Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
With the NFL Draft behind us and the 2024 season quickly approaching it is time to look ahead to determine which rookies may have an immediate impact. Several of the names below come with some lofty expectations but whether due to landing spot, depth chart, or talent, certain rookies are set up better for success than others. Throughout an entire season, things can certainly change and players who were once favorites to take home major awards at the end of the season could find themselves behind other breakout stars. I recently discussed who might take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award, and now it is time to turn our sights on the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Just like the OROTY Award, the DROTY Award also has a deep history behind it. Of the 58 awards given out nearly half of them (48.3% to be exact) have gone to linebackers, but linebackers have taken home the prize just twice over the last ten years. In recent history, it seems that cornerbacks and defensive ends have had an edge in receiving the award, with Texan DE Will Anderson Jr. being the most recent recipient. As things stand right now, Minnesota Edge Dallas Turner is the favorite to take home the prize, but as we all know, in sports (and especially football) things are never a sure thing until they are decided. Let’s take a closer look and discuss Turner’s advantage as well as someone who could jump out and turn some heads.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
- Dallas Turner +500
- Laiatu Latu +750
- Jared Verse +800
- Quinyon Mitchell +900
- Terrion Arnold +1000
- Byron Murphy II +1300
- Cooper DeJean +1300
- Chop Robinson +2000
- Kool-Aid McKinstry +2500
- Nate Wiggins +2500
If you would like to get in on these rookie-of-the-year NFL odds, I would recommend doing some research and finding out which site might work best for you. Just like the game itself, the odds are very fluid and constantly changing so researching what’s available in your area as well as what makes the most financial sense for you is a good start. Put your knowledge to good use, and, as always, we encourage everyone to wager responsibly.
The Favorite
Alabama Edge Dallas Turner (+500) is the current favorite to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, just edging out (pun intended) Indianapolis DE Laiatu Latu (+750.) Turner was a consensus All-American, SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Year and First Team All-SEC selection, after putting together an impressive 2023 season for Alabama. The Vikings were impressed, trading up to select the former Crimson Tide star with the No. 17 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. He is an elite pass rusher whose game should translate well to the NFL. Throughout his college career, Turner had 120 tackles, which included 23.5 sacks, as well as two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He will be relied on early and often after the Vikings’ pass rush was dealt a major blow, losing Marcus Davenport, Danielle Hunter, and D.J. Wonnum to free agency. Coming into the draft it was believed that Turner would be the first defensive player off the board when it came time for the Atlanta Falcons to pick, but they surprised everyone by opting for Washington QB Michael Penix. Turner then saw two defensive rookies go before him (Latu and Byron Murphy II) before the Vikings made a move. If Turner does take home the prize he will be the second straight Alabama defender to do so after Will Anderson Jr. earned the honors last season. With several months before the start of the season, not to mention an entire season of football to play, things could certainly change but right now the smart money is on Turner.
Bold Prediction Long Shot
Nate Wiggins (+2500) isn’t a long shot because of his talent. The cornerback out of Clemson is highly talented and should be able to contribute in his rookie season. But when you are a late first-round selection (No. 30 by the Baltimore Ravens in Wiggins’ case) it’s difficult to finish as the best rookie in the class. In the last 25 years, only three Defensive Rookie of the Year recipients have not been top-25 overall picks and 20 of them have been top-15 overall picks. So winning the award when you’re one of the last three picks of the first round is not an easy thing to accomplish. But Wiggins may have a chance to do so with 2024 being a bit of an outlier. The first defensive player wasn’t selected until pick No. 15. Much of Wiggins’ chances will rely on how much playing time he gets. The Ravens’ secondary is coming off a strong season which could make it difficult for a rookie to climb the depth chart and get meaningful time. Training camp could go a long way to giving us insight as to his role on the Ravens’ defense. As of now, though, the only real competition for a starting spot opposite Marlon Humphrey is Brandon Stephens. If he does find himself in a primary role he could gain plenty of opportunities as opposing offenses target whoever Wiggins happens to be guarding. If he can step up to the challenge it could do a lot to bolster his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year, but on the other hand being constantly called upon to lock his man down could highlight any flaws or rookie growing pains that occur. Wiggins is not likely to win the award but at +2500 he is currently my favorite long shot option.
