NFL Rookie of the Year 2011: Aldon Smith Best Choice for Top Defender

If the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award doesn't go to Aldon Smith, then the value behind the award is completely insignificant. He isn't the only rookie to have a good year, but he is the only logical option for this award. 

Let's start with the fact that he recorded 14 sacks this season. That not only led all NFL rookies, but it was also one-half sack short of the rookie record, set by Jevon Kearse. 

Denver's Von Miller had 11.5 sacks, but the difference between the two is bigger than it looks. 

Miller was a starter. He played the overwhelming majority of Denver's defensive snaps, so he was on the field a lot more than Smith, who didn't start one game all season. 

Not only did Smith not play, but he had extremely inconsistent playing time through most of the season's first half. Even in the second half, Smith was only on the field in passing spots. He was hardly ever used in running situations, or even when there was any doubt that the opponent would be passing. 

Consider that and look at the 2.5-sack difference between Smith and Miller. All of a sudden, it looks a lot more impressive. 

Now consider the impact the two players had on their respective defenses. 

The 49ers were the second-best scoring defense in the NFL, allowing 14.3 points per game. The Broncos were a full 10 points worse than that, which was good enough for 24th in the league. 

Both players made their defenses better in 2011, but take a look at the raw numbers to see which one was more impactful.

	2010 points per game	NFL Rank	2011 points per game	NFL Rank
49ers	21.6	16	14.3	2
Broncos	29.4	32	24.4	24

The Broncos were still one of the worst defenses in the NFL in 2011. Sure, they were better, but still a unit that doesn't strike fear into the hearts of opponents. 

The 49ers went from a middle-of-the-road defense to one of the best in the NFL. Even though he was a specialty player, Smith's 14 sacks had a lot to do with that difference. Other players stayed up to defend the run because they knew that Smith would be on the quarterback. All year long, that's exactly what happened. 

The raw numbers favor Smith, as does the impact that he made on his team. Miller had a fine season, but he's not a real candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year when compared to Smith; nobody is. 

Follow @mdixon1985