3 biggest DROY candidates for the 2022 season

Not every defensive rookie can produce the same impact as Aaron Donald in 2014, but the Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award always makes for a good discussion. Chances are bigger if you’re a pass rusher, but this year’s list of favorites also contains a cornerback who has a good shot.

The recent list of DROY winners includes names as Micah Parsons, Chase Young, Nick and Joey Bosa. If you win the award, you’re probably destinated to a great career at the pros.

Check out the three biggest candidates for the DROY award:

#1 – Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions

Hutchinson was all set to be the draft’s first overall pick… until he wasn’t. The Jacksonville Jaguars decided to go with the bigger upside, which means rejoice for the Detroit Lions, as Hutchinson is more pro-ready and can be a difference maker right from day one. While he’s not as flashy athletically, he has great fundamentals and he should get a high number of sacks when the season starts, which will help him get some recognition from league fans and the media.

#2 – Kayvon Thibodeaux, New York Giants

A lot of things help Thibodeaux’s case to get the award here. He’s going to play in a bigger market than Hutchinson, which always helps players get some awards because of the media; the Giants’ front seven also should help him a lot more than in Aidan’s case. Thibodeaux has enough talent to produce right from the start and, as a top 1o pick, talent isn’t a concern – he can play instantly.

#3 – Ahmad Gardner, New York Jets

Just like in Thibodeaux’s case, the fact that Gardner plays in a big market will be helpful in his case to be the defensive rookie of the year – although we’re used to seeing the DROY award won by pass rushers. The cornerback did not allow a single touchdown over the last two collegiate seasons and he has fantastic technique to lockdown opposing players, even though he’s not that athletic. A good rookie season will see pundits asking for the award to be given to him almost instantly.

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