2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds – NFL Awards

NFL DROY Handicapping Props

When it comes to betting on the 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds, this market is as unpredictable as it is exciting. For starters, defensive standouts rarely get the same preseason hype as quarterbacks or skill guys on offense. However, savvy bettors know there’s money to be made on breakout defenders. With Abdul Carter leading the pack at +200, followed by a field stacked with athletic freaks and pass-rushing monsters, this year’s DROY race is wide open.

It’s a futures market loaded with uncertainty — but also opportunity. That said, while offensive rookies grab headlines, defenders often fly under the radar until they dominate on Sundays.

So, let’s take a look at the top names, where the value sits, and how to profit off the AP NFL DROY Futures Odds.

Defensive Rookie of the Year Past Winners

Unlike Offensive ROY, where QBs dominate, the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year has a richer diversity of positions. From pass rushers to shutdown corners, this award honors impact over flash. Recent winners include elite names like Sauce Gardner, Chase Young, and Micah Parsons — all now among the league’s most feared defenders.

Notably, the 2025 Defensive Rookie of the Year went to Rams edge rusher Jared Verse — and he earned it. Verse racked up 66 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 11 tackles for loss, showcasing his explosiveness and ability to disrupt plays from the jump.

In 2024, Houston’s Will Anderson Jr. stormed to the award thanks to his relentless motor and game-wrecking pressure rate. That followed 2023‘s standout performance from Sauce, and a decade of top-tier rookies.

As you can see, sacks, splash plays, and visibility drive this award. With that said, pay attention to edge rushers in attacking schemes or DBs in high-INT defenses.

Past NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners

• 2025 – Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams)
• 2024 – Will Anderson Jr. (Houston Texans)
• 2023 – Sauce Gardner (New York Jets)
• 2022 – Micah Parsons (Dallas Cowboys)
• 2021 – Chase Young (Washington Commanders)
• 2020 – Nick Bosa (San Francisco 49ers)
• 2019 – Shaquille Leonard (Indianapolis Colts)
• 2018 – Marshon Lattimore (New Orleans Saints)
• 2017 – Joey Bosa (Los Angeles Chargers)
• 2016 – Marcus Peters (Kansas City Chiefs)
• 2015 – Aaron Donald (St. Louis Rams)

2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds | NFL Handicapping

There’s a huge list of likely candidates and break out stars in this list below! Who you got?

Abdul Carter 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds

The No. 3 overall pick is in line for a monster rookie campaign, as the New York Giants added a legitimate difference-maker to their defense. Carter spent three years at Penn State and was nothing short of a game wrecker, tallying 172 total tackles during his college career.

Even more impressive, 40 of those tackles came behind the line of scrimmage — ranking him 8th all-time in Penn State history. Additionally, he racked up 23 sacks and forced six fumbles, consistently causing problems for opposing offensive lines.

In fact, Carter led the entire nation with 23.5 tackles for loss in 2024. That kind of disruptive production is likely to translate well at the pro level, especially in a scheme designed to let him attack.

Moreover, he’ll be joining forces with Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, giving the Giants a dynamic trio capable of overwhelming any protection scheme. Look for Carter to carve out a major role early and elevate this defense to new heights.

Even at this price, the value is clear. Carter has the upside, the production, and the supporting cast to make a name for himself right out of the gate.

Jalon Walker 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds

Jalon Walker enters the NFL as one of the most versatile defenders in the 2024 draft class. Selected by the Falcons, he brings a rare blend of skills — able to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and stuff the run with equal impact.

During his three seasons at Georgia, Walker posted 101 total tackles and 17 tackles for loss. Notably, he led all off-ball linebackers in 2024 with 34 quarterback pressures and tallied 12 sacks, constantly living in the opponent’s backfield.

At first, he’s expected to see around 50% of the defensive snaps. However, don’t be surprised if that number rises quickly once the Falcons realize how dynamic he can be across multiple packages.

Thanks to his ability to contribute in so many ways, Walker’s a sneaky-good value at these odds. Keep him circled as a player who could flash early and become a staple of Atlanta’s defense by midseason.

Mykel Williams 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds

Drafted 11th overall by the San Francisco 49ers, Mykel Williams reunites with his former Georgia teammate Jalon Walker. Like Walker, he brings a disruptive presence that makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.

