Detroit Lions: Handing out 6 early individual season awards

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Jonah Jackson

Offensive lineman anybody? It’s been another odd year for Detroit. One thing is for sure, their offensive line was most productive unit on the team. This was a hard choice, no offensive rookie really stood out this season.

Running back D’Andre Swift was a strong possibility , but I felt like it wouldn’t be fair to award him with limited usage. All in all, the Lions only had one offensive rookie as a full time starter this season, guard Jonah Jackson.

Through the first six weeks of 2020, Jackson was on pace to be the highest graded rookie interior lineman. During the second half, his play has been up and down. Nevertheless, he made good strides and is a young foundational piece for this franchise moving forward.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: John Penisini

Detroit drafted three defensive players in last years draft. Cornerback Jeff Okudah, Julian Okwara, and nose tackle John Penisini. If you were to tell me that Penisini would have the best rookie season of the three, I’d laugh.

However, Penisini has been a nice surprise for the team. Sixth round picks usually do not become starters, yet alone productive players. He’s had 17 defensive stops this season, which is third out of all rookie defensive tackle.