NFL Rookie of the Year Predictions: Can Von Miller Take Home Defensive ROTY?

Analysts claimed that the 2011 NFL Draft was very heavy in defensive talent, specifically on the defensive line, and they proved to be correct. We saw a lot of excellent defensive rookies burst out onto the scene in 2011. 

The favorite to win the award has to be the Denver Broncos' Von Miller, who is already one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL. Not only is he explosive off the edge and a terror for right tackles across the league but he seamlessly made the switch from a defensive end to SAM linebacker and was the biggest reason for the defensive resurgence in Denver. 

However, Miller will have some competition in the eyes of voters from Aldon Smith of the 49ers. Coming out of Missouri, Smith was viewed as a player who was very raw, but had a ton of upside and could take some time to develop his pass-rush skills. 

Smith proved that theory to be wrong, as he had a tremendous rookie season with 14 sacks. Not only does he have an extremely quick get-off and burst but he is deceptively strong, and he used his size/speed combination to his advantage.

There were other great defensive performance by rookies this season from guys like Marcell Dareus of the Bills and Patrick Peterson of the Cardinals, although Peterson's performance was better as a return man than as a corner. 

Smith may take some votes away because he has better stats (including 2.5 more sacks) more than Miller, but Miller is clearly the better player. 

Smith also benefits from playing next to some terrific defensive linemen, including Justin Smith and Ray MacDonald, who make his job a bit easier. He is also used more exclusively as a pass-rusher, whereas Miller is almost always on the field and takes on more responsibilities as a 4-3 strong-side linebacker. 

The actual vote could go either way, as often times writers just refer to stats than actual film when making these decisions, but Miller had the better season.