As Ravens Pro Bowl rookie inside linebacker C.J. Mosley prepares to chase down running backs during an AFC wild-card playoff game Saturday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers, the first-round draft pick is also in pursuit of more honors.
Mosley is among the top candidates for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. His primary competitors for the award are St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald and Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack.
Drafted 17th overall in May, the former consensus All-American and Butkus Award winner from Alabama leads the Ravens with 133 tackles and also has three sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month in October and December, Mosley would become the first Ravens player to win Defensive Rookie of the Year since outside linebacker Terrell Suggs in 2003.
In December, Mosley had 28 tackles and two sacks. He led all rookies in tackles for the season, ranking seventh overall in the NFL.
"It would be a great honor," Mosley said. "If I get it, it's thanks to the hard work I've put in here and the organization.
"If I get it, thanks to the coaches and for everybody putting me in position to make plays and to my great teammates and a great front seven. It would be a lot to give thanks to, but it's about the playoffs right now."
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