With the NFL Draft in the rearview, fans can start speculating on how well players will fit into their new landing spots. The NFL Draft is an inexact alchemy, and every prospect’s impact will be determined as much by their own skills and traits as their ability to adapt and gel with their new organization’s structures and schemes. Taking a look at the odds on NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, via FanDuel, is a chance to project which players found the perfect landing spot to make an immediate impact in the league.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds with 2 favorites and appealing long-shot options
Here are the odds for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
David Bailey (+500), EDGE - New York Jets
Many expect David Bailey to contribute right away after the Jets invested their No. 2 overall pick in the EDGE prospect’s steady production and projectable traits instead of searching for more upside with less polished prospects. Bailey posted 14.5 sacks last season with Texas Tech. If Aaron Glenn’s defense starts playing at an above-average level, Bailey could earn a lot of attention for helping turn things around.
Rueben Bain Jr. (+500), EDGE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Rueben Bain Jr. showed off his ability to move the line of scrimmage and take over football games during Miami’s run to the CFB Championship. The defensive lineman is joining a Buccaneers team that’s struggled to find consistency in closing out games, and they’re watching their NFC South conference rivals stock up on offensive firepower. Bain will start right away for a Todd Bowles defense that can create unique passrushing looks around DT Vita Vea.
Arvell Reese (+750) will start immediately alongside friendly company in New York Giants linebackers Brian Burns, Tremaine Edmunds, and Kayvon Thibodeaux. If offenses key on all of these other stars, Reese could produce eye-popping stats.
Mansoor Delane (+850) will be tested early and often as the primary CB after the Kansas City Chiefs traded away both of last year’s starters. The Chiefs traded up to secure the draft’s top CB, and the former Virginia Tech and LSU standout will be playing in a big TV market that will create buzz if he starts making plays.
Sonny Styles (+900) will get the chance to play the Bobby Wagner role in the middle of Dan Quinn’s Washington Commanders defense. The converted safety led the Buckeyes in tackles last season, and he’ll benefit from playing alongside disruptive linebacker Frankie Luvu.
Caleb Downs (+900) will be a focal point of Dallas Cowboys’ new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker’s 3-4 scheme. Parker brings familiarity with the division as former passing game coordinator and DBs coach for the Eagles, and he could put Downs in position to clean up a lot of broken plays behind a revamped defensive front
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