There are plenty of NFL futures bets to make on DraftKings Sportsbook as the season rapidly approaches.
This is a look at the best bets to win the 2025-26 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Odds to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Of the past ten Defensive Rookies of the Year, all have either been an EDGE/outside linebacker or a cornerback. Aaron Donald in 2014 was the last time that a player outside of one of those positions won the award. It used to be dominated by linebackers like DeMeco Ryans, Jerod Mayo, Patrick Willis and Luke Kuechly with defensive tackles like Donald, Ndamukong Suh and Sheldon Richardson being the second most-popular position group. However, voters now typically go with the standout EDGE of the rookie class unless there is a serious standout cornerback like Sauce Gardner in 2022.
This was a loaded EDGE class, making this a fascinating race for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Abdul Carter, the third pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is the clear favorite to win it. Carter was a monster in college and will be on a great Giants defensive line. Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, Shemar Stewart, James Pearce Jr. and Jihaad Campbell made it six EDGE players that were drafted in the first round. Between those elite EDGEs, the unicorn that is Travis Hunter and elite interior defensive lineman Mason Graham, it should be a great battle for this year’s award.
Mike Green (+1200)
Mike Green was once thought of as potentially the second-best EDGE in this draft after Abdul Carter. Green led college football in sacks last season at Marshall. However, off-the-field issues saw Green drop all the way to the end of the second round, where the Ravens took him. The concerns around Green’s character are completely valid, but the Ravens seem like the perfect home for him. They are one of the best-run organizations in all of sports and should give Green the proper guidance to ensure that he doesn’t have any more issues off the field.
If Green can stay focused, he is capable of having a monster rookie season. He will be on a defense with a lot of talent on a team that should be one of the best in the NFL. That should make it easier for Green to step in and be productive right away. Teams won’t be able to double him like they will some of these other elite young EDGE rushers. Green proved that he is not just a good athlete or someone with high potential, but someone who can translate his good play into high sack numbers. If Green can put up massive sack numbers in Baltimore, he has a good chance to emerge as the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Jahdae Barron (+1800)
Other than the unique Travis Hunter, Jahdae Barron was the first cornerback taken in the draft. He was a first-team All-American in his final year at Texas and finished the season with five interceptions. Barron was taken by the Denver Broncos, the perfect spot for him to succeed. The Broncos’ defense was the best in the NFL in DVOA and DVOA/dropback last season. Barron will be walking into one of the best secondaries and best defenses in football. Pat Surtain II will still be the CB1, which means Barron won’t have as much pressure on him as other first-round cornerbacks would. He should be able to thrive right away and be one of the most productive rookies in the league.
With so many highly regarded EDGE talents in this rookie class, there is a chance that they all end up splitting votes. A few of those top EDGE rushers could finish with similar stats and make it hard to identify a clear best of the group. If Barron can be the standout best cornerback like Sauce Gardner was in 2022, he could then emerge as the Defensive Rookie of the Year. If some voters who prefer EDGEs split votes across the likes of Carter, Green and Walker but everyone who wants a cornerback votes for Barron, he could be in a prime position to win the award.
