My Ten Candidates for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

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NEW YORK - APRIL 25: General view of Radio City Music Hall which will host the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Yesterday, I went over my top 10 candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Today, we go to the other side of the ball.

Linebackers seem to win the award often, so a lot of the list is composed of them. I have six in my preview. However, I also have three Secondary players and one Defensive End.

Who will join Knowshon Moreno as my choice as Rookie of the Year? Let's find out.

10. Louis Delmas

ALLEN PARK, MI - MAY 01: Louis Delmas #26 of the Detroit Lions stretches during rookie orientation camp at the Detroit Lions Headquarters and Training Facility on May 1, 2009 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Delmas came out of Western Michigan, a quality school, but not well known for its football. However, Delmas could break the mold, as he's a physical player that could infuse the Lions defense with tenacity.

9. Robert Ayers

ENGLEWOOD, CO - JUNE 12: First round draft pick linebacker Robert Ayers #56 of the Denver Broncos participates in minicamp practice at the Broncos Dove Valley training facility on June 12, 2009 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Imag

Mike Mayock of NFL Network praised Ayers throughout the draft, and I think he will have a good season.

8. Larry English

SAN DIEGO - MAY 03: Linebacker Larry English #92 of the San Diego Chargers participates in a practice drill during minicamp at the Chargers training facility on May 3, 2009 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/Getty Images)

Why Larry English? He will be playing with guys such as Shawne Merriman, who have already proved their worth. Very few people are talking about English, but I expect that to change by the time the year is over.

7. Brian Orakpo

ASHBURN, VA - MAY 1: Brian Orakpo #98, the Washington Redskins first round draft pick, runs through drills during minicamp on May 1, 2009 at Redskins Park in Ashurn, Virginia. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

The Redskins announced that they will be giving Orakpo time at linebacker. While that's not a bad thing, Orakpo reminds me a lot of Vernon Gholston, and I expect him to go through similar struggles at a similar position.

6. Vontae Davis

DAVIE, FL - MAY 02: Rookie cornerback Vontae Davis #24 of the Miami Dolphins catches a ball during mini camp on May 2, 2009 at the Miami Dolphins Training facility in Davie, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Vontae, the brother of Vernon, is a very athletic corner. He has a lot of natural ability, we just need to see if he can polish it into becoming a successful corner. I say yes.

5. James Laurinaitis

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: James Laurinaitis #33 of the Ohio State Buckeyes tries to get the fans loud in the second quarter while playing the Troy Trojans on September 20, 2008 at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State won the game 28-10. (Photo b

Known as "The Animal," Laurinaitis was drafted in the second round. However, he has first round talent and he should do well in the weak Rams defense.

4. Clay Matthews

PASADENA, CA - JANUARY 1: Clay Matthews #47 of the USC Trojans lines up against the Penn State Nittany Lions on January 1, 2009 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. USC won 38-24. (Photo by Jeff Golden/Getty Images)

Clay, the nephew of Bruce Matthews, brings a lot of potential to the Packers. He's a solid tackler and could rack up plenty up in Cheese Land.

3. Malcolm Jenkins

COLUMBUS, OH - SEPTEMBER 06: Malcolm Jenkins #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes moves on the field during the game against the Ohio Bobcats at Ohio Stadium on September 6, 2008 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Jenkins is a solid corner and will fit well in the Saints porous defense. I expect about five INT's this season.

2. Brian Cushing

NEW YORK - APRIL 25: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with with Houston Texans #15 draft pick Brian Cushing at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

As a Texans fan, I know that Cushing brings a lot to the table. He's a determined, hard nosed player that will provide fire power to a defense loaded with potential.

1. Aaron Curry

RENTON, WA - MAY 2: Aaron Curry #59 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on during minicamp at the Seahawks training facility on May 2, 2009 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

I think Curry is going to be one of the greatest outside linebackers in the league after a few seasons. He is very determine, and although he is seen resting in this photo, he will be all over the field when the time comes.

Well, that's all! My pick for the Defensive Rookie of the Year is Aaron Curry!

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