With the 2014 NFL season getting underway, it’s time to take one last look at the odds of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie linebacker Ryan Shazier winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award this year.
Bodog currently has the Steelers first-round draft pick listed at 15/2 to win the annual award and he’s still listed behind Jadeveon Clowney (9/4) and Khalil Mack (6/1), both of whom play outside.
In order for Clowney or Mack to win the award this season, they’re probably going to need double-digit sacks, in my opinion. The one thing going for Shazier is the fact that he plays inside and thus should register a ton of tackles. If he mixes in four or five sacks and a few interceptions, it will be hard not to vote for him.
The last Steelers rookie to win the award was linebacker Kendrell Bell in 2001 and he did so even though he wasn’t an every-down player. While he did register nine sacks that season, he only had one interception, one forced fumble and 83 total tackles.
So what do you think about Shazier’s chances this season?
