Aldon Smith, Bruce Miller Named To Football Outsiders All-Rookie Team

by David Fucillo on Dec 30, 2011 7:30 AM PST in 49ers Rookies

The fine folks at Football Outsiders put together their 2011 All-Rookie Team and it should surprise nobody that Aldon Smith and Bruce Miller were on the team. Miller was in at fullback, while Smith was listed as "Joker/Pass Rusher Off The Bench." Whereas normally there would be an honorable mention spot, they recognized that Smith plays so many snaps even as a "part-time" player.

Bruce Miller has been an absolutely money pick, and he deserves plenty of all-rookie team honors. Hitting on a first round pick is necessary for a team to maintain some manner of success. Also hitting on seventh round picks is where a team can position itself to take the next step.

The 49ers have done a fairly solid job picking up quality contributors in the latter rounds. Among others, the 49ers late round contributors this year have included Miller, Kyle Williams, Ricky Jean-Francois, Larry Grant (by way of St. Louis), Joshua Morgan (before he got hurt), Tarell Brown, Delanie Walker, Parys Haralson and Brian Jennings, among others. The team is doing a better job of hitting on more of the early and mid picks and will hopefully turn this into a complete effort moving forward.

I did find it interesting that FO named Von Miller the Defensive Rookie of the Year. It is not absurd to go with Miller, but I think many of us can agree Aldon Smith is right in the thick of the discussion. As per FO, Miller has 11.5 sacks, 23 QB hits, 19 tackles for a loss and 2 forced fumbles, among other things. Aldon Smith on the other hand has 14 sacks, 35 QB hits 14 tackles for a loss, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Von Miller received a great share of snaps, but that argument can go two ways. Miller was given more responsibilities, but Aldon Smith was better getting to the QB on a consistent basis. It can roll both ways. So, realistically, how do you see the race playing out? It will be incredibly close and a final big push in Week 17 could very well be the difference for one of these two men.

Poll

Who will win Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Von Miller

171 votes

Aldon Smith

1019 votes

Other (please specify in comments)

1 votes

1191 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Von Miller will win DROY

Aldon Smith deserves to win DROY.

Von Miller has played 873 snaps.
Aldon Smith has played 478 snaps.

Aldon Smith has 2.5 more sacks and the same number of passes defended (4) despite getting half his playing time.

Both players are making 2 tackles every 26 snaps — but Aldon is making them even though the majority of his snaps are on passing downs where on the other hand teams are running straight at Von because he’s a liability against the run.

Every time Jamie Dukes says something enlightening and informative about football Jerry Rice and I mount up on our flying grizzly bears and claim pirate treasure from the moon. That's how often it happens.

by Ougadas on Dec 30, 2011 7:56 AM PST reply actions

just playing devil's advocate

Aldon might be much more tired and less effective if playing 3 downs.

I think the rookie sack record is more valuable than the DROY award, and I don’t even think sacks are all that great a sack. There’s a DROY every year, but only one guy holds the rookie sack record and we all know who it is, and knew who it was before Aldon was on pace to break it.

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 8:09 AM PST up reply actions

He might

But even playing half the snaps he’s been more productive. Even if his additional production from an equal number of snaps was only a fourth per snap as what he achieved then he’s still head and shoulders above Von.

by Ougadas on Dec 30, 2011 9:50 AM PST up reply actions

*that great a stat

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 10:07 AM PST up reply actions

I think Miller is more deserving

Before I get misunderstood – I LOVE me some Aldon. He is already my favorite 49er and any other year he should run away with the award. But Miller doesn’t just play more snaps, in the snaps he plays he is one of the best run defenders at his position in the whole league. Miller is more impressive for the same reasons that I think Justin Smith is the best defender on the 49ers – he is elite at both run and pass defense, and he never comes off the field. It’s incredibly difficult to find a player that can dominate against run and pass, someone who does it from day 1 of his rookie season is almost unbelievable.

by CK on Dec 30, 2011 1:46 PM PST up reply actions

Comparing only the pass rush skills

I think Aldon probably comes out on top. But it’s close. Don’t judge them on pressures per snap, look at pressures per Pass Rush. Teams try to run the ball on the Broncos and usually give up running against us very quickly. Von Miller has played ALOT more run downs, and only slightly more pass downs. Now that I’ve said that – GO ALDON!!! I’d love for him to get the record.

by CK on Dec 30, 2011 1:50 PM PST up reply actions

One of the best run defenders in the whole league?

