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Awards = HOF? Part Fourteen: The Defensive Rookie of the Year

Awards = HOF?  Part Fourteen: The Defensive Rookie of the Year
03 Feb
2016
Not in Hall of Fame
We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.

Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential.  In basketball, the team sport with the least amount of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher.  In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.

This section we will look at the Defensive Rookie of the Year, an Award first given in 1967.  As football careers can be brief, winning this award does not reflect only Hall of Famers but there are definite legends who have won this trophy.



The following are the past NFL players who have won the Defensive Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.



Lem Barney, Detroit Lions, Cornerback (1967)

1967 Season:  10 Interceptions, 232 Interception Return Yards, 3 Interception Return Touchdowns.  Pro Bowl Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.

Claude Humphrey, Atlanta Falcons, Defensive End (1968)

1968 Season:  3 Fumble Recoveries.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2014.

Joe Greene, Pittsburgh Steelers, Defensive Tackle (1969)

1969 Season:  First Team Al Pro Selection, Pro Bowl.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.

Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers, Linebacker (1974)

1974 Season:  1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 2 Interceptions, 19 Interception Return Yards.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1990.

Mike Haynes, New England Patriots, Cornerback (1976)

1976 Season:  3 Fumble Recoveries, 8 Interceptions, 90 Interception Return Yards, Pro Bowl Selection, Second Team All Pro Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.

Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants, Linebacker (1981)

1981 Season:  1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Interception, 1 Interception Return Yard.  Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.

Derrick Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs, Linebacker (1989)

1989 Season:  10 Quarterback Sacks, 75 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery, Pro Bowl Selection.  Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.



*Note that Quarterback Sacks would become an official statistic after 1982.



The following are the players who have won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have not been selected:



Bruce Taylor, San Francisco 49ers, Cornerback (1970)

1970 Season:  3 Interceptions, 70 Interception Yards. Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Isiah Robertson, Los Angeles Rams, Linebacker (1971)

1971 Season:  4 Interceptions, 32 Interception Return Yards.  Pro Bowl.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Willie Buchanon, Green Bay Packers, Cornerback (1972)

1972 Season:  3 Fumble Recoveries, 4 Interceptions, 62 Interception Return Yards.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Wally Chambers, Chicago Bears, Defensive Tackle (1973)

1973 Season:  2 Fumble Recoveries.  Pro Bowl.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Robert Brazile, Houston Oilers, Linebacker (1975)

1975 Season:  5 Fumble Recoveries.  Ranked #18 on Notinhalloffame.com

A.J. Duhe, Miami Dolphins, Defensive End (1977)

1977 Season: 2 Fumble Recoveries.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Al “Bubba” Baker, Detroit Lions, Defensive End (1978)

1978 Season:  1 Fumble Recovery.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Haslett, Buffalo Bills, Linebacker (1979)

1979 Season:  2 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Interceptions, 15 Interception Return Yards.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Buddy Curry, Atlanta Falcons, Linebacker (1980) (co-winner)

1980 Season:  1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 3 Interceptions, 13 Interception Return Yards.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Al Richardson, Atlanta Falcons, Linebacker (1980) (co-winner)

1980 Season:  3 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Defensive Touchdown, 7 Interceptions, 139 Interception Return Yards.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Chip Banks, Cleveland Browns, Linebacker (1982)

1982 Season:  *5.5 Quarterback Sacks, 1 Interception, 14 Interception Return Yards, Pro Bowl Selection.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Vernon Leroy Maxwell, Baltimore Colts, Linebacker (1983)

1983 Season:  11 Quarterback Sacks, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception, 31 Interception Return Yards.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Maas, Kansas City Chiefs, Nose Tackle (1984)

1984 Season:  5 Quarterback Sacks.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Duane Bickett, Indianapolis Colts, Linebacker (1985)

1985 Season:  6 Quarterback Sacks, 141 Tackles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Leslie O’Neal, San Diego Chargers, Defensive End (1986)

1986 Season:  12.5 Quarterback Sacks, 82 Tackles, 2 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Interceptions, 22 Interception Return Yards, 1 Touchdown.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Shane Conlan, Buffalo Bills, Linebacker (1987)

1987 Season:  0.5 Quarterback Sacks, 114 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Erik McMIllan, New York Jets, Safety (1988)

1988: Season:  8 Interceptions, 168 Interception Return Yards 2 Touchdowns, Pro Bowl Selection.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Carrier, Chicago Bears, Safety (1990)

1990 Season:  2 Fumble Recoveries, 122 Tackles, 10 Interceptions, 39 Interception Yards, Second Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Mike Croel, Denver Broncos, Linebacker (1991)

1991 Season:  10 Quarterback Sacks, 84 Tackles,  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Dale Carter, Kansas City Chiefs, Cornerback (1992)

1992 Season:  2 Fumble Recoveries, 7 Interceptions, 65 Interception Return Yards, 1 Touchdown.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.  

