The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year is more varied than the offensive counterpart. While only nine times has the Offensive Rookie of the Year been anything other a quarterback or running back, many positions get the defensive award. Who could be the player this year? Below, we look at the odds to be named the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, with NFL picks, predictions and best bets.
Three of the last seven winners have been edge defenders who specialize in rushing the passer. Last year, it was Washington Football Team DE Chase Young, and the year before it was San Francisco 49ers DE Nick Bosa.
However, linebackers, defensive tackles and cornerbacks have won it. Only one safety ever has.
Who are the best bets for the award this year? Read on.
2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year picks
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Pick 1: Miami Dolphins OLB Jaelan Phillips (+750)
The edge rushers in this rookie class are not as good in years past. There is no Chase Young or Nick Bosa, both of whom got some consideration for the top pick in the draft. However, Phillips is the most talented pass rusher among the rookies and has two very good cornerbacks behind him to give him extra time to pick up sacks.
Pick 2: Dallas Cowboys LB Micah Parsons (+500)
Parsons can fill a stat sheet and will get playing time from the beginning. He already is showing in the preseason he will be in on most plays. He also plays for a prominent Cowboys team that a lot of people see on television. That does matter.
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Pick 3: Arizona Cardinals LB Zaven Collins (+1200)
The Tulsa product is a freak. He is built like traditional middle linebackers from 20 years ago and moves like the smaller backers of today. He gets the Cardinals’ starting job from Week 1 and has players like J.J. Watt, Chandler Jones and Markus Golden playing in front of him at the line of scrimmage. He can tackle, rush the passer and make plays in coverage. He will be able to fill the stat sheet.
Pick 4: Carolina Panthers CB Jaycee Horn (+1500)
There are three very talented corners in this year’s rookie class, but Horn is my favorite. He plays well in coverage and gets his hands on the ball. A cornerback has to be a ballhawk, which he can be, and he also will mix it up and get dirty in the run game.
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Pick 5: Indianapolis Colts DE Kwity Paye (+1000)
Paye is a bit more raw as a pass rusher, but he has freakish athleticism and will play for a talented Colts defense. He also plays in the AFC South, where the Jaguars have a rookie quarterback and the Texans have a mess of a roster.
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