He’s not even one of the best run defenders on your team.

by Ougadas on Dec 31, 2011 12:15 AM PST up reply actions

Aldon

His pressure has probably helped turnover margin that is a major cog of team success.

by touchdown49ers on Dec 30, 2011 7:58 AM PST via mobile reply actions

Von Miller will win the award, he received much more pub amid the Tebow circus and plays every down

I don’t know that either deserves it over the other. They’ve both played really well for rookies.

I wonder why Peterson got in over Culliver as a CB. Perhaps because Culliver is nickel. He has outplayed Peterson by a lot though as a corner.

Complete side note also, I question whether Sherman will suffer a big drop in his 2nd year when coaches start to complain about his constant chucking 7-9 yards down field.

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 8:07 AM PST reply actions

Peterson definitely should be on the team

for his kick returning. That said, I agree that I thought Culliver might merit a mention.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Dec 30, 2011 9:17 AM PST up reply actions

Von Miller

is going to win it. Once he made the Probowl I knew it was a done deal. A lot of the analysts and national media are discounting Aldon because he only plays passing downs. Not that the homer in me agrees, but that’s the way I see it going down.

by TTown Kings on Dec 30, 2011 8:09 AM PST reply actions

I don't think anyone is discounting Aldon right now

He didn’t make the pro bowl because the 49ers did not list him as a starter on the fan ballot. Most media have been touting him as one of, if not the-best per-down pass rusher in the league. That’s incredibly high praise for a rookie, particularly one that came out of college early.

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 8:11 AM PST up reply actions

I voted Aldon

If/when Aldon breaks the rookie sack record this weekend, I hope that gets him the publicity he needs to tip it in his direction. Another classic example of our talent flying under the radar.

by Bruins Pride on Dec 30, 2011 8:10 AM PST reply actions

Aldon deserves it but Von will get it

Aldon Smith is the piece that was missing on our defense an pushed it into elite status. We were an elite pass rusher away and he bacame that in his rookie year which is amazing.

by elijust on Dec 30, 2011 8:27 AM PST reply actions

Aldon

"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers

by TryAndCatchVD on Dec 30, 2011 8:40 AM PST via mobile reply actions

Voted for the guy who deserves it...

Unfortunately, Aldon is unlikely to get the award. It would be nice for him to get that award after the team was criticized for “reaching” to get Smith; take that Kiper and McToad. I’ll agree with what mountain said above though; getting the rookie sack record is a bit more a big deal than DROY.

I say that because I don’t see Miller ever challenging for the single season sack record, but considering what Aldon has gotten as a rookie on limited snaps and a fairly “vanilla” blitzing scheme, I can see him challenging for that record within a few short years.

by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2011 8:44 AM PST reply actions

Getting the record

Is something much more gratifying IMO. Being the most dominate pass rusher ever as a rookie sounds so much better than droy.

It would be nice if he adds 3 more sacks to that. Nobody will reach that feat again for Aldon entire career. 17 sacks as a rookie would be out of this world

"I hate it! It looks like a stickup at 7-Eleven. Five guys standing there with their hands in the air."

Norm Sloan

"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors."

Weldon Drew

by EcERyda69 on Dec 30, 2011 8:53 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Disagree

Only because sack totals are going up and up because offenses are passing more and more.

But I definitely agree that setting that record as a rookie is a huge accomplishment. There is a ton of technique involved in pass rushing. Smith has the potential to be very, very good.

by InTimmyWeTrust on Dec 30, 2011 9:01 AM PST up reply actions

I think it matters

That record has stood for over a decade now, quite a long time. IMO being in the record books is far superior then earnig a fan voted pro bowl. He has to be highly considered if he breaks that record.

