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2 former B1G defensive standouts dominate PFF’s rookie grades for NFL defenders

Mark Schipper

By Mark Schipper

Published:

Two former Big Ten stars earned the top two spots on Pro Football Focus’ positional grades for rookie defenders.

Former Ohio State Buckeye Chase Young landed the number one overall spot, while Minnesota Golden Gophers star Antoine Winfield, Jr. (whose father also was a collegiate star at Ohio State) landed at number two. 

Young, a beastly edge rusher with a Predator haircut, has earned a 73.4 overall grade which, according to PFF’s Mike Renner, is a low turnout and far behind last year’s rookie sensation Nick Bosa. 

“It’s not too early [sic] to push the panic button on Chase Young,” said Renner. 

Renner likely meant that “it is” too early to push the panic button on Young, as he went on to mention his 18 quarterback pressures and the fact he has been playing through several injuries.

Regarding Winfield, “he has been a fantastic all-around safety for them, but really stood out in their run defense at a 78.2 run-defense grade, and he’s also been a weapon as a blitzer.” 

Both players were beasts in the Big Ten and so far their skillsets and physical attributes have transferred well to the savagery of NFL Sundays. Hopefully this duo remains healthy and effective for years to come.

Mark Schipper

Mark Schipper is a reporter, sportswriter, and aspiring novelist living in Chicago, Illinois.