With all of the talk about Adrian Peterson as the lock for Offensive Rookie of the Year, it's about time to recognize a first-year player dominating on the other side of the ball -- 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis.Willis wowed scouts with his impressive play in college and outstanding attitude. Though he was the 11th overall selection, I think it's safe to say all 32 teams were in love with him. He's proven why as a pro.
"If you tell him something, he picks it up and he'll have it down the next day," Singletary said. "More important though, if he doesn't have it, he'll be very honest and say, 'Coach, I don't understand that,' and he's willing to sit there and work at it until he gets it."So far, Willis has been awarded the Rookie of the Week award twice. He's second in the league in tackles per game (10.0, right behind Barrett Ruud's 10.3), and he's the only rookie amongst the top 10 tacklers. Texan defensive tackle Amobi Okoye is having a great season as well; as of now the award seems to be between the two of them, but linebackers have won six of the last seven Defensive Rookie of the Year awards. It's still early, but Willis looks like a real player, the next great thing at linebacker.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-17-2007 @ 11:22AM
AL said...
i'm very excited about this guys game. just too bad he didnt get to play this entire season along Manny Lawson who i feel is very underrated at the LB position. Probably one of the best coverage LB's in the game.
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10-17-2007 @ 11:43AM
Scott Sargent said...
I don't think Jon Beason is too far behind in total tackles, but the Niners have also had their bye week. Willis will likely separate himself before it's all over.
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10-17-2007 @ 12:48PM
c_golden07 said...
LaMarr Woodley will get some consideration before the year is over. He's on pace for 6.5 sacks on the year and has played very sparingly so far this year. He'll get more playing time and pile up numbers as the year goes on.
www.behindthesteelcurtain.com
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10-17-2007 @ 1:06PM
John Doe said...
I believe Amobi Okoye has had a greater impact on a team with less talent than Willis has had with the Niners.
Like the writer say though, LB's have historically won the award, but with 6-8 more sacks the rest of the way, it would be hard to ignore the youngest player to ever play in an NFL game!
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