Could Titans rookie Kristian Fulton be the Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Updated top-8

So, after all of those filters based on recent history, this is what a smart top-8 should look like if you ignore the hype and names:

1. Chase Young EDGE, Washington Redskins

2. Patrick Queen LB, Baltimore Ravens

3. Jordyn Brooks LB, Seattle Seahawks

4. A.J. Epenesa EDGE, Buffalo Bills

5. Willie Gay Jr. LB, Kansas City Chiefs

6. Kristian Fulton CB, Tennessee Titans

7. Jeff Gladney CB, Minnesota Vikings

8. Trevon Diggs CB, Dallas Cowboys

Now, obviously Chase Young should be considered the player most likely to win the award regardless of anything else, but after that I can’t find someone I like more than Fulton.

-Queen looks like a smart pick on paper, but if the Ravens offense thrives like it did last season then his tackle numbers won’t be gaudy enough to lead the NFL due to pass-heavy game scripts giving more tackles to DBs.

-I think everyone agrees that Jordyn Brooks was a reach and I don’t know how he gets anywhere near the snaps he will need to build up a strong resume considering the LBs around him.

-Epenesa probably won’t truly start for the Buffalo Bills and he will be used in a heavy rotation inside and out. Is that going to be enough of a chance for him to put up double-digit sacks?

-Willie Gay is very interesting because he is all tools and no production. However, he is in a great situation to make plays if the Chiefs decide to give up playing sound defense and just try to wreak havoc on other teams knowing that their offense can cover them. Still, I think the pass-heavy nature of other teams will hurt his case just like Patrick Queen.