NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year betting is back, with DROY odds on the board now that we're past the 2021 NFL Draft. Early leaders in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds include the latest addition to America's Team, the draft's top pass rushers, and a few cornerbacks that make for intriguing picks with their Defensive ROY odds.
With preseason still a while away, here's an early look at NFL Defensive ROY odds.
2021 NFL Defensive ROY odds
Odds via the Covers Line, an average comprised of odds from multiple sportsbooks.
Compare NFL odds before betting to ensure you get the best number.
Favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Long thought of as one of, if not the, best defensive player in his draft class, it isn't a surprise to see new Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons atop the odds board at +450. Though Parsons could be a part-time player to begin his rookie season, with Jaylon Smith and Leighton Vander Esch in place, he will be among the most flashy rookies on defense.
New Indianapolis Colts pass rusher Kwity Paye, who lands in a good situation with a talented defense where he can play alongside the fantastic DeForest Buckner, is next at +850.
A three-way tie at +900 follows the Top-2, including Cleveland Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Karamoah, who's high up on the board despite falling out of the first round in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Joining Owusu-Karamoah at +900 are Washington linebacker Jamin Davis and former Miami Hurricane Jaelan Phillips, now a member of the Dolphins.
NFL Defensive ROY betting trends
• Of the last 31 winners of the NFL DROY Award, an incredible 28 were drafted in the first round. Of the three winners that weren't first rounders (DeMeco Ryans, Kendrell Bell and Darius Leonard), all were still selected within the Top-40 picks.
• Seven of the last 16 DROY winners played linebacker. Two others (Von Miller and Shawne Merriman) were listed at LB but would count as edge players in modern NFL defensive schemes. That said, that number is heavily inflated by four straight DROY-winning linebackers from 2006 to 2009. Over the last eight years, only one LB has taken home the award.
• Four of the last five DROY winners played college ball for Ohio State. Three of those (the Bosa brothers and Chase Young) were edge rushers.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year history
A quick look at the NFL DROY winners since 2004, the position they played and where they were drafted.
| Year | NFL DROY Award Winner | Position | Drafted |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Chase Young | EDGE | Round 1, pick 2 |
| 2019 | Nick Bosa | EDGE | Round 1, pick 2 |
| 2018 | Darius Leonard | LB | Round 2, pick 36 |
| 2017 | Marshon Lattimore | CB | Round 1, pick 11 |
| 2016 | Joey Bosa | EDGE | Round 1, pick 3 |
| 2015 | Marcus Peters | CB | Round 1, pick 18 |
| 2014 | Aaron Donald | DL | Round 1, pick 13 |
| 2013 | Sheldon Richardson | DL | Round 1, pick 13 |
| 2012 | Luke Keuchly | LB | Round 1, pick 9 |
| 2011 | Von Miller | EDGE | Round 1, pick 2 |
| 2010 | Ndamukong Suh | DL | Round 1, pick 2 |
| 2009 | Brian Cushing | LB | Round 1, pick 15 |
| 2008 | Jerod Mayo | LB | Round 1, pick 10 |
| 2007 | Patrick Willis | LB | Round 1, pick 11 |
| 2006 | DeMeco Ryans | LB | Round 2, pick 33 |
| 2005 | Shawne Merriman | EDGE | Round 1, pick 12 |
| 2004 | Jonathan Vilma | LB | Round 1, pick 12 |
Where can I bet on NFL awards?
Most online books and casinos offer futures bets on NFL awards and odds generally begin to appear after free agency and the NFL Draft. Check out the NFL futures odds at the best sportsbooks available in your area.
