ESPN analyst Ben Solak has revealed his top picks for this season's NFL Rookie of the Year honors on offense and defense. San Francisco 49ers first-round pick Mykel Williams leads the defensive list, followed closely by his former Georgia teammate, Jalon Walker, now with the Atlanta Falcons.
Solak attributes Williams and Walker's high rankings to the opportunities they're expected to receive early in their careers. He also points out that edge rushers have claimed Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in five of the last six seasons.
Williams is in a favorable position in San Francisco, needing only to outperform Yetur Gross-Matos and Drake Jackson to secure significant snaps opposite All-Pro pass rusher Nick Bosa. Solak also highlights that Williams will be coached by one of the best in the league.
"Williams will play under legendary defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, who will free him up to play faster off the line than he ever did at Georgia," Solak commented.
Williams recorded 14 sacks and 85 total pressures during his three seasons at Georgia. While Solak may place him atop his rankings, Williams has the fourth-best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, trailing Abdul Carter, Travis Hunter, and Jihaad Campbell, according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Solak added, "Williams' play style and role lends itself to a little more pass-rush production than Walker's outlook, as we should expect Walker to spend some time dropping into coverage. As such, I give Williams the edge."
Solak's complete ranking:
- Mykel Williams, Edge, San Francisco 49ers
- Jalon Walker, Edge, Atlanta Falcons
- Abdul Carter, Edge, New York Giants
- Shemar Stewart, Edge, Cincinnati Bengals
- Maxwell Hairston, CB, Buffalo Bills
- Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns
- Travis Hunter, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Mason Graham, DT, Cleveland Browns
- James Pearce Jr., Edge, Atlanta Falcons
- Walter Nolen, DT, Arizona Cardinals
- Kenneth Grant, DT, Miami Dolphins
- Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles
- Jahdae Barron, CB, Denver Broncos
- Derrick Harmon, DT, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tyleik Williams, DT, Detroit Lions
- Malaki Starks, S, Baltimore Ravens