AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award Winners

Below is a list of past winners of the AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

YearWinner
2025Carson Schwesinger, Browns
2024Jared Verse, Rams
2023Will Anderson Jr., Texans
2022Sauce Gardner, Jets
2021Micah Parsons, Cowboys
2020Chase Young, Washington
2019Nick Bosa, 49ers
2018Darius Leonard, Colts
2017Marshon Lattimore, Saints
2016Joey Bosa, Chargers
2015Marcus Peters, Chiefs
2014Aaron Donald, Rams
2013Sheldon Richardson, Jets
2012Luke Kuechly, Panthers
2011Von Miller, Broncos
2010Ndamukong Suh, Lions
2009* Brian Cushing, Texans
2008Jerod Mayo, Patriots
2007Patrick Willis, 49ers
2006DeMeco Ryans, Texans
2005Shawne Merriman, Chargers
2004Jonathan Vilma, Jets
2003Terrell Suggs, Ravens
2002Julius Peppers, Panthers
2001Kendrell Bell, Steelers
2000Brian Urlacher, Bears
1999Jevon Kearse, Titans
1998Charles Woodson, Raiders
1997Peter Boulware, Ravens
1996Simeon Rice, Cardinals
1995Hugh Douglas, Jets
1994Tim Bowens, Dolphins
1993Dana Stubblefield, 49ers
1992Dale Carter, Chiefs
1991Mike Croel, Broncos
1990Mark Carrier, Bears
1989Derrick Thomas, Chiefs
1988Erik McMillan, Jets
1987Shane Conlan, Bills
1986Leslie O'Neal, Chargers
1985Duane Bickett, Colts
1984Bill Maas, Chiefs
1983Vernon Maxwell, Colts
1982Chip Banks, Browns
1981Lawrence Taylor, Giants
1980Buddy Curry, Falcons and Al Richardson, Falcons
1979Jim Haslett, Bills
1978Al Baker, Lions
1977A.J. Duhe, Dolphins
1976Mike Haynes, Patriots
1975Robert Brazile, Oilers
1974Jack Lambert, Steelers
1973Wally Chambers, Bears
1972Willie Buchanon, Packers
1971Isiah Robertson, Rams
1970Bruce Taylor, 49ers
1969Joe Greene, Steelers
1968Claude Humphrey, Falcons
1967Lem Barney, Lions

* Brian Cushing won an unprecedented re-vote that was held due to his failure of a drug test in his rookie season.