Patriots linebacker Jerod Mayo was named the Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year today, earning 49 of a possible 50 votes.
The AP writes on Mayo's contributions to the Patriots, noting that his 137 tackles led the team. Mayo was the Patriots' first-round draft choice, selected 10th overall.
Bengals linebacker Keith Rivers received the lone vote that didn't go to Mayo.
The AP also quotes coach Bill Belichick, who said of Mayo:
"Jerod's done a lot for us. We've asked a lot of him and from Day 1 he's really been a well-prepared, very mature player who can do a lot of things: play the running game, play in the passing game, blitz, helps us in the kicking game."
Very excited. Good to see him get the recognition. I want to say that 2nd jets game is what put him over the top.
