Indianapolis Colts: Darius Leonard strengthens DROY bid

Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard continued to strengthen his bid for defensive rookie of the year after a monster game vs. Houston.

The Indianapolis Colts have experienced a resurgence in 2018 thanks to some brilliant performances by quarterback Andrew Luck and the emergence of rookie linebacker Darius Leonard.

In a deep class at the linebacker position, Leonard went a bit overlooked by national media and draft pundits, but not the Indianapolis Colts.

The Colts selected Leonard with the 36th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, surprising many due to the fact that he was expected to go somewhere in the later portion of the second round or possibly into the third round.

Leonard dominated a lower level of competition at South Carolina State, filling up stat sheets and doing a little bit of everything in coverage, off the edge, and as a traditional off-ball linebacker. The Colts didn’t envision his role changing much in the NFL, only evolving and he has exceeded anyone’s wildest expectations.

Through 12 games this season, Leonard leads the NFL with 135 tackles and 90 solo stops. He has also added seven sacks, 11 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception.

Those numbers are not unlike the numbers he was posting in college.

Leonard’s stats almost pale in comparison to the general impact he’s making on the game for the Colts. The Colts desperately needed someone to come in and make a difference for their defense, and Leonard has done that and then some.

His statistical production and impact on the outcome of games have led to a very strong defensive rookie of the year bid in a season when there are many deserving candidates.

The 2018 NFL Draft class has some young stars on the defensive side of the ball, including Leonard, Bradley Chubb, Leighton Vander Esch, Roquan Smith, and a number of others who would be deserving.

Leonard certainly deserves a Pro Bowl nod, certainly an All-Pro nod as one of the best off-ball linebackers in the game, and if he doesn’t win defensive rookie of the year, it will only be because Chubb broke Jevon Kearse’s rookie sack record or something like that.

Leonard’s production as an all-around playmaker at linebacker is so rare these days. He is making a major impact for the Colts as they look to return to postseason contention.