The 2023 regular season is finished, and we just finished a whirlwind wild card weekend featuring many immensely promising young talents. Which of these first-year debutants will make their way onto stardom as sophomores and beyond? Who offers the most promise as the next generation of leaders as we march closer to the 2030s? Which players made it onto the prestigious All-Rookie second-team defense for the 2023-24 season?
In case you missed it:
2023 NFL All-Rookie: Second Team Defense
Note: All statistics courtesy of profootballreference.com
Defensive Line
EDGE: Byron Young / Los Angeles Rams
Young was part of an outstanding draft class for the Rams. He contributed 61 combined tackles as an EDGE, which was fifth-highest on the team. The former Volunteers playmaker also put in eight sacks, which was good for second on the team behind another rookie standout in, Kobie Turner. The rookie was drafted in the third round and was an excellent find for a defense that needed a youth infusion. He’ll be a big piece of a surging defense in the future.
2023 Statistics: 61 combined tackles, eight tackles for loss, eight sacks and two forced fumbles
IDL: Keeanu Benton / Pittsburgh Steelers
While Benton didn’t contribute much statistically, he did make an impact in spurts for the rebuilding Steelers defense. The defensive tackle was a second-round selection, so the Steelers did love him to a certain extent. He had an outstanding offseason process, including a great Senior Bowl process where he got on the radar. As the Steelers’ veterans age out, he’ll be slowly relied upon more. Expect him to jump big in his second season like most Pittsburgh defenders do. He was the 23rd-ranked IDL by PFF, with an overall score of 74.8.
2023 Statistics: 36 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, two passes defended, and two forced fumbles
IDL: Dante Stills / Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals found money in the sixth round with Stills. Stills didn’t start every game, but he was great before his injury late in the season. He made an impact as a backup behind starter Kevin Strong, emerging as an intriguing piece for Jonathan Gannon’s defense. It’s a good bet that he will get a starting job next season for the plucky Arizona franchise. With increased reps, the production should elevate as well. He was a significant surprise, earning a 59.3 overall grade from PFF. The result was good for being the eighth-highest-graded rookie in that regard.
2023 Statistics: 47 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, and one fumble recovery
EDGE: YaYa Diaby / Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The former Louisville product was drafted in the third round by Tampa and emerged in the second half in a big way. He played in every game but started the last seven. How dominant was he as a starter? He racked up 7.5 sacks, which led the team. Diaby was a Senior Bowl participant who stood out to some degree, so the omens of productivity were there. Tampa was slow to get him going, but he emerged as a starter over Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. The Buccaneers’ linebackers are uber-talented, but he’s a terror on the perimeter. Playing opposite the indomitable Shaq Barrett and legend Devin White can only help him get better in the future. It wouldn’t be surprising if he took overall command of the Bucs’ pass-rushing tactics soon.
2023 Statistics: 39 combined tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries
Linebackers
LB: Nick Herbig / Pittsburgh Steelers
Herbig had his moments as a fourth-round selection by the Steelers. The younger Herbig’s opportunities were limited by being the backup for standout pass rushers TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. It doesn’t appear he would have more opportunities to dislodge Hightower shortly, so he’ll have to profit when the chance comes. Once again, the future looks bright for the Steelers in that regard. The former Wisconsin standout had the second-highest-graded EDGE season for a rookie by PFF with a score of 80.2.
2023 Statistics: 27 combined tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, and two forced fumbles
LB: Otis Reese IV / Tennessee Titans
Reese didn’t get to start until late in the season when the depth at inside linebacker was critically low. He was very impactful in those few games. The undrafted free agent has earned an opportunity to start on the active roster next season with his excellent play. He was the third-highest-graded rookie linebacker by PFF with a score of 76.9.
2023 Statistics: 21 combined tackles
Secondary
Cornerbacks
CB: Christian Gonzalez / New England Patriots
While his play merits a surefire consideration on the first team, the injury that knocked him out most of the season knocked him down a peg. The former first-round cornerback certainly began his career playing like he had his hair on fire. He showed much of the technical ability and athleticism that warranted such high praise out of Oregon. Gonzalez displayed enough potential in his brief cameo that he’s automatically CB1 for the transitioning Patriots under new head coach Jerod Mayo. Look for him to have a Stephon Gilmore-like impact in Foxboro. He earned an outstanding overall grade of 80.8 from PFF.
2023 Statistics: 17 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and three passes defended
CB: Joey Porter, Jr / Pittsburgh Steelers
JPJ was a highly coveted rookie and played like it at times. He sometimes played like a shutdown corner, but it was rough in other instances. He’s shown enough flashes to be in the upper tier at his position. Can he elevate himself as a sophomore into the PS2 territory of young corners?
2023 Statistics: 43 combined tackles, one tackle for loss, one interception, and ten passes defended
CB: Tyrique Stevenson / Chicago Bears
The Bears drafted Stevenson onto a talent-laden secondary, and he was very productive, emerging as a starter ahead of pieces like Kyler Gordon as a second-round selection. Stevenson snagged four interceptions and 16 PBUs. He also chipped 65 solo tackles, which was good for fourth on the team. Chicago drafted him in the second round after an impressive Senior Bowl performance. The future remains bright for him and Chicago’s stop unit. He’ll likely be a perfect CB2 type with the potential to increase his role to CB1.
2023 Statistics: 86 combined tackles, four interceptions, 16 passes defended, and one tackle for loss
Safety
S: Ji’Ayir Brown / San Francisco 49ers
Brown was a third-round selection by the top-seeded 49ers and initially played a depth role before injury forced him into the lineup late in the season. He was a valuable starter who picked up his play for a veteran defense, replacing star Talanoa Hufanaga. The rookie started five games, posting 22 solo tackles, two interceptions, and four PBUs in his limited action. He’s another great piece for the talented 49ers defense and will look to solidify a starting job next season. Yet another third-round pick that excelled this past season as well. He was the second-highest-graded rookie safety by PFF, earning a score of 77.9.
2023 Statistics: 35 combined tackles, two interceptions, and four passes defended
Main Image: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
