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NFL 2018 Awards: Mahomes vs. Gurley and other race updates

By Erik Lambert

KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO - OCTOBER 28: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in action during the game against the Denver Broncos at Arrowhead Stadium on October 28, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts talks on a cell phone following the Colts 21-9 win over the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – SEPTEMBER 16: Darius Leonard #53 of the Indianapolis Colts talks on a cell phone following the Colts 21-9 win over the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 16, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

Defensive Rookie of the Year

  1. Darius Leonard (LB, Indianapolis Colts)
  2. Derwin James (S, Los Angeles Chargers)
  3. Denzel Ward (CB, Cleveland Browns)
  4. Jessie Bates (S, Cincinnati Bengals)
  5. Tremaine Edmunds (LB, Buffalo Bills)

Leonard has been quite the revelation this season. Though he was a 2nd round pick, many felt he was a perfect fit for the Colts’ system. That has proven true with 88 tackles and four sacks halfway through the season. James has an interception and 3.5 sacks so far, proving his unique versatility. Ward leads all corners with 3 interceptions and 12 passes defended.

Bates and Edmunds could be considered the minor surprises. Bates wasn’t even a top draft choice but his 3 interceptions and emergence for the Bengals has been a huge story for a struggling secondary. Edmunds is a physical freak of nature for Buffalo, showcasing his rare mix of size and speed to gobble up ball carriers.

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