Kyle Van Noy could very well be the Detroit Lions’ rookie of the year. Putting too much pressure on him? Nah, he can handle it.

Here are three reasons the pass-rushing linebacker will be a standout as a rookie.

1. With DeAndre Levy shifted to weakside linebacker and Stephen Tulloch in the center, Van Noy has been lining up at the strongside position with the starters. Keep in mind, these coaches don’t give the rookies first-team reps unless they earn them.

2. He’s smart and also versatile enough to line up at defensive end in certain packages.

3. He’s solid at 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds. He’s what you call a football player. He impressed through OTAs and minicamps.

(Follow @PaulaPasche on Twitter. Order her book,  “100 Things Lions Fans Should Know & Do Before They Die’’ here. It’s also available at bookstores.)