Kiko Alonso, who headlined a list of promising Bills rookies in 2013, was ranked 84th overall on NFL Network's Top 100 countdown. Here's a quick look at Kiko's career in Buffalo so far:
BACKGROUND
Drafted in the second round (46th overall) of the 2013 NFL Draft … The seventh player out of Oregon ever selected by the Bills … The second player ever selected by Buffalo with the 46th overall selection (Aaron Schobel – 2001) …The highest linebacker selected by Buffalo since 2007, when the team drafted Penn State LB Paul Posluszny with the 34th overall selection.
-Alonso is the first Bills player to be revealed on the list thus far
-Alonso is the third rookie to be revealed thus far (Jets DT Sheldon Richardson came in at #94 and Packers RB Eddie Lacy came in at #90)
-Alonso is the second linebacker to be revealed thus far (Cardinals LB Daryl Washington came in at #96)
AWARDS
-NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month - September
-Pepsi Max Rookie of the Week - Week 4
-Pro Football Writers of America Defensive Rookie of the Year
THE 2013 SEASON
-Played in and started all 16 games on the season. Finished third in the NFL with 159 tackles on the season and also had two sacks and four interceptions. The 159 tackles is the third highest toal by an NFL rookie since 2000.
-Vs. NE (9/8): Made his NFL debut tying for a team-high nine tackles and recorded a forced fumble and fumble recovery (different plays). First Bills rookie with a football recovery on Kickoff Weekend since Dan Jilek and Ken Jones vs. Miami on 9/13/76.
-Vs. CAR (9/15): Became the first Bills rookie to record a sack and interception in the same game since Erik Flowers at Seattle on 12/23/00. Totaled 10 tackles.
-At NYJ (9/22): Became the first Bills rookie with interceptions in back-to-back games since Jairus Byrd in games 5-9 in 2009. Totaled eight tackles.
-Vs. BAL (9/29): Produced the game-saving interception with 1:04 left in the fourth quarter to solidify a 23-20 victory. ... Recorded two interceptions and became the first Bills rookie with two interceptions in a game since Jairus Byrd on 11/1/09 vs. Hou. ... Extended his interception streak to three games and became the first NFL rookie LB with a three-game streak since Al Richardson in 1980 (four games). ... Becomes the second rookie Bills LB with four interceptions in a season (Mike Stratton - 6 in 1962).
-At CLE (10/3): Recorded a game-high and career-high 12 tackles including one tackle for loss.
-Vs. CIN (10/13): Established a career-high with 22 tackles. Total is the most by a Bill since Damien Covington (22 on 10/26/97 vs. Den). Total is the single-game high in the NFL this year and the most in the NFL by a rookie since David Harris' 24 on 11/4/07 vs. Was.
-At MIA (10/20): Produced four tackles including one tackle for loss.
-At NO (10/27: Posted a game-high 11 tackles including one tackle for loss.
-Vs. KC (11/3): Tied for a team-high eight tackles and added 1.0 sack. Defense allowed just 210 total yards - a low for the season.
-At PIT (11/10): Posted a team-high 10 tackles including one tackle for loss.
-Vs. NYJ (11/17): Recorded a game-high 13 tackles including one tackle for loss Became the first Bills rookie to eclipse the 100-tackle mark since Donte Whitner in 2006.
-Vs. ATL (12/1): Posted a game-high 13 tackles for this third straight 10-tackle game. Also posted a fumble recovery, that was converted into a Bills TD by offense.
-At TB (12/8): Tied for a team-lead with six tackles including one tackle for loss.
-At Jac (12/15): Compiled six tackles.
-Vs. Mia (12/22): Posted a team-high eight tackles. Led defense to yield a season-low 14 rushing yards and second-lowest in team history.
-At NE (12/29): Posted a game-high 14 tackles including one tackle for loss. Finished the season with 159 tackles - third highest total by an NFL rookie since 2000.
