Five leading Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates through Week 7

The 2023 NFL Draft class is off to a promising start to their professional careers. While Texans QB C.J. Stroud and Falcons RB Bijan Robinson are among those on their way to becoming household names, there are several budding stars on the defensive side of the ball. 

Here are the five players leading the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award race through the season’s first seven weeks.

1. Jalen Carter, DT, Philadelphia Eagles

The front-runner for the award, Carter was viewed as the top prospect in the 2023 class before legal problems and a poor pro day led him to fall in the draft. Despite his red flags, the reigning NFC champions traded up to select him with the ninth overall pick, and the gamble is already paying off. Carter hasn't just been the top defensive rookie in the league but one of the best defenders overall.

According to Pro Football Focus, the 6-foot-3, 313-pounder is the highest-graded interior defender this season (91.3), and he's been one of the most productive pass rushers in the league. Aside from leading all rookies in sacks (3.5) and forced fumbles (two), Carter ranks fourth among NFL defensive tackles in total pressures generated (27). Assuming he continues on this trajectory, not only will Carter run away with Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but he could live up to his pre-draft comparisons to future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald. 

2. Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seattle Seahawks 

Unlike the cases of Richard Sherman and Tariq Woolen, Seattle didn't need to wait until the fifth round to find its next star defensive back, instead selecting the blue-chip prospect Witherspoon at No. 5 overall. Witherspoon missed most of training camp, all of the preseason and Seattle's Week 1 loss with a hamstring injury, though it didn't take long before he established himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks.

In just his third career game, Witherspoon earned the distinction of being named NFC Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts against the New York Giants. In that Week 4 clash, Witherspoon racked up seven total tackles, two sacks and a 97-yard pick-six, which led ESPN commentator Troy Aikman to liken him to Deion Sanders. The "Legion of Boom" era is long gone, however, with Witherspoon and Woolen patrolling the secondary, Seattle's 2023 defense could be the beginning of something special.

3. Will Anderson Jr., LB, Houston Texans

Even if Anderson isn't lighting up the box score yet, Houston made the right decision when it traded multiple draft picks, including its 2024 first-rounder, to select the Alabama product third overall. Through six games, Anderson has recorded 24 combined tackles, two for loss, one sack and made an impact on special teams by blocking a field goal.

If the film didn't showcase his skills, advanced metrics have proven just how dominant and respected Anderson has been to start his career. Although he didn't play last week with Houston on a bye, he ranked third among edge defenders in pass-rush win rate (30%) and fifth in double-team percentage (25%) entering Week 7.

4. Brian Branch, CB/S, Detroit Lions

Many were puzzled as to why Branch didn't have his name called on Day 1 of last April's draft. Considering how the 45th overall pick has performed, it’s still hard to understand, as he has quickly emerged as one of the biggest steals in the class. Branch has shined when healthy, sitting fifth among first-year players in solo tackles (23) and passes defended (four), even though he missed two games with an ankle injury. 

Heading into the draft, Branch's versatility was considered to be his strongest skill, and the Lions have taken advantage of that ability, already lining him up at five positions this season. It might take some time for the Lions defense to become a top unit in the NFL after it surrendered the most yards last season (6,670), but Branch will be a key component in ensuring that it happens.  

5. Tuli Tuipulotu, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

Last season's Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year and FBS leader in sacks (13.5) has had little difficulty transitioning to the NFL after being drafted by the Chargers in the second round. Tuipulotu is third on the team in tackles for loss (five) and fourth in sacks (two), which has helped him secure a starting role.

While he was a formidable pass rusher in college, Tuipulotu has been one of the NFL's top run stuffers this season. The 21-year-old's 83.2 PFF run defense grade is the fourth-best mark among edge defenders, trailing only DeMarcus Lawrence, Nick Bosa and Maxx Crosby. Los Angeles might be one of the worst defenses in the league, given that its 406.8 yards per game allowed are the second-most, but Tuipulotu is a solid piece it can build around for the future.