Dana Stubblefield, San Francisco 49ers, Defensive Tackle (1993)

1993 Season:  10.5 Quarterback Sacks, 64 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Tim Bowens, Miami Dolphins, Defensive Tackle (1994)

1994 Season:  3 Quarterback Sacks, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Hugh Douglas, Defensive End, New York Jets (1995)

1995 Season:  10 Quarterback Sacks, 2 Fumble Recoveries.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com

Simeon Rice, Defensive End, Arizona Cardinals (1996)

1996 Season:  12.5 Quarterback Sacks, 42 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Peter Boulware, Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker (1997)

1997 Season:  11.5 Quarterback Sacks, 43 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jevon Kearse, Tennessee Titans, Defensive End (1999)

1999 Season:  14.5 Quarterback Sacks, 48 Tackles, 8 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Touchdown, First Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

Kendrell Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers, Linebacker (2001)

2001 Season:  9 Quarterback Sacks, 70 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, Pro Bowl Selection.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.



*Note that Quarterback Sacks would become an official statistic after 1982

Could any of these men possibly enter Canton?

Robert Brazile has a lot of fans thinking that he should have received consideration.  Perhaps he will in the future. 

Leslie O’Neal is a six time Pro Bowler and a fringe player on our Notinhalloffame.com Football List.

Isiah Robertson had an outstanding career with the Rams and could potentially land a spot as a Senior Nominee

Wally Chambers had a brief but explosive seven year career with three Pro Bowls and a First Team All Pro Selection in 1976.

Simeon Rice would make three Pro Bowls and record well over 100 Quarterback Sacks and almost made our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.

Peter Boulware had a good career with four Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl Ring, but that Ravens defense will yield other Hall of Famers.

Bubba Baker’s first three years in the NFL were excellent, but he tailed off to a very good career, and not a Hall of Fame one.

Chip Banks was also a very good player, as shown by his four Pro Bowl nods, but again is unlikely to get a Hall of Fame look.

Dale Carter managed four Pro Bowls bit is not considered a Hall of Famer.

Bruce Taylor had a solid run, but with only one First Team All Pro nod and one Pro Bowl over an eight year career he is not a future Senior Nominee.

Willie Buchanon as would Hugh Douglas would make three Pro Bowls and earn one First Team All Pro nod, not enough to warrant consideration. 

Shane Conlan had three Pro Bowls and was part of the Buffalo Bills multiple Super Bowl appearances, but that won’t get him there.

Mark Carrier and his three Pro Bowls made a mark with the Chicago Bears, but not enough for Canton.

Jevon Kearse’s first two seasons were outstanding, but he could not keep that up throughout his long career.

Bill Maas had two Pro Bowls and a Second Team All Pro nod.  That’s good, but not good enough.

Jim Haslett, Buddy Curry, Al Richardson, Vernon Leroy Maxwell, Duane Bickett, Mike Croel and Kendrell Bell will never receive Hall of Fame consideration of any kind.



Let’s update our tally shall we?



Award in Question

Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF

Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF.

NBA MVP

100%

100%

NHL Norris

90.5%

96.4%

NBA All Star Game MVP

89.5%

91.7 c%

NHL Lady Byng

63.8%

76.0%

NFL Super Bowl MVP

60.6%

64.9%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter)

25.0%

30.8%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop)

23.5%

52.6%

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

20.6%

20.6%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher)

20.0%

22.5%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher)

18.2%

20.1%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base)

16.7%

32.7%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield)

15.7%

25.2%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base)

13.6%

14.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base)

13.6%

13.3%

MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year

13.3%

13.3%



So who is up next?



The following are the players who have won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify:



Charles Woodson, Cornerback, Oakland Raiders (1998)

1998 Season:  61 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, 5 Interceptions, 118 Interception Return Yards, 1 Touchdown, Pro Bowl Selection.  Woodson will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.

Brian Urlacher, Linebacker, Chicago Bears (2000)

2000 Season:  8 Quarterback Sacks, 101 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 2 Interceptions, 19 Interception Return Yards, Pro Bowl Selection.  Urlacher will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2018.

