Merriman, 22, was the 2005 defensive rookie of the year and has become a pass-rushing force for the Chargers.

He was named 1967's defensive rookie of the year, and went on to be selected to seven Pro Bowls.

Within the last eight years, three defensive rookies of the year have been charged with using illegal performance enhancing drugs.

He has been named the defensive rookie of the year by The Associated Press.

Coleman was named the league's defensive rookie of the month for September.

What kind of person is the player who was named last season's defensive rookie of the year?

He had 15 tackles against Buffalo last week and is a leading candidate for defensive rookie of the year.

This may be the Giants' best group of defensive rookies since the class of 1986.

Carrier, who turned out to be the defensive rookie of the year, was expected to go much lower.

Will Chris Neild take another step towards defensive rookie of the year?