The NFL regular season is quickly approaching, and it’s time to get down on the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Through the first week of the preseason, we’ve started to see players stand out. Some teams use the preseason to learn a new system, develop chemistry with their teammates, and get highly touted rookies up to game speed as much as possible before the start of the regular season. In this article, we’ll highlight players expected to be in the hunt for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, their odds, and why they have a chance to take home the hardware.
Abdul Carter, New York Giants
Starting at the top, we have Abdul Carter out of Penn State with the New York Giants. Observers regarded Carter as the best pass rusher in this draft class. After a 12-sack season with the Nittany Lions, in which he took home Defensive Player of the Year honors, it should be no surprise to see Carter as the favorite. He will be lining up next to proven pass rushers, such as Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, so Carter will have the chance to show off his impact playmaking from the start. However, at +250, there’s not much value in wagering on Carter.
Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars
Next is one of the most polarizing prospects the NFL has seen in quite some time. The Jacksonville Jaguars drafted Travis Hunter after they traded up from No. 5 to select the two-way star out of Colorado. Hunter will attempt to play both sides of the ball, just as he did in college. It will be intriguing to see what the split will be in terms of snap percentage on either side of the ball. You can do worse than a +1300 ticket on Hunter, though it should be noted that six of the last seven award winners have been defensive ends/linebackers.
Jalon Walker, Atlanta Falcons
With the No. 15 pick, the Atlanta Falcons selected Jalon Walker (+1000) out of Georgia. Some speculated that Walker could’ve been chosen in the top ten. Desperately needing a pass-rusher, Walker fits what the Falcons need. The team doubled down and selected James Pearce Jr. (+1900) out of Tennessee, who will compete for the award after being one of the most feared players in the SEC last season.
Mike Green, Baltimore Ravens
Mike Green (+1200) lit up the Senior Bowl with his ability to win in one-on-ones and has continued to impress in training camp. Somehow, the Baltimore Ravens have always been in a position to nab one of the draft’s best players, and they might’ve done it again with Green. He steps into a great culture with other playmakers around him on a team with Super Bowl aspirations. If he can log close to double-digit sacks, he should be in contention.
Quick Hitters
Myken Williams at +1000 has some value with San Francisco, but the number lacks sufficient value compared to some of the other candidates.
Mason Graham at +1400 is slightly intriguing, especially lining up next to Myles Garrett, but he’ll need significant statistics on paper on a weaker Cleveland Browns roster.
Value Pick: Mike Green +1200
Looking for value on the other side of the ball? We’ve got you covered with a look at value on the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year right here.