The praise continues to come for Ravens linebacker C.J. Mosley as he was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October on Thursday.
The 17th overall pick of May’s draft is viewed by many as a favorite to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award as he ranks fourth in the league in tackles and has graded out as the NFL’s best inside linebacker, according to Pro Football Focus. Mosley collected 42 tackles and two interceptions in four October games and played his best contest as a pro against the Indianapolis Colts on Oct. 5 when he compiled 15 tackles and an interception in a 20-13 defeat.
For the season, Mosley has 76 tackles (three for a loss), two interceptions, six pass breakups, five quarterback hits, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery while starting all eight games next to fellow inside linebacker Daryl Smith.
“Besides just being a good football player and a good athlete, he’s a very, very intelligent guy,” defensive coordinator Dean Pees said. “A lot of times, rookies come in and you have to teach them how to study. And that was what was always great about having Ray [Lewis] and those guys around. They kind of followed his lead for a while. He has Daryl, [who] does a great job, but he’s kind of a guy that was like that when he came in. That’s what he is, and it’s very evident in how he plays.”
The University of Alabama product’s emergence is a major reason why the Baltimore defense currently ranks second in points allowed per game and seventh in run defense.