Of curse they might look at the playoffs, if broncos make it and go farther that could help Millers case and vice versa for Smith.

by h0ckeysk83r on Dec 30, 2011 9:11 AM PST up reply actions

IMO

If Aldon breaks the record this sunday, it will make him neck and neck if not surpassing Von Miller. How can the voters look at the ballot and not consider Aldon to win when he has the new Rookie sack record.

by h0ckeysk83r on Dec 30, 2011 8:50 AM PST reply actions

The day that Adam Synder & Bruce Miller became starters, the whole offense improved.

I really hope the 49ers try hard to re-sign Synder.

by BigMar on Dec 30, 2011 9:11 AM PST reply actions

Synder helped us because of who he replaced

Rachal is abysmal. I think the team will get much better when Kilgore is ready, hopefully next year. Neither would I be surprised if we took some OL help high, though they might be focusing on center this year.

by BKisforSF on Dec 30, 2011 9:59 AM PST up reply actions

I think that Von Miller will win

At least in part because of Tebowmania. And I do think that Aldon is a better choice, but I might have my homer glasses on. I have no problem, however, with Miller winning – he is a beast of a player and a deserving candidate. If Smith breaks the record, he certainly has a shot, though, and the other thing that gives him a shot was that he dominated the Steelers on the big stage.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Dec 30, 2011 9:15 AM PST reply actions

Regarding Aldon.....

The man has proven to be a beas Pass Rusher, with his hand on the ground from the Defensive End position.

Im a bit concerned if Aldon can produce those SACK numbers from a L.B. position.

Aldon clearly appears to be tailored made to Pass Rush from Defensive End position.

If the wheel aint broke why try to fix it?
Makes much more sense to draft a real L.B. in the 2012 draft and….leave Aldon right where he is.

by BigMar on Dec 30, 2011 9:16 AM PST reply actions

The problem is...

We already have two fantastic defensive ends with Justin Smith and Ray McDonald. Unless we switch to a base 4-3 defense and move Smith inside, which I don’t think we’ll do as it would force either Willis or Bowman outside (and force a lot of people to switch their mindsets), I’d still start both of them over Aldon, meaning that the only spot for him to start is at OLB.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Dec 30, 2011 9:20 AM PST up reply actions

yea i don't see them switching to a 4-3

but if that were to happen, Bowman already has experience being an OLB in the 4-3 because that’s what he was at Penn State

by sanfranfanmdk on Dec 30, 2011 11:43 AM PST up reply actions

True

And Justin Smith could probably be a good DT in the 4-3. Still, I think the team will eventually go with a base 3-4 with Aldon lining up at OLB.

I'm just a simple Giants fan trying to make my way in the universe.

by Tim Lincecum's Bong on Dec 30, 2011 12:26 PM PST up reply actions

Think Aldon is still good for 12-15 sacks a year as a 3-down OLB

On 3rd downs he is going to line up hand down as a DE anyway. You also have to remember that often the OLBs will line up very close to the LoS in base defense and only move a bit before the snap. It’s an attempt to mask coverage and blitz. If Aldon is rushing from the OLB position, he’s only going to a step further of the LoS. It could also help if he really excels at anticipating the snap count and is moving full speed towards the QB as the ball is snapped. That will be scary for even the best of QBs and OLs.

by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2011 9:48 AM PST up reply actions

Or the NFL could just let him be like Ware and the other "elite" pass rushers

and ignore it if he happens to be offsides at the snap of the ball lol

by sanfranfanmdk on Dec 30, 2011 11:45 AM PST up reply actions

Aldon has a bunch of his sacks

Off stunts, etc. Style wise, he rushes the passer a lot like DeMarcus Ware. He’s going to make a superlative 3-4 OLB. I genuinely think the guy is going to be a superstar.

by BKisforSF on Dec 30, 2011 10:01 AM PST up reply actions

Just curious, but has there ever been co-DROY's?

