Thirty five players were drafted before the Colts took Darius Leonard in the 2018 NFL Draft http://www.lionsauthorizedshops.com/authentic-jahlani-tavai-jersey , but few did more as a rookie.And while there was a strong field of candidates, none of the defensive players had a bigger impact for a team that made greater strides than Leonard.The Colts linebacker was named PFT’s defensive rookie of the year, after leading the league in tackles (163), and setting the Colts franchise record for stops in a season. He did that despite missing a game, and was the first rookie to lead the league in that category since Luke Kuechly in 2012.Like Kuechly, he has the ability to raise the level of the others around him, as the Colts defense exceeded expectations by an incredible degree this season.Leonard also had 12 tackles for loss Kyler Murray Jersey , 7.0 sacks, two interceptions, four forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, for a defense that went from 30th in points and yards allowed last season to 10th in scoring and 11th in yards allowed this year.Coupled with the contributions of first-round left guard Quenton Nelson and second-round right tackle Braden Smith, it’s part of a strong draft class for General Manager Chris Ballard, setting up the Colts for sustainable success.This year was a solid year for rookie defenders, as Denver pass-rusher Bradley Chubb http://www.arizonacardinalsteamonline.com/byron-murphy-jersey , Chargers safety Derwin James, Browns cornerback Denzel Ward, and Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch each made strong cases for themselves. In late June, 49ers receiver Marquise Goodwin won the inaugural (and perhaps only) “40 Yards of Gold” competition, and the giant novelty check for $1 million that went along with it. The check continues to be coated in rubber.Per a source with knowledge of the situation, Goodwin still hasn’t been paid. However, Goodwin’s representatives are working toward getting the player’s seven figures “soon.”Given the history of the event and its obvious financial struggles Andy Isabella Jersey , that may be wishful thinking. Regardless, Goodwin is owed $1 million; at some point, he’ll need to consider other options, including litigation.Goodwin isn’t the only one to be stiff armed by the event’s bank accounts. Vikings receiver Jeff Badet is still carrying around a tennis ball of a $25,000 check that he received for participating in the event.“I’ve still got the check in my wallet,” Badet said Tuesday, via Chris Tomasson of the . “I’m keeping it just in case. . . . I just heard a bank was saying there were zero dollars in an account that they wrote it to Clelin Ferrell Jersey , so it’s just one big scam. I’m calling it one big scam.'”Officially, it’s still called “40 Yards of Gold.” The question is whether those owed money by the event will have to crawl through 500 yards of the sh-t smelling foulness of the legal system to get it.