NFL Quarterly Awards 2020: MVP, Rookies of the Year after four weeks
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Chase Young, DE, Washington Football Team
There are going to be some interesting arguments made for the likes of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen or Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Kenneth Murray. Someone like Detroit Lions cornerback Jeffery Okudah has played well to start his career as well.
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But if we’re talking about who has been the best rookie on the defensive side of the ball through the first four games of the 2020 NFL season, it’s Chase Young with the Washington Football Team and it’s not all that close.
To begin his career, Young has already proven to be a big-time disruptive force. The defensive end has racked up 2.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two tackles for loss. He’s been a force for Washington when on the field, grading out as the sixth-best edge defender to this point according to PFF (subscription), largely due to his complete presence as a pass-rusher and run-stopper.
What makes the race interesting, however, is that Young is currently banged up. He left the Football Team’s Week 3 game against Cleveland early with a groin injury and didn’t play in Week 4. His status moving forward seems to be a game-to-game basis.
If he gets back on the field, there’s no reason to believe the No. 2 overall pick won’t continue his dominant start. But if his health continues to be an issue, someone mentioned earlier could sneak up and take the award from him.