Enough said above! I can't believe the "t-raiders" are going to play in OUR stadium! Bastards!

by 23mjheart on Dec 30, 2011 9:22 AM PST via mobile reply actions

yes, in 1980

there are currently 50 votes, so there’s nothing preventing it

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 9:30 AM PST up reply actions

Nightcrawler

My friends and I have nicknamed Aldon Smith the Nightcrawler because he seems to teleport behind the line of scrimmage on sacks, lol.

by Bigmouth on Dec 30, 2011 9:30 AM PST reply actions

Thats a good nickname

Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!

by chris z on Dec 30, 2011 9:44 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

if we're going to nerd out, I'd rather go with Destuctor

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 10:42 AM PST up reply actions

*Destructor

by whistlingmountain on Dec 30, 2011 10:43 AM PST up reply actions

Haha Nightcrawler is a great nickname.

"Hey, the offensive linemen are the biggest guys on the field, they’re bigger than everybody else, and that’s what makes them the biggest guys on the field." ~ John Madden

by 49erfannm on Dec 30, 2011 10:58 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Aldon

If he gets a sack on Sunday.

"One game at a time. Let's just keep it rolling." Justin Smith

by riderless on Dec 30, 2011 9:41 AM PST reply actions

I hope he gets more than one to really set himself apart

Was actually hoping that he broke it last weekend, but at least he only needs one this week to get it. And against whichever back up the Rams are starting this weekend, it’s very likely that he’s going to get it and then some.

by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2011 9:50 AM PST up reply actions

That would be fantastic. Go Aldon Go!

"One game at a time. Let's just keep it rolling." Justin Smith

by riderless on Dec 30, 2011 10:08 AM PST up reply actions

I love that he is humble when he gets a sack...

but I hope he absolutely freaks out on field when he gets that first sack.

by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2011 10:34 AM PST up reply actions

I think the sack record is more important

Coach Harbaugh is the truth!!

by chris z on Dec 30, 2011 9:44 AM PST via mobile reply actions

von miller obviously deserves to win it

as said above,
Von Miller has played 873 snaps.
Aldon Smith has played 478 snaps.

von has just been more of a part of the defense. yes, aldons sack rate is better than von’s but you could argue he’s fresher, less of a part of the defense, etc. von also has more tackles

now if aldon gets the rookie sack record, maybe

"And thank you to God for making me an Atheist." - Ricky Gervais

by MichaelClutchtree on Dec 30, 2011 10:20 AM PST reply actions

Oddly enough

Both are making about 2 tackles every 26 snaps.

Which is quite odd. Why is a guy who is being used primarily as a pass rush specialist on 3rd and long making tackles at the same rate as a linebacker who gets to play a majority of running downs?

The answer is that Von Miller is a liability against the run, and has been so bad that he’s been benched mid game because the other team wouldn’t stop running straight at him.

by Ougadas on Dec 30, 2011 11:46 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs

because Aldon Smith knows how to recognize the run and not just go after the QB...

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
Follow @manraj76
Magic number For bye week (1 for Saints) For NFC West division title 0 (NFC WEST CHAMPIONS) worst seed possible (3rd seed)

by manraj7 on Dec 30, 2011 12:28 PM PST up reply actions

well if you think about productivity Smith is better

but if you look at importance to the team I think they are equal now but heavily favored towards Miller in the beginning of the year…

by manraj7 on Dec 30, 2011 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

Aldon "nickname" suggestions.....

Got to give our Sack Master a nickname:

Aldon “shin-dig” Smith
Aldon "sheriff "Smith
Aldon "sugar "Smith
Aldon “slash” Smith

by BigMar on Dec 30, 2011 10:32 AM PST reply actions

I like Sherriff

And then Rogers can be the Prospector. Baalke is the General Store Owner. Boobie Dixon is Crazy Town Drunk.

Of course, Justin is the Cowboy. Hunter can be Silver (Hi-hoooooo)

"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers

by TryAndCatchVD on Dec 30, 2011 11:11 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Alex Smith:

Clint Smith-wood

"I got two hard rules I live by, pop. I don't [site decorum] with the devil, and I never do tag teams with blood relatives" -Kenny Powers

by TryAndCatchVD on Dec 30, 2011 11:12 AM PST via mobile up reply actions

Aldon Smith....Some say Miller because of "His body of work."

