2019 NFL Draft: Defensive Rookie of the Year sleepers

Dre’Mont Jones, Defensive Lineman, Denver Broncos

These big guys may not have the best chance to win the award, but they are certainly worth mentioning and could make the All-Rookie Team.

Dre’Mont Jones had a breakthrough 2018 campaign at Ohio State placing him in the conversation with the top interior defensive linemen in the draft class. Jones was a playmaker on that defensive front totaling 8.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, 43 combined tackles, three fumble recoveries, one forced fumble, two passes defended, one interception and two defensive touchdowns.

Not quite as big as most defensive tackles in the league (6-foot-3, 280 pounds) and not quite as fast as most edge rushers in the league, it seems as though 3-4 defensive end is the best fit for Jones.

Jones will be added to a defensive front that is already stout and very adept at rushing the passer. His versatility and playmaking ability should be valued by new head coach Vic Fangio, giving him another weapon to throw at opposing offense. Jones may not be an every-down starter right off the bat, but he could make an impact on the field when given the chance.

Greg Gaines, Nose Tackle, Los Angeles Rams

Another Los Angeles Rams rookie makes the list here. After making the Super Bowl with a very well-rounded roster, the Rams could afford to make some luxury picks in the 2019 NFL Draft. But with a few key departures on the defensive side of the ball, the Rams made their defense a clear priority in the offseason, both in free agency and through the draft.

Greg Gaines earned all-conference honors in each season that he played in college. His stout build and low center of gravity (6-foot-1 312 pounds) made him hard to move in the middle of the defensive line. His effort and high motor led him to making plays in the backfield, totaling 21.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks in his career.

Gaines put up the fifth-most bench press reps of defensive lineman at the combine (30) and that strength is on display every time he’s on the field. He isn’t going to be the most talented player, but his effort and will-power make him a force on defense, particularly against the run.

With Ndamukong Suh gone, the Rams will need some new faces to step up on the interior defensive line alongside Aaron Donald. The current starter listed at nose tackle, Sebastian Joseph-Day, was a sixth-round pick in 2018 who did not see the field at all a season ago. The Rams spent a third-rounder on Gaines, so he should have as good of a shot as anyone to secure the starting job.