San Francisco 49ers rookie linebacker Aldon Smith has been having himself a terrific year thus far, but may be able to add a little extra hardware to his mantle for his efforts as the NFL announced on Friday that Smith has been nominated for 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year along with some of his top rookie confreres.
Panthers QB Cam Newton, Bengals QB Andy Dalton, Cardinals CB and punt returner Patrick Peterson, and Broncos linebacker Von Miller are Smith's competition to take hom the award this year, but Smith's resume basically speaks for itself.
The 49ers seventh overall pick in last year's draft, Smith played all 16 games for the Niners, racking up 14 sacks on the season, putting him tied for fifth amongst NFL defenders. He was just a half sack short of tying the single season rookie record. Smith also recorded 37 stops, 31 solo tackles, four passes defensed, two forced fumbles, one fumble recovery and a safety. He also won the Rookie of the Week Award twice this season. Not too shabby.
|
ANDY DALTON |
Quarterback |
|
|
VON MILLER |
Linebacker |
|
|
CAM NEWTON |
Quarterback |
|
|
PATRICK PETERSON |
Cornerback/Punt Returner |
|
|
ALDON SMITH |
Linebacker |
For more on the 49ers, make sure to head over to Niners Nation to get in on the action.