Latest NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds: Favorites to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year at Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics Sportsbook has unveiled its 2026 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds, with several highly touted pass rushers, linebackers, and defensive backs among the early favorites. As one of the NFL's most coveted rookie honors, the award is expected to generate significant betting interest throughout the NFL season.
Rueben Bain Jr and David Bailey headline the market at +500, with Caleb Downs next on the board to be crowned the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year at Fanatics Sportsbook.
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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds at Fanatics Sportsbook
- Rueben Bain Jr +500
- David Bailey +500
- Caleb Downs +850
- Arvell Reese +850
- Sonny Styles +850
- Mansoor Delane +900
- Akheem Mesidor +1300
- CJ Allen +1800
- Jacob Rodriguez +1800
- Dillon Thieneman +2000
The above odds are correct at the time of writing, see below for live odds
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Favorites
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Rueben Bain Jr is the +500 co-favorite to win the 2026 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, along with New York Jets defensive end David Bailey.
Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs, New York Giants linebacker Arvell Reese, and Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles sit at +850 at Fanatics Sportsbook.
Rounding out the top contenders for the 2026 Defensive Rookie of the Year award are Mansoor Delane, drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs, and Akheem Mesidor, selected by the Los Angeles Chargers.
Recent NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners
Here is a list of the previous five NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winners:
Year | Winner | Position | Team |
|---|---|---|---|
2025 | Carson Schwesinger | Linebacker | Cleveland Browns |
2024 | Jared Verse | Linebacker | Los Angeles Rams |
2023 | Will Anderson Jr | Defensive End | Houston Texans |
2022 | Sauce Gardner | Cornerback | New York Jets |
2021 | Micah Parsons | Linebacker | Dallas Cowboys |
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year FAQs
What are NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds?
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds indicate each player's chances of winning the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year award, one of the NFL's most prestigious honors for first-year players. These odds are set based on several factors, including a rookie's projected production, opportunity for playing time, team situation, draft pedigree, and overall potential to make a positive defensive impact throughout the NFL season.
Why do NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds change?
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds are regularly updated throughout the season to reflect each rookie's chances of taking home one of the league's most prestigious first-year awards. Sportsbooks continually adjust the Defensive Rookie of the Year market based on factors such as individual production, team success, playing time, injuries, defensive stats, and overall betting activity.
When is the best time to bet on NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds?
Betting on the Defensive Player of the Year in preseason can provide better value if your pick's odds shorten during the season. Waiting for the season to get underway allows bettors to assess player and team performances before placing wagers.
While the odds may be shorter if you wait until the season begins, the added certainty can help identify genuine Defensive Rookie of the Year contenders and avoid preseason longshots that fail to live up to expectations - which are common with first-year players.