This past Wednesday, I shared my thoughts on who would be my choice for Offensive Rookie of the Year. For this article, we will take a look at who I believe has the best chance to take home the honors for Defensive Rookie of the Year. It was a down year in this year’s draft defensively, as there were only two defenders who went in the top 10, both being Cornerbacks. This pales in comparison to the 2020 NFL Draft, where there were five defenders chosen in the top 10. Overall, there were 13 defensive players drafted in the First Round, as well as plenty of others who slipped due to medical concerns and positional value. Let’s go over the list, provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, and see which player has a realistic shot at winning it while also presenting great value.
Defensive Rookie of the Year odds:
- Micah Parsons (+400)
- Jaelan Phillips (+700)
- Jamin Davis (+900)
- Kwity Paye (+1000)
- Zaven Collins (+1100)
- Patrick Surtain II (+1200)
- Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (+1400)
- Jaycee Horn (+1500)
- Gregory Rousseau (+1600)
- Greg Newsome II (+2000)
- Azeez Ojulari (+2000)
- Odafe “Jayson” Oweh (+2000)
- Caleb Farley (+2500)
- Trevon Moehrig-Woodard (+2500)
- Asante Samuel Jr. (+2500)
- Eric Stokes (+2500)
- Joe Tryon (+2500)
- Nick Bolton (+3300)
- Christian Barmore (+4000)
- Richie Grant (+4000)
- Jevon Holland (+4000)
- Pete Werner (+4000)
- Baron Browning (+5000)
This is quite a list to look at even with some notable names being left out, so I apologize if it seems overwhelming at first. Micah Parsons (Cowboys) presents the safest choice for DROY, at +400, due to the fact that he will step into a defense that needs some serious impact players, and he certainly is a big one. Parsons, a 2020 opt-out, has been an elite rusher of the QB and tackling machine ever since he stepped on the field at Penn State, as shown by his 94.8 overall grade against the run according to PFF (Pro Football Focus). Production is always the name of the game when it comes down to players being selected for awards, and I believe that he will rack up the tackles and have a couple sacks to be considered at the end of the year. However, you do want to go with VALUE, and two names I would really focus on are: Azeez Ojulari (EDGE) of the Giants (+2000) and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (LB/S) (a.k.a. JOK) of the Browns (+1400).
Ojulari, once considered a top 20 draft pick out of the University of Georgia, slipped down to 50th overall due to some concerns over his knee; that being said, he does pack a punch, having the highest graded pass rush at 91.7, according to PFF. The Giants are in dire need of a legitimate presence off of the edge, and Ojulari, if healthy, might flirt with 7-10 sacks. In comparison, Chase Young of the WFT won the award last year by racking up 7.5 sacks, 42 total tackles and 39 total pressures. He immediately jumps in as the best Pass Rusher on the team off of the edge, so he will have plenty of opportunities to sack the quarterback.
Owusu-Koramoah out of Notre Dame was another prospect who was projected to go in the top 20, but fell to 52nd overall instead. Speculation began as to why he was dropping, and it was reported that a heart issue came up in his medicals, but he has since been ultimately cleared to resume football activities. The Browns pounced on him with the expectation that he will make an immediate impact to their rising defense. JOK specializes in coverage, and can run alongside Tight Ends with ease. If healthy, JOK has the opportunity to rack up the tackles and be a force in the passing game as well to be considered at the end of year.
My dark horse candidate to win DROY is Nick Bolton (LB) (+3300) of the Kansas City Chiefs. Another Second Round pick, Bolton is an absolute hammer in the run game. Pop up highlights from him at Missouri, and you will see an instinctive, sideline-to-sideline Linebacker who brings punishing hits to the ball carrier. He has a good path right now to see immediate snaps once the season begins, so don’t be afraid to sprinkle a little bit of money on him.
As always, keep a close eye on position battles through out training camp and watch where these rookies fall on their respective depth charts before placing your wager. This one is a tough one to predict, but I have confidence that the Defensive Rookie of the Year will be the twenty year old out of Athens, Georgia: Azeez Ojulari at +2000. Enjoy your winnings!
