a no-show in San Diego, Ramsey will be the highest drafted defensive player to take the field for Week One. That alone doesn't account for the physicality he has shown in training camp and production he figures to add to the Jaguars defense. He will be thrown into the fire early and remain on the field often. Ramsey, who can play both corner and safety, should make a ton of tackles playing on the outside for a defense that ranked third in the AFC in tackles made, and also had a hard time stopping the run. He is sure to add a couple of picks and even has great return abilities to boot.

Andrew C. Lovell (@Andrew_Lovell)

Ramsey, the No. 5 overall pick, should have a starting role on the Jaguars' defense in Week One, playing a variety of positions in the secondary like he did in college. The former Florida State standout was widely regarded as the top defensive talent in the draft. Looking for a wild card? Watch Ramsey's linebacker teammate, second-round pick Myles Jack, who has also looked terrific in the preseason.

 

Myles Jack, Jaguars LB

Andrew Bua(@Andrew_Bua)

Myles Jack could end up being a popular choice for this award, and rightfully so. A first-round pedigree that fell into the second round due to right knee concerns, Jack has done nothing this summer but demonstrate the kind of impact he can have when the real games start. A highly intelligent player who can recognize plays in his sleep, Jack also looks to have potentially supreme pass coverage skills that are always a massive asset for a linebacker. So long as there is truly nothing going on with his knee, Jack will make a heavy impact as he claims his Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

 

Karl Joseph, Raiders S

Tyger McGuiggan(@Tyger_McG)

Karl Joseph has had some good buzz about him during training camp. With the potential for dramatic improvement from the Raiders defense, the media will be looking for storylines. Don’t be surprised to see them focus on Joseph, whose big hits will lead to highlights.

 

Deion Jones, Falcons LB

Bryan Levin

For my fellow IDP players out there, this year's crop of rookies does not seem to offer a true standout stud capable of making a sustainable major impact this season, but there are quality options out there. The Falcons have needed young defensive players like Deion Jones to rejuvenate their defense for years, and might have struck gold in this year's draft with Jones and S Keanu Neal. Jones is apparently already pushing incumbent MLB Paul Worrilow for snaps inside, but figures to be a major contributor wherever he lines up on the defense.

 

Noah Spence, Buccaneers DE

Nathan Powell(@NPowellFF)

The Buccaneers had two essential needs heading into the 2016 NFL Draft. They filled their need in the secondary by selection Vernon Hargreaves III at cornerback. In the second round, they filled their need at pass rush by selecting Noah Spence. Spence was one of the best pass-rushing prospects in the NFL draft, but he fell due to character concerns. I think Spence will be explosive in year one, racking up 7+ sacks and earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

 


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Hendon Hooker

to Start Second Preseason Game for Lions
Cade Stover

a "Winner" in Texans Training Camp
Daniel Jones

Anthony Richardson Sr., Daniel Jones Expected to Play a "Good Amount" in Preseason Opener
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Charges Back to Sixth at Iowa
Kyle Monangai

Gaining Trust of Coaching Staff
Chase Briscoe

Finished Second Despite Being Trapped a Lap Down and Causing Two Wrecks
Brad Keselowski

Arguably Had the Best Drive at Iowa but Finished Third
Austin Dillon

Earns a Quiet Top Ten at Iowa
Kyle Larson

Poor Pit Strategy and Clash with Teammate Foil Kyle Larson at Iowa
William Byron

Stretches His Fuel to His Second Victory of 2025 At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Continues A Strong Run of Success At Iowa
Ryan Preece

Eventful Race at Iowa Results In A Top-5 Finish
Denny Hamlin

Struggled Massively At Iowa
Travis Hunter

Spends Day Solely with Offense
Miami Dolphins

Zach Sieler Agrees to Three-Year Extension with Dolphins
Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Highsmith Injures Groin at Training Camp
Quez Watkins

Placed on Injured Reserve
Matthew Stafford

to Workout on His Own, Will do "Static Throwing" on Monday
Nick Chubb

Burst "Nowhere to be Found" at Training Camp
Daniel Jones

Anthony Richardson Sr., Daniel Jones Will Play on Thursday Night
Marquez Callaway

49ers Release Marquez Callaway
Joshua Palmer

Misses Practice on Sunday
Robbie Chosen

Signing with the 49ers
Tahj Brooks

Continues to Impress
Mike Gesicki

Absent from Camp on Sunday
Tommy Edman

Likely Going on 10-Day Injured List
Rashee Rice

Suspension Status Remains Unclear
Michael Pittman Jr.

