NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds & Predictions (2025)

This will be a fun season to bet the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year market, given that the 2025 draft class was loaded with potential defensive stars.

This includes fascinating two-way talent Travis Hunter, can’t miss linebacker Abdul Carter, and a handful of others. Expect this crop of elite young talent to push each other all season.

There are plenty of factors to consider when deciding which rookies make your betting card. College statistics, team fit, and playing time top the list.

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Let’s give you some insight into past winners of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Draft result and position are important indicators, and there are trends to pay attention to when choosing your best bets.

Of the last nine winners, seven were edge rushers, six were drafted in the top nineteen picks, and four were drafted among the top four.

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Here are some players to consider when making your bets.

Abdul Carter, (5/2) – New York Giants (LB)

Abdul Carter is the favourite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Carter was dominant at Penn State last year, winning the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year award.

He joins a very good Giants defensive line where he won’t be expected to do all the heavy lifting right away. Carter had 12 sacks and 24 tackles for a loss last year at Penn State.

Jalon Walker, (17/2) – Atlanta Falcons (LB)

Speed and explosiveness are the signatures of Walker’s play. He will likely start 1 week and see regular playing time all season long. He fills a glaring need for the Falcons.

Walker recorded 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks last season for the Georgia Bulldogs.  He has the versatility to contribute in a variety of ways and a sky-high ceiling.

Travis Hunter, (12/1) – Jacksonville Jaguars (CB)

Travis Hunter is a remarkable 2-way player and a legitimate candidate for both the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards. I like his chances to win the defensive award better.

I suspect that Hunter is more likely to take regular snaps on defense than he will on offense. Hunter is a unicorn-type player, and if he makes a handful of big plays early in the season his popularity will explode.

The last cornerback to win was Sauce Gardner in 2022. This does not dissuade me. There is absolutely a pathway for Hunter to win the award.

Jihaad Campbell, (14/1) Philadelphia Eagles (LB)

Team fit is so important for the success of a rookie athlete, and Jihaad Campbell is in the perfect situation. Injuries have moved him up the depth chart, and he is expected to start Week 1.

Campbell could form a dynamic duo at linebacker with his star teammate Zack Baun. Playing alongside Baun will also mean favourable matchups for Campbell.

Having a key role in what should be a successful regular season for the defending |Super Bowl champion Eagles will help his candidacy.

*Odds subject to change – prices accurate at the time of writing*