2019 NFL Draft: Defensive Rookie of the Year sleepers

Germaine Pratt, Inside Linebacker, Cincinnati Bengals

Germaine Pratt was right there with Mack Wilson in most analysts’ minds when discussing the best inside linebacker in this class not named Devin. After playing safety in high school and his first to seasons at NC State, Pratt made the switch to linebacker and had a stellar senior season.

As a senior, Pratt totaled 104 tackles, a team-high 10 for a loss, and tied for the team-high with six sacks. He had three passes defended and earned First-Team All-ACC honors. A great athlete, Pratt also returned an interception and a punt for a touchdown his junior season.

Drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Bengals, Pratt is just the kind of player that Cincinnati needs. Their team has struggled a lot recently and they cut longtime, controversial linebacker Vontaze Burfict this offseason. As much scrutiny as Burfict received for his style of play, he was a focal point of the Bengals defense for years and they will need to replace that presence.

Pratt is not currently listed as a starter on the Cincy depth chart, but his athletic ability could lead him to become a great player. The Bengals are a team that is in a position where they can afford to hand over the reins to a rookie linebacker and see if he has what it takes to be their centerpiece going forward. If Pratt is able to make his way onto the field this season, his playmaking ability could be a light in a potentially dark season in Cincinnati.

Bobby Okereke, Inside Linebacker, Indianapolis Colts

After finding the 2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in the second round of the NFL draft a season ago, can the Colts do it again with a third-round linebacker this season? Bobby Okereke has that kind of potential.

Okereke is a great athlete who can run sideline-to-sideline in a flash (221 tackles in three seasons as a starter). He can slide into the backfield and make plays (20 career tackles for a loss and 10.5 sacks). He is also very good in coverage (five passes defended in 2018 and a 52-yard pick-six in 2017).

With Darius Leonard leading the defense, it’s unlikely that Okereke is able to garner the attention and put up the numbers to win the award, but he has the talent to contribute right away. As the second Colt on this list, it is clear the Indy is still trying to rebuild and revamp their defense wherever possible.

Okereke is not going to take Leonard’s spot and will probably not unseat Anthony Walker at middle linebacker right away. But if he is able to see the field in three-backer sets or is used in sub situations, he can show what he is able to do. His athleticism, talent and potential could make the pairing of Leonard and Okereke a very potent one for an improving, contending Colts team going forward.

Blake Cashman, Inside Linebacker, New York Jets

Blake Cashman jumped onto this list once Avery Williamson tore his ACL and was ruled out for the season. The Jets signed free agent and former Raven linebacker C.J. Mosley this offseason, but now are lacking talented backers around him. Enter Blake Cashman.

Cashman walked on at Minnesota before eventually earning a scholarship, so he has experience battling his way onto the field. Beginning as a defensive back, Cashman finally found his spot as the starting middle linebacker his senior season.

As a senior, he totaled 104 combined tackles, 15 for a loss, and five passes defended, earning Third-Team all-conference honors in a stacked Big Ten.

If the Jets decide to go with Cashman as a starter next to Mosley, they have to hope for similar production. Also, his versatility could help him see the field early and often. In addition to his background as a defensive back, Cashman managed 7.5 sacks as a sophomore, so he is clearly capable of getting to the quarterback.

There isn’t a whole lot of experience or proven talent on the linebacking corps in New York, so Cashman should have a good shot to earn a starting job somewhere. However, he was just a fifth-round pick and is not currently listed as a starter on the Jets depth chart even after the Williamson injury. There’s no guarantee he sees the field but could have a huge impact if given the chance, making him a true sleeper for the award.

Honorable Mentions

• Trysten Hill, DT, Dallas Cowboys
• Quincy Williams, LB, Jacksonville Jaguars
• John Cominksy, DE, Atlanta Falcons
• Zach Allen, DL, Arizona Cardinals
• Ugo Amadi, CB, Seattle Seahawks
• Cole Holcomb, LB, Washington Redskins
• Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, S, New Orleans Saints