Ranking the top 5 NFL rookie pass rushers in league history

Best rookie NFL pass rusher season no. 4: Dwight Freeney, Indianapolis Colts

Dwight Freeney was drafted in 2002 by the Indianapolis Colts with the 11th overall selection.  He would go on to produce 13 sacks his rookie year in 16 games.

He had the fewest tackles of anyone on this list with 46 total tackles; however, what separates him was his ability to force fumbles.

During his rookie year, he forced nine fumbles, leading the league in this category and setting a rookie record that still stands today.  Freeney also recorded 20 tackles for loss, which was also tops in the league.

Dwight Freeney was named to the AP All-Pro at the end of his rookie season, as well as runner-up to Julius Peppers for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Additionally, Freeney was voted to five AP All-Pro rosters and seven Pro Bowl teams.  He also led the NFL in sacks in 2004, when he tallied a total of 16 sacks.

Probably his greatest accomplishment was being named to the NFL’s 2000’s All-Decade Team.

Freeney would go on to record 125.5 sacks in his career, placing him 18th on the All-Time list among all pass rushers.  Equally as impressive, is his 11 sacks in post-season play, placing him in a five-way tie for fifth all-time.

He also was an integral part of an Indianapolis defense in 2010 that would capture a Super Bowl title.

Dwight Freeney retired in 2017 and will be eligible for the Hall of Fame after this year, in my book, he’s a Hall of Famer, question is, how long will he have to wait?

Other first-time eligible players in 2023 he’ll be competing with are Darrelle Revis, James Harrison, and Joe Thomas, all worthy players for the Hall of Fame.