Why you should place bet for Chargers’ Asante Samuel Jr. to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

Asante Samuel Jr. has the opportunity to earn the prestigious award.

This is typically a prime time for betting for the upcoming NFL season.

There’s an individual award that should intrigue sports bettors, as cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is tied for the eighth-best odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at +3000, per Tipico Sportsbook.

That means if you place a $100 bet and Samuel wins the award, you pocket $3000.

The current favorite is Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons who was taken with the No. 12 overall selection.

Like offensive tackle Rashawn Slater, somehow teams let Samuel Jr. fall to Los Angeles’ lap in the second-round where they drafted him.

Size concerns likely forced the slide, but that never held him back at Florida State as he stymied top receivers on a weekly basis en route to posting 97 tackles, 29 passes defensed and four interceptions over 31 games.

Now in the best situation possible by playing for defensive guru Brandon Staley, Samuel has been shining this summer. Whether it’s been in coverage or in run support, his presence his been felt.

While he appears to be a long-shot, I wouldn’t rule out Samuel as a serious contender for the award. His ability to always be around the football would tally up the stat sheet, which would then increase his chances.

The last two winners at the cornerback position were Marcus Peters (2015) and Marshon Lattimore (2017). The two posted eight interceptions and 26 passes defensed and five picks and 18 passes broken up respectively.

The bottom line is that if you’re a bettor, this is one you should place now rather than later into the season. Again, bet $100 to win $3500. Nothing to lose here.