Jeremy Chinn looks like the runaway favorite to win the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Chinn was the third pick by the Panthers in this year’s draft and his accomplishments have somewhat overshadowed the work that Carolina’s first choice has done.
According to Pro Football Focus, defensive tackle Derrick Brown leads all rookies in run stops this season with 18, just beating out Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (17).
Most run-stops among NFL rookies
1. Derrick Brown, Panthers – 18
2. Patrick Queen, Ravens – 17
3. Raekwon Davis, Dolphins – 14 pic.twitter.com/S7vd4xKEI2— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 4, 2020
Brown has been impacting the game as a pass rusher, as well. In fact, heading into last week he also led all rookies in pressures (20), edging out No. 2 overall pick Chase Young (18).
Most pressures among rookies:
1. Derrick Brown – 20
2. Chase Young – 18 pic.twitter.com/zGBY86W9O8— PFF (@PFF) November 26, 2020
While the pressures have been there, Brown still hasn’t recorded his first sack. He does have seven quarterback hits, though.
If Brown can start converting those pressures into sacks and cut down on the penalties (he leads the NFL with nine), he may yet deliver on that top-10 pick promise.
