NFL 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds Update

With training camps set to being in just a little over 3 weeks, we are very close to getting an up close and personal look at the new crop of talent picked up in this year’s NFL Draft. As is the case every year, we will see players live up to, and sometimes exceed, expectations, while others will slip into the potential bust category. It is, of course, never a good idea to judge a player based on a single season in the league, especially in their rookie season. We all know that the leap from college to the pros is a big one, and it is one that often takes time for players to adjust to. That said, some players will rose quickly and will take the rookie honors at the end of the season. For the purposes of this piece, we are going to look at the current favorites to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year this coming season. Let’s get right to it so you can continue planning your bets against their NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds.

Updated Odds to Win the Defensive Rookie of the Year | 2021 NFL Betting

Micah Parsons (+400)

Oftentimes, highly rated rookies are tossed into the deep end with bad teams that are in the process of rebuilding. In the case of Micah Parson, he will be starting his NFL career as a member of the Dallas Cowboys, who many are pegging for a bounce back season. The Cowboys needed help on the defensive side of the football, which they appear to have received after drafting Parsons at #12. What they are getting is a versatile, athletic player who can slot nicely into a number of different formations. Despite only starting 1 of the 13 games that the Penn State Nittany Lions played in 2018, Parsons led the team in tackles, and then returned with another stellar showing in 2019, which included delivering 5 sacks. If there is a concern here, it is that he chose to opt out in 2020. How will that affect him this season?

Jamin Davis (+450)

This linebacker is heading to Washington after playing his college career in Kentucky, with the feeling being that he might not necessarily be a starter from Day 1. This is something that you may want to consider before you wager your money. The reason he might not start right away is because the Washington defense was actually very good last season. That said, Davis will get playing time and the chance to move up to a starting position. This is a player who always seems to know where the football is, delivering a combined 144 tackles and 5 INT in just 25 games with the Kentucky Wildcats.

Jaelan Phillips (+600)

Phillips would be the comeback story of the year if he were to head into the NFL and win rookie honors this coming season. After all, this is a player who announced his retirement from college football after a concussion in 2018 saw him manage just 4 games for the UCLA Bruins. During the 10 games that he played for UCLA, Phillips managed 41 tackles, so he was definitely one of their best defensive players. He decided to make a return in 2020, signing on with the Miami Hurricanes and delivering 45 total tackles in 10 games played. Phillips opted put of Miami’s bowl game and ended up going to the Miami Dolphins at the #18 spot in the draft.

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