Over three seasons, Williams appeared in 37 games (starting 18), racking up 67 tackles and 14 sacks. Even while dealing with an ankle sprain in 2024, he still managed to post solid production — a testament to his motor and toughness.

Now, he steps into a loaded San Francisco front anchored by Nick Bosa. That’s great news for his development, as learning alongside proven vets will only accelerate his progress.

Williams is slated to operate primarily as an edge rusher opposite Bosa, which sets up a golden opportunity. With so much attention drawn to the All-Pro, Williams should benefit from favorable matchups and plenty of clean paths to the quarterback.

As a result, his odds for this award come with real upside. Don’t be shocked if he makes an early splash in one of the league’s most aggressive defenses.

Mason Graham 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds

Taken 5th overall by the Cleveland Browns, Mason Graham is expected to make an immediate impact on a defense that desperately needs a spark. A standout at Michigan, Graham piled up 112 career tackles and played a key role in the Wolverines’ 2023 National Championship run.

His motor and range made him a nightmare for opposing offenses in college, and that should translate well at the next level. Now, he’ll line up alongside Myles Garrett — arguably the league’s most dominant edge rusher — which will only open up more space for him to shine.

Keep in mind, the Browns’ defense struggled mightily in 2024, so Graham will be asked to do quite a bit right out of the gate. That expanded role boosts his rookie value significantly, especially considering how well he fits this system.

Moreover, his ability to both rush the passer and drop into coverage gives Cleveland a true hybrid weapon. Don’t overlook his chances to rack up big plays early and make a legitimate case for DROY honors.

Mike Green 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds

The Ravens beefed up their front seven by drafting Mike Green, who projects as their starting outside linebacker. Coming out of Marshall, Green dominated in 2024 — leading the entire FBS in sacks and earning Sun Belt Player of the Year honors.

He totaled 17 sacks across 13 games and added 60 tackles to round out a breakout season. While Baltimore’s defense has long been known for physicality, last year’s pass rush fell short — and Green could be the solution.

Not only can he create pressure off the edge, but he’s also capable of dropping into coverage when needed. Early projections have him seeing about 60% of the snaps, though that number could climb if he outplays some of the vets in camp.

More importantly, Green’s combination of speed, instincts, and run-stopping ability gives him rare versatility for this role. At this price, he’s a strong value bet to emerge quickly in a system hungry for playmakers.

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NFL Tweet Of The Day

Which NFL draft picks at linebacker have provided the best value since the turn of the century 25 years ago? @Eric_Edholm zeroes in on the top five — including a pair of greats chosen in the same round in the same year.https://t.co/QJJqtqhP7a pic.twitter.com/MYjImR39Gx

— NFL Draft (@NFLDraft) June 30, 2025

Who Will Rise? 2025/26 NFL Defensive Rookie Futures

There are plenty of intriguing longshots this year. For example, names like Walter Nolen at +2600 or Derrick Harmon at +4000 offer solid upside if they land in high-usage roles.

Even so, someone like Stewart at +15000 could break through with the right system fit and coaching staff behind him.

In the end, keep a sharp eye on scheme fits, injury reports, and early camp buzz when betting on the 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds.

These futures won’t stay at this price forever — timing is everything in this market.

NFL Futures Betting

All in all, NFL futures let you bet on outcomes of props happening later in the season — hence, they’re called “Futures.” You can back teams to win the Super Bowl, or place wagers on player awards like MVP, DPOY, or Rookie of the Year.

For instance, a $200 bet on a player at +1900 odds would return $4,000 — that’s $3,800 in profit plus your original money comes back to you as well.

To summarize, we don’t just cover 2025/26 AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Futures Odds on our handicapping site. We’ll be providing 4* free NFL Football plays on the blog all season long, so check out our experts for guaranteed premium & free Football picks!

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You can’t do much better than OUR IN HOUSE CAPPER "Razor" Ray Monohan. Check out his daily AWARD-WINNING sports handicapping selections and DAILY FREE Sports Picks. Online selling winning sports predictions since 2009. You’ll have a hard time finding a “more selective capper on the network!” As Ray always says…”Pad that bankroll one day at a time folks!”

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