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Ranking the top 5 NFL rookie pass rushers in league history

By Ronnie Eastham

CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 16: Defensive lineman Reggie White #92 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on October 16, 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Eagles 19-3. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 16: Defensive lineman Reggie White #92 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on from the sideline during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Municipal Stadium on October 16, 1988 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Browns defeated the Eagles 19-3. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /
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Pass Rushers
FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 10: Defensive end Jevon Kearse #90 Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /

Best rookie NFL pass rush season no. 3: Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans

35. . . . Jevon Kearse. 3. player

This one might be the most controversial, as I think a lot of folks feel that Jevon Kearse had the greatest rookie season for a pass rusher in league history.

I would not agree and maybe I can convince the doubters when we get to my top two but that third on this list of phenomenal pass rushers is still pretty solid.

Jevon Kearse was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in 1999, with the 16th overall pick.  He would go on to record the most sacks for a rookie in NFL history, with 14.5 sacks.

This record still stands today, and though threatened in 2021, may not be broken anytime soon.

He also forced eight fumbles throughout the season, and Jevon Kearse earned Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, as well as being named to the AP All-Pro.

Kearse was a big reason why the Tennessee Titans advanced to the Super Bowl his rookie year and he totaled three sacks, two forced fumbles, and a safety in four playoff games.

Kearse finished his career after the 2009 season and recorded 74 career sacks.  His career numbers don’t compare with many of the league’s pass rushers throughout history, due partially to injuries.

Kearse missed the majority of his 2002 season and was a top ten finalist for NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2003.

In the three seasons following Kearse’s lost 2002, he tallied 25.5 sacks but would produce only 11.5 over the final four years of his career.

His career may not be there with some of the other all-time great pass rushers but there is no question he produced one of the best rookie seasons the NFL has ever seen.

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