Indianapolis Colts rookie linebacker Darius Leonard had a historic season that was filled with multiple accolades and league-leading numbers.
Despite Leonard proving to be one of the best three-down linebackers in the NFL, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 76 best player in the NFL in their top 101 players list.
76. DARIUS LEONARD, INDIANAPOLIS COLTS
Top 101 appearances: New entry
Leonard may have had impressive tackle totals, but he was also equally impressive as a blitzer, as a run stopper and as a coverage defender. Whichever way you slice it, Leonard ended a mightily productive regular season with 56 total defensive stops next to his name – the third-most among players at the position.
Leonard, who earned a First-Team All-Pro nod to go along with his Defensive Rookie of the Year award, led the NFL in combined tackles (163) and solo tackles (111).
A second-round pick, Leonard also found himself among the rookie leaders throughout the 2018 season. He was second in sacks (7.0) only to Denver Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb among rookies.
The Colts have a few areas to address on the defensive side of the ball, but Leonard will be one of their building blocks for the future.
