Ranking the top 5 candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year

It's prediction season.

As first-year players around the league continue to settle in with their new teams, now fully immersed in the OTA schedule, we evaluate those best positioned for top rookie awards.

Here's a look at five players, and a few honorable mentions, who could be in the running for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

OFFENSE | DEFENSE

1. Myles Garrett

Garrett was the consensus best prospect available in the 2017 NFL Draft and is now tasked with becoming the central tenet of the Cleveland Browns' rebuilding project. The edge rusher drew comparisons to Von Miller, and could be in line for Pro Bowl honors while featuring as the leading contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

During his collegiate career, Garrett drew rave reviews for his tremendous burst off the snap and his combination of size and speed should make him a difficult match for veteran offensive tackles. Garrett is the rare type of prospect that is projected to become a star immediately, and if he's among the league leaders in sacks, he could run away with this award.

2. Derek Barnett

Barnett's supporters are quick to point out that he finished with more sacks (32) than Garrett (31) during their three-year collegiate careers. Gifted with a strong ability to disengage from opposing blockers, Barnett could become a nightmare to stop opposite Pro Bowl defensive lineman Fletcher Cox.

The former Tennessee standout is expected to beat Chris Long for a spot in the starting lineup and should be given ample opportunity to attack the quarterback during his rookie year. If Barnett's prodigious production translates to the professional level, he could become the first Eagles player to emerge with the award.

3. Malik Hooker

Many prognosticators were shocked that Hooker fell to the Colts with the No. 15 pick in the draft. Hooker is the safety the Colts have been sorely missing since Bob Sanders' peak and he could make headlines if he stabilizes an erratic secondary during his rookie campaign.

Hooker displays outstanding ball skills, recording seven interceptions - three of which he returned for touchdowns - during his final year at Ohio State, and if he can replicate a similar level of production in the NFL, he'll sway the electorate. Marcus Peters captured the award in 2015 after recording eight interceptions, providing a clear precedent for the Colts' safety to follow.

4. Jonathan Allen

The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year is expected to wreak havoc during his rookie season, and was among the most pro-ready prospects in the draft. Allen recorded 22.5 sacks during his final two years at Alabama and his acumen for attacking the quarterback should easily translate from the SEC to the NFL.

Allen is already penciled in as a nominal starter at defensive end and boasts the versatility to move inside if needed. Redskins head coach Jay Gruden was impressed by Allen's progress during spring workouts and it's likely he'll face single teams during his rookie year, a dangerous proposition considering his past level of production.

5. Solomon Thomas

Few prospects saw their stock rise higher than Solomon Thomas during the pre-draft process, and he'll likely be given plenty of playing time while the 49ers drastically attempt to rebuild a defense that finished dead last in most categories in 2016.

It's entirely possible that the 49ers ask Thomas to move inside from defensive end to defensive tackle in order to fortify the middle of their front seven. In any event, it's unlikely Thomas' production will be deterred, as he demonstrates an excellent ability to shed blocks in the run game and dominate as a pass-rusher from the edge or the interior. If Thomas can elevate the 49ers out of the NFC West basement, he could swing the vote.

Honorable mention

Takkarist McKinley

McKinley stole the show with his theatrics on draft night; he'll now be asked to be a key contributor on a young Atlanta defense that's trying to erase memories of its Super Bowl LI collapse. After recording 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss during his final year at UCLA, look for Dan Quinn to utilize him on obvious passing downs, with the Falcons throwing numerous looks at their opponent.

Jabrill Peppers

There was a real debate about whether Peppers is best suited as a linebacker or safety, with the Michigan product making it clear he'd rather be in the secondary. Now that the preamble is over with, Peppers is expected to make immediate contributions to a young, revamped Browns defense. Peppers could experience some growing pains, but his playmaking ability and athleticism could get him in the conversation. The only problem is that he may split votes with Myles Garrett.

Malik McDowell

McDowell was billed as a first-round talent but dropped to the second round due to concerns about his character and work ethic. The Seahawks are one of the best teams at extracting the most value out of their defensive players, and on a veteran team with Super Bowl ambitions, McDowell could annihilate blockers in 1-on-1 scenarios.