I remember a time he was sat down because he wasn’t doing things the right way for Denver……He isn’t that great at the run. His stats are almost identical to Aldon’s in every category except sacks…..even though Smith played 400 snaps less.

If Aldon Smith played 400 more snaps he probaby would lead the NFL in sacks and have more tackles than Miller. He also would add to passes defended and FF and FR. Aldon also has a safety to his credit and has helped his team to an incredible record.

When Detroit tried to get a 2 point conversion and the end of the game, it was Aldon in Stafford’s face to make him miss his open receiver…..the guy is a beast….

by ericalancanty on Dec 30, 2011 11:22 AM PST reply actions

Yikes. You can’t say their stats are identical when Von has twice the tackles as Aldon.

And you can’t just predict Aldons stats if he played 400 more snaps. That’s like saying Alex Smith would have twice as many TDs and yards if we let him throw twice as much. It just doesn’t work that way.

Love Aldon. He deserves plenty of national praise. But if Von throws up a 8 tackle 2 sacks game tomorrow, Von wins it no matter what Aldon does tomorrow.

by djfivenine on Dec 30, 2011 12:43 PM PST up reply actions

Both are making about 2 tackles every 26 snaps

And the sample sizes aren’t small. You most certainly can say that with an equal number of snaps you should expect at least equal performance.

by Ougadas on Dec 31, 2011 12:16 AM PST up reply actions

Aldon Smith all the way!

Von Miller is huge and I give him his due props, and still Aldon Smith truly deserves to win based upon his impact on the game, as well as the stats. You get the best of both worlds with him. It’s actually pretty clear when you look at like this. He has that “Joe Montana” type of magic that doesn’t show on stats, although his stats are pretty good for not playing every down.

49ers Shop

by wellnesscoach on Dec 30, 2011 12:46 PM PST reply actions

Surprised at the lack of talk about Ryan Kerrigan

Although I’m crossing my fingers Aldon wins it, Kerrigan’s having a monster year. Not saying he will win it, but there’s been next to zero talk about him.

by merothehero on Dec 30, 2011 12:48 PM PST reply actions

That's because Aldon and Miller are having monster years too...

He made the all-rookie team as well, so it’s no big drop-off, he’s just not getting DROY this year…

by Takeo33 on Dec 30, 2011 2:40 PM PST up reply actions

Aldon Smith is clearly the better pass rusher, but Von Miller has proven to be a more complete player.

He is a pure starter, and probably deserves the award. I’d love to see Aldon Smith get it, and maybe he would have had Von Miller not gotten so much publicity from the outset. But before you feel too sorry for Aldon, remember that he has received a fair bit of help from double teams on Justin Smith, allowing him to bullrush through a lot of subpar offensive linemen. Von Miller hasn’t had that kind of help from the defensive line.

Aldon has been a very effective cog in this elite San Francisco defense, but Von Miller has been a mainstay on his team. It depends on what you think deserves DROY honors, but I think Von Miller has done more for his team. This year.

by Rhombus on Dec 30, 2011 12:54 PM PST reply actions

Aldon is arguably the fifth or sixth best player on the Niners D

Von Miller is the best player on the Broncos D

Not saying too much. But us Niners fans need to realize that we need to watch Von Miller at work until we can say “Aldon droy easily”

by djfivenine on Dec 30, 2011 1:04 PM PST reply actions

Sorry. Terrible grammar

Working on a phone here.

by djfivenine on Dec 30, 2011 1:04 PM PST up reply actions

Aldon

He has done more w/fewer snaps, except in total tackles; & I think he’s got a higher ceiling than Von…w/practice and all that other hoopla which comes w/‘spring’ training…Aldon is going to be much scarier next season; he might not win DROY but that’s ok; he’s still an alternate on the pro-bowl roster which speaks volumes by itself

by Doni S on Dec 30, 2011 1:43 PM PST via mobile reply actions