NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds (2025-26)

The following post features NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds (2025-26).

The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) market is a favorite among futures bettors who are willing to dig deep, think ahead, and take calculated risks before the season kicks off.

Read: AP NFL Coach of the Year Odds

Related: NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Each year, the odds board features a mix of top draft picks expected to start immediately, versatile playmakers who can fill multiple roles, and under-the-radar prospects with high upside potential.

So, how is the NFL DROY race shaping up? Here’s what you need to know.

Overview

In 2024, Denver’s Pat Surtain II earned NFL DROY honors after a dominant season that solidified his status as one of the league’s elite lockdown corners. Surtain collected 26 first-place votes and 330 total points, becoming just the second defensive back to win the award since 2010.

Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson finished second in the voting with 205 points, followed by last year’s winner, Myles Garrett, who came in third. Steelers standout T.J. Watt and Eagles linebacker Zack Baun rounded out the top five. Surtain’s ability to shut down top receivers—despite teams rarely throwing his way—helped him edge out a field loaded with pass-rushing talent.

DROY Award

The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award is given to the top-performing first-year defensive player each season. The award is determined by a vote conducted by the Associated Press at the end of the regular season. A panel of 50 national sportswriters and broadcasters each cast one vote, with only regular-season performance considered. Playoff contributions are not taken into account, making early impact and consistent production key to winning the award.

DROY Award Odds (2025-26)

Below is a table listing the top contenders for the 2025-26 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. All odds were sourced on June 12, 2025. Click here for the very latest odds (via Bovada).

Preseason Player Spotlights

Abdul Carter (+250)

One of the most explosive front-seven prospects in recent memory, Abdul Carter enters the NFL with a rare blend of size, speed, and aggression. A converted linebacker with edge-rushing instincts, Carter thrives at creating chaos behind the line of scrimmage—racking up sacks, pressures, and game-changing plays. He’s expected to start immediately in a defense built to let him attack downhill and disrupt.

At +250, Carter is the clear favorite – offering bettors elite athleticism, a high motor, and a tailor-made role for DROY production.

Jalon Walker (+700)

Versatile and instinctive, Jalon Walker brings sideline-to-sideline range and hybrid versatility to the pros after an impressive college career. Whether deployed as a traditional linebacker or in coverage packages, Walker’s play recognition and closing speed allow him to rack up tackles and make splash plays in space. If he stays healthy and earns consistent snaps, his all-around production could quietly climb to award-worthy levels.

At +700, Walker is a strong value pick – offering multi-role upside in a system that rewards versatility and playmaking.

Travis Hunter (+1000)

A true unicorn on the field, Travis Hunter enters the league as one of the most hyped two-way prospects in years – but it’s his cornerback chops that have scouts and bettors buzzing. With elite ball skills, fluid hips, and top-end speed, Hunter has the tools to become a shutdown corner and a highlight machine from Day 1. If quarterbacks dare to throw his way, he’ll have every chance to flip momentum with big-time interceptions and breakups.

At +1000, Hunter is a high-upside bet – an electric talent whose splash plays could sway voters despite the positional challenge.

Mike Green (+1200)

Flying a bit under the radar, Mike Green is a physical, high-IQ defender who wins with technique and relentless effort. Projected as a rotational edge rusher early, he’s already earning praise in camp for his motor and coachability. Green may not start Week 1, but if he earns reps and flashes in key moments, he could rise fast in a wide-open race.

At +1200, Green is a sleeper with upside – offering value for bettors looking beyond the blue-chip names.

Jihaad Campbell (+1200)

An athletic linebacker with coverage ability and elite closing speed, Jihaad Campbell enters the league as a modern-day defensive weapon. His ability to chase down ball carriers, cover tight ends, and contribute on third downs gives him a path to early playing time. If he secures a three-down role, Campbell could quietly pile up stats across the board – tackles, sacks, and passes defended.

At +1200, Campbell is a versatile long-shot with strong appeal – especially for bettors eyeing production over pedigree.

DROY Award Winners (2010-24)

The table below highlights every NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winner since 2010.