Defensive Rookie of the Year isn’t quite a two-man race with seven weeks to go, but it’s quickly becoming one. Rams edge rusher Jared Verse has been the odds-on favorite to win the award for several weeks and though he had been pulling ahead after recording 3.5 sacks in Weeks 8-10, Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell is closing the gap.
As of now, Verse is -190 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at BetMGM. Mitchell is second at +320, with Laiatu Latu a distant third at +2000.
Even if he hasn’t spoken publicly about it, this is an award Verse would surely love to win. He can make a huge statement on Sunday night in a marquee matchup against Mitchell and the Eagles.
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This prime-time matchup could even decide the Defensive Rookie of the Year race between Verse and Mitchell.
Awards like this one aren’t cut-and-dry. There’s a human element beyond just looking at a player’s year-long statistics because, well, humans vote on the award.
It’s why a nationally televised game between the two favorites to win Defensive Rookie of the Year could determine whether it’s Verse or Mitchell hearing their name announced at the NFL Honors show in February as the top rookie of 2024.
If Verse goes out and has a multi-sack game like he did on Thursday Night Football against the Vikings in Week 8, he’ll solidify his place as the favorite. He’s been dominant all year and if he keeps that up under the bright lights at SoFi Stadium, voters will take notice.
On the other hand, if Mitchell locks up Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, it’s possible he’ll narrow the gap even more on Verse. He probably won’t overtake the Rams edge rusher this week, but it could become closer to a toss-up if he dominates and Verse struggles.
Barring a late-season surge from Latu, Braden Fiske, Kamari Lassiter or Cooper DeJean, Defensive Rookie of the Year is likely to come down to Verse and Mitchell. Sunday night’s game in Inglewood could help decide which one prevails as the top defensive rookie in football.
The world will be watching, including those voting on the award, so if there’s ever been a time for Verse to have a standout performance, that time is now.