Sidelined With Groin Injury
Calvin Austin III

Not Dressed at Training Camp With Undisclosed Injury
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith Continues To Impress at Training Camp
Salvon Ahmed

Suffers "Severe" Leg Injury
Austin Riley

Leaves With Abdominal Pain
Aaron Judge

on Track to Return Tuesday
Max Muncy

Could Return as Early as Monday
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Play for Iowa Lineups?
Denny Hamlin

Is A Top Driver to Consider for DFS At Iowa
Ryan Blaney

Is A Favorite to Go Back-To-Back With Iowa Victories
Tyler Reddick

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Iowa
Carson Hocevar

What Should Fantasy Players do with Carson Hocevar at Iowa?
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Iowa DFS Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Could Be A Solid DFS Option for Iowa
Logan Henderson

Recalled, Starting Sunday
Jacob Misiorowski

Placed on 15-Day Injured List
Ryan Preece

Offers Plenty of Upside For DFS Lineups At Iowa On Sunday
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger Will Start in the Top 10 for the Second Week In A Row at Iowa
Austin Dillon

Could Austin Dillon Be A Decent DFS Option for Iowa?
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell Worth Rostering for Iowa DFS Lineups?
Zane Smith

Should DFS Players Roster Zane Smith At Iowa?
NHL

Jakub Lauko Returns to Czechia
Nicholas Robertson

Signs One-Year Contract with Maple Leafs
Alex Laferriere

Kings Re-Sign Alex Laferriere to Three-Year Deal
Duop Reath

Has Salary Guaranteed by Portland
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Agrees to Contract Extension with the Lakers
William Contreras

Goes Deep in Five-Hit Night
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Exits Early Friday, Expects to Play Saturday
Randy Rodríguez

Randy Rodriguez Named New Giants Closer
Jaden Springer

Signs Exhibit-9 Deal with New Orleans
Julian Champagnie

has Salary Guaranteed by San Antonio
Jackson Chourio

Could be Out a Month
Aaron Judge

Yankees Eyeing Return for Aaron Judge Next Week
Juan Soto

Back in Lineup Against Giants
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Reinstated and Starting on Friday
George Springer

Goes on Concussion Injured List
JoJo Romero

the Top Candidate for Saves in St. Louis
Nolan Arenado

Going on Injured List With Shoulder Injury
Conor McGregor

Enters UFC Testing Pool
Grayson Rodriguez

Considering Having Surgery
Devin Williams

Yankees Plan to Keep Devin Williams in Closer's Role
HyunSung Park

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Tatsuro Taira

Set For UFC Vegas 108 Main Event
Mateusz Rębecki

Mateusz Rebecki Looks For His Second Consecutive Win
Chris Duncan

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Elves Brener

Looks For His Fourth UFC Win
Esteban Ribovics

Set For UFC Vegas 108 Main Card Bout
Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos

Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos Aims To Bounce Back
Karol Rosa

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Nora Cornolle

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Neil Magny

Returns At UFC Vegas 108
Kevin Vallejos

Set To Open Up UFC Vegas 108 Main Card
Danny Silva

Set For His Third UFC Fight
Mikal Bridges

Signs Extension with Knicks
Jackson Chourio

Expected to Go on Injured List With Hamstring Strain
Jonathan Aranda

Rays Hope Jonathan Aranda Can Return in September
Shelby Miller

Brewers Acquire Shelby Miller
Connor McDavid

Oilers Hope to Finalize Connor McDavid's Contract Extension Soon
BUF

Devon Levi Re-Signs With Sabres for Two Years
Martin Pospisil

Signs Three-Year Extension
Dario Šarić

Dario Saric Hoping to Have Meaningful Role with Kings
Donte DiVincenzo

to Skip EuroBasket Due to Injury
Ayo Dosunmu

Set to Remain in Chicago
Malevy Leons

Signs Exhibit 10 Deal With Thunder
Daeqwon Plowden

Kings Pick Up Daeqwon Plowden on Two-Way Deal
Bryce McGowens

Signs Two-Way Deal with Pelicans
Jonathan Kuminga

Declines Latest Offers from Golden State
Gary Woodland

Eyeing Strong Finish to Reach Playoffs
Max McGreevy

Chasing a Miracle at Wyndham
Stephan Jaeger

a Solid Value Play at Wyndham Championship
Max Homa

Fighting to Salvage Disappointing Season
Nicolai Hojgaard

a Sleeper at Wyndham Championship
Rickie Fowler

Riding Quiet Momentum Into Wyndham
Brian Campbell

a Wild Card at Wyndham Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Looking to Flip the Script at Wyndham Championship
Aaron Rai

Finishes Tied For 34th at Open Championship
Andrew Novak

Finishes Tied For 63rd at Open Championship
Hideki Matsuyama

Finishes Tied For 16th at Open Championship
Kurt Kitayama

Wins 3M Open
Tom Kim

Finishes Tied For 28th at 3M Open
PGA

Sungjae Im Misses Cut at 3M Open
Max Greyserman

Misses Cut at 3M Open
Jordan Spieth

Looks to End Regular Season on a High Note at Wyndham Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Finishes Tied For Fourth at Open Championship
Eric Cole

Misses Cut at 3M Open
Keith Mitchell

Needs a Big Week at Wyndham Championship
Robert MacIntyre

is the Perfect Kind of Ball-Striker for Wyndham Championship
Charlie McAvoy

Ready to Go for Next Season
Dylan Samberg

Agrees to Three-Year Contract with Jets
Michael Kim

Needs More Solid Finishes
NBA

Thanasis Antetokounmpo Added to Greece Training Camp Roster for EuroBasket 2025
Los Angeles Clippers

Patrick Baldwin Jr. Waived by Clippers
Josh Green

May Not be Ready for Start of Hornets Training Camp
NBA

Thomas Bryant Set to Move to Greece
Cam Thomas

Nets Far Apart in Contract Talks
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF