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2 former B1G stars headline PFF’s list of top rookie defenders
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Pro Football Focus has been giving out rankings all season to different positions. On Sunday, the site released its grades of top rookie NFL defenders. The list had a B1G feel to it.
PFF tweeted out its top four rookie defenders. If you’re a Big Ten fan, No. 3 and No. 4 might be familiar to you.
Highest-graded rookie tacklers
1. Ashtyn Davis, Jets – 90.0
2. Kenneth Murray, Chargers – 80.6
3. Yetur Gross-Matos, Panthers – 78.7
4. Chase Young, Washington – 77.6 pic.twitter.com/omJ5e6zuu0— PFF College (@PFF_College) December 27, 2020
Coming in at No. 3 is Yetur Gross-Matos. The former Penn State Nittany Lion was drafted in the second round by the Carolina Panthers. Heading into Sunday’s game against Washington, Gross-Matos had registered 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his inaugural season in the NFL.
Oddly enough Gross-Matos is currently facing the other B1G alum on this list. That would be Washington’s Chase Young. The Ohio State product, who was recently named a captain for this Week 16 matchup, has lived up to expectations with Washington. He enters Sunday with 38 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
Though he is listed as the fourth-best tackler among rookies, there will likely be some people declaring Young the Defensive Rookie of the Year when all is said and done.