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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?

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

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.




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