Jonathan Vilma, Linebacker, New York Jets (2004)

2004 Season:  2 Quarterback Sacks, 77 Tackles, 1 Fumble Recovery, 3 Interceptions, 58 Interception Return Yards, 1 Touchdown.  Vilma will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2019.

Shawne Merriman, Linebacker, San Diego Chargers (2005)

2005 Season:  10 Quarterback Sacks, 43 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, Pro Bowl Selection.  Merriman will be eligible for the Hall of Fame on 2018.

Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers, Linebacker (2007)

2007 Season:  4 Quarterback Sacks, 135 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, 1 Fumble Recovery, First Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Willis will be eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2020.



Charles Woodson is a former Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl Champion.  He should be considered a future Hall of Fame entry.

Brian Urlacher also has a Hall of Fame worthy resume, which might take the sting out of never playing in a Super Bowl.

Was Patrick Willis’ career long enough for the Hall?  It could be.

Jonathan Vilma had a good career with three Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl win with the New Orleans Saints but it is not a Hall of Fame one. 

Shawne Merriman had a great start to his career but tailed off quickly and is not a serious Hall of Fame contender.



The following are the players who have won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year who are still active:



Julius Peppers, Green Bay Packers, Defensive End (2002)

2002 Season:  12 Quarterback Sacks, 28 Tackles, 5 Forced Fumbles, 1 Interception, 12 Interception Yards.  Currently with the Green Bay Packers.  36 Years Old.

Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker (2003)

2002 Season:  12 Quarterback Sacks, 19 Tackles, 5 Forced Fumbles, 4 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception, 11 Interception Yards.  Currently with the Baltimore Ravens.  34 Years Old.

DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans, Linebacker (2006)

2006 Season:  3.5 Quarterback Sacks, 125 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Interception, 16 Interception Return Yards.  Currently with the Philadelphia Eagles.  32 Years Old.

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots, Linebacker (2008)

2008 Season:  98 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery.  Currently with the New England Patriots.  29 Years Old.

Brian Cushing, Houston Texans, Linebacker (2009)

2009 Season:  4 Quarterback Sacks, 86 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles, 4 Interceptions, 26 Interception Return Yards.  Currently with the New England Patriots.  29 Years Old.

Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions, Defensive Tackle (2010)

2010 Season:  10 Quarterback Sacks, 48 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Interception, 20 Interception Return Yards, 1 Touchdown, First Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Currently with the Miami Dolphins.  28 Years Old.

Von Miller, Denver Broncos, Linebacker (2011)

2011 Season:  11.5 Quarterback Sacks, 50 Tackles, 3 Forced Fumbles, Second Team All Pro Selection, Pro Bowl Selection.  Currently with the Denver Broncos.  27 Years Old.

Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers, Linebacker (2012)

2012 Season:  1 Quarterback Sack, 103 Tackles, 3 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Interceptions, 22 Interception Return Yards.  Currently with the Carolina Panthers.  25 Years Old.

Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets, Defensive End (2013)

2013 Season:  3.5 Quarterback Sacks, 42 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble.  Currently with the New York Jets.  26 Years Old.

Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams, Defensive Tackle (2014)

2014 Season:  9 Quarterback Sacks, 37 Tackles, 2 Forced Fumbles.  Pro Bowl Selection.  Currently with the Los Angeles Rams.  25 Years Old



Julius Peppers is a nine time Pro Bowl Selection and should be considered Canton bound.

Terrell Suggs might have an outside shot, but will likely struggle just to make our top 100 list.

Ndamukong Suh could be Hall of Fame bound, and there is a lot of time for him to stamp his case.

Von Miller has had a great run thus far and there is no reason to think that this won’t continue for the next few years.

We will the say the exact same for Luke Kuechly, who has had a great start to his career.

It is too soon to make a call on Sheldon Richardson and Aaron Donald, though we are certainly higher on the latter.

DeMeco Ryans, Jerod Mayo and Brian Cushing will go down as having a good career, but not a Hall of Fame one.



The percentage is a little lower than we initially thought it would be, though with those who are coming due, this number should rise in the coming years.

We will stick with football and go to the offensive side of the ball and see if the Offensive Rookies of the Year netted more Hall of Famers.

Look for that soon and as always we thank you for your support!
Last modified on Monday, 21 November 2016 18:34
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Kirk Buchner, "The Committee Chairman", is the owner and operator of the site.  Kirk can be contacted at [email protected] .

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