OnlineBettingSports.com reviews the various frontrunners and longshots for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Odds to Win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Just like with offensive rookie of the year, there will be plenty of candidates to win DROY. There is a lot of talent that came through the draft. And within the next week, the first teams will be able to get out there and showcase the ability they have at the NFL level for the first time.
This is a race that is sure to be fun to watch. And there will be plenty of dark-horse candidates that will be able to stake a claim to win it.
Let’s take a look at the betting favorites and longshots listed on Online Betting Sports.
Micah Parsons (+550)
At the top of the oddsmakers’ leaderboard is Micah Parsons. Sure, he sat out 2020 as he did what he thought was best for his family. But he was still selected #12 overall after two incredible seasons for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
During his last year of service in 2019, he came up with 109 tackles (14.0 TFL, five sacks) in 13 games. He was a menace upfront and continually disrupted pretty much everything happening.
As he joins his first NFL situation, Parsons is going to waste no time. He hasn’t played football in two years, so the hope is going to be that he comes in right away and dominates.
Parsons is hoping to bring the Cowboys back into playoff contention and show out in the opening season of his career.
Jamin Davis (+800)
Second, on the list is another NFC East player. Jamin Davis is going to spend his rookie season with Washington and looks poised to make an immediate impact. He was good right off the bat last year, putting up great numbers in a shortened season.
In 10 games for Kentucky, Davis had 102 tackles (4.5 TFL, 1.5 SACKS) and also came away with three interceptions. He ran one of those picks all the way to the house. There is very little that Davis cannot do on the football field. He disrupts so many things.
He missed some games his first two years, but there are no major injury concerns with Davis. He joins a stacked D on the WFT.
Jaelan Phillips (+1000)
The Dolphins found a gem in the draft in Jaelan Phillips. They had several first-round picks and used one of them on Jaelan Philips. After transferring to UCLA, he went off in 2020.
In 10 games played, Phillips had 15.5 TFL (eight sacks), an interception, and three passes defended. The lineman can get up to the line and bat down plenty of passes before they get anywhere near the intended target.
All opposing QB’s should be scared of Phillips as he joins the NFL.
He will play a big role for the Fins as he looks to try and win DROY. And there is no question he will mix in well with his new team.
The Longshots
Greg Newsome II is a DB drafted by the Browns, who is expected to make an immediate impact. His chances at defensive rookie of the year are +2500, but he can surely come out and win the award. Anything can truly happen. Easy money for Browns fans with confidence.
Christian Barmore of the Patriots is one of several guys with +2000 odds, as he can come in and bring a lot of pressure. As a defensive lineman, it’s on him to limit the run game while bringing down opposing QB’s as often as possible. If he gets the reps, he can win.
At +1400 with OnlineBettingSports.com, the talented Zaven Collins from Arizona is in the running too. He is a tackling machine and projects to be able to do a little bit of everything. Watch for him.
