Washington Huskies In The NFL: Donald Butler
By Evan Webeck
Nov 18 2012; Denver, CO, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Antoine Cason (20) and inside linebacker Donald Butler (56) combine for a tackle after a reception by Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme (84) during the fourth quarter of the game Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Season Grade: B+
After being selected with the 79th pick of the 2010 draft, Butler sustained a devastating injury that caused him to miss his rookie season. However he made an instant impact in 2011 for the Chargers and continued that into 2012.
Despite missing four weeks due to a nagging groin injury, Butler improved his sack numbers by one (two to three) and sustained his one interception and two forced fumbles from 2011. The only number that saw significant decline was his tackles, which is to be expected when you miss a quarter of the season. Despite missing four games, Butler still finished third on the team in tackles, just one behind Takeo Spikes.
With only one full season under his belt, the 24 year old has yet to hit his peak and has a promising future on the vaunted Chargers defense. If Butler can stay healthy, triple digit tackles are not far out of reach. Unfortunately, health has been an issue for Butler; he has missed 20 of his possible 48 games. In 2010, an achilles injury placed him on injured reserve, while in 2012 a groin problem plagued him the last five weeks of the season.