P. Willis Named AP Defensive Rookie of Year

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis was named the NFL defensive rookie of the year by the Associated Press after leading the league in tackles and being selected to the NFC Pro Bowl team.

Willis received 48 of 50 votes in balloting by media members. Carolina Panthers linebacker Jonathan Beason received the other two votes.

The 49ers chose Willis out of the University of Mississippi with the 11th overall selection in the NFL draft in April. He started every game this season and was credited with 174 tackles, 33 more than Denver Broncos linebacker D.J. Williams. Beason was the league's third-leading tackler with 140.

Minnesota Vikings tailback Adrian Peterson was named the AP's offensive rookie of the year earlier in the week.

By Mark Maske |  January 4, 2008; 1:34 PM ET  | Category:  49ers , Awards
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