When the Buffalo Bills’ top cornerback, rookie Tre’Davious White, was left off the AFC Pro Bowl roster, he was understandably upset. Unfortunately for him, that wasn’t the last snub he’d see in his rookie season.
The NFL released its list of awards finalists on Friday, and White was not among the finalists for Rookie of the Year, even though he has already earned the Rookie of the Year award from Pro Football Focus.
When White heard the news, he was not pleased.
CUHH, Y’all Must Didn’t See Buffalo Play At All .. https://t.co/PHSKuBdrvR
— Tre'Davious White (@TreWhite16) January 6, 2018
While it’s hard to whittle down a talented rookie class to merely five players, White has definitely had a season worth noting. He has played more defensive snaps than any cornerback, and he holds a 91.6 overall grade from PFF, tops among all rookies.
Looking at the list of finalists, running back Alvin Kamara and cornerback Marshon Lattimore, both of the New Orleans Saints are certainly deserving of consideration for the award. Running back Kareem Hunt of the Kansas City Chiefs led the NFL in rushing yards, totaling 1,327 yards on the season. Running back Leonard Fournette of the Jacksonville Jaguars is a solid talent, and he led all rookie running backs in rushing touchdowns this season with 9. The fifth name, running back Christian McCaffrey, is probably the weakest of the five finalists. While he caught 80 passes on the year, he only ran for 435 yards on the season. White’s biggest gripe should be that he isn’t on the list, but McCaffrey is.
White has more tackles (69 to 52) than Lattimore. He has the same number of pass break-ups (18), albeit in four more games, as his New Orleans counterpart. And although he is one behind Lattimore in interceptions, the difference came on a fluke play.
Just like Ronald Darby in 2015, White will have to settle for PFF’s Rookie of the Year award and nothing else in what has been a stellar first year.