The Defensive Rookie of the Year is Luke Kuechly

After leading the NFL in tackles in his rookie year, Luke Kuechly has won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

This marks the 2nd consecutive year that a Carolina Panthers player has taken home Rookie of the Year hardware, after QB Cam Newton took home the Offensive version last year.

Kuechly was a monster linebacker at Boston College, and elected to leave after his junior year.

Clearly it was the right choice, as Kuechly was a difference maker all year for the Panthers' defense. He had 164 tackles, finishing with 15 more than NaVorro Bowman, the 2nd leading tackler in the NFL.

Congratulations to Luke Kuechly, who had an incredible year, and is a very deserving recipient of the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.