Skip to main content
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Turner leads the 2024-25 Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Dallas Turner poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the No. 17 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Photo by Kirby Lee/USA Today Sports via Imagn.

As the 2024 NFL Draft approached, the focus was mainly on the offensive players, with little attention given to the potential impact of defensive players.

The 15th pick marked the lowest selection of the first defensive player in the NFL draft since 1946, potentially causing significant shifts in the odds for the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award this season.

Currently, our top NFL betting sites are closely following three edge rushers and two cornerbacks at the top of the oddsboard. Unlike the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, there is no clear favorite at this time, with Dallas Turner and Laitu Latu in a tight race.

Is it possible for one of them to have a similar impact as last year’s winner Will Anderson and potentially elevate their team’s chances of winning the Super Bowl? Time will ultimately reveal the answer, but past trends suggest that this award typically goes to a top-tier player.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds 2024-25

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds as of July 9th from our top sports betting apps: Best odds = 🏆 Worst odds = ❄️

PlayerDraftKingsFanDuelBetMGMCaesarsbet365
Dallas Turner+350 ❄️+430+400 +480 +400 
Laiatu Latu+550+430 ❄️+500+450+600 
Jared Verse+1100 +1000+1100+1000+1000
Quinyon Mitchell+1100+1200 +1100+950 ❄️+1200
Terrion Arnold+1200 +1200+1100+1000+1000
Byron Murphy II+1300+1400+1300+1400+1500 
Chop Robinson+1400 ❄️+1700+2000 +1600+1600
Cooper DeJean+2200+2800 +1600 ❄️+2000+2000
Nate Wiggins+2500+3500 +3000+1800 ❄️+2500
Edgerrin Cooper+3000+3000+3000+1800 ❄️+3000

2024-25 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year favorites

Dallas Turner (+480)

As off-ball linebackers have lost value in the NFL, pass rushers have taken over this award. Four of the last five winners were pass rushers, all being the first of their position chosen in their draft classes. However, Turner breaks this trend.

Embed content 4u-j9Y6kKb8 image

Although Latu was selected two picks ahead of Turner, many predicted that the Alabama player would be the first defender chosen. He joins the Minnesota team in a situation where he is likely to receive significant playing time immediately.

The Vikings signed both Jonathan Greenard and Andrew Van Ginkel to fill in for Danielle Hunter, but Van Ginkel’s recent injury may not prevent Turner from seeing playing time. Turner is an exceptional athlete with impressive stats, including a 98th percentile 40-yard dash time of 4.46 seconds and a 97th percentile vertical jump of 40 1/2 inches, according to MockDraftable.

He is more than just a talented athlete, as he led the Crimson Tide in sacks with 10 last season and boasted the 10th-best pass rush win rate (19.6%) among power conference edge defenders, according to PFF.

Nevertheless, this award is based on sacks, and Latu excels as a pure pass rusher. Despite this, the potential payout of $48 from a $10 winning bet makes it a solid investment.

Caesars offers the best odds at +480, implying a 17.24% probability.

$1,000 First Bet on Caesars

Terms and conditions apply.

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Laiatu Latu (+600)

In recent years, the pattern has been for the award to go to the first pass rusher selected in the NFL draft. It is worth noting that in the last five years, three of the winners were top three picks. The exception was Micah Parsons, who dropped to 11th overall due to his role as an off-ball linebacker at Penn State under James Franklin.

Latu, the first defender drafted, was selected at the 15th pick unlike the recent winners. He is arguably in a better situation than Turner in Minnesota. The Colts are expected to compete for a playoff spot, which will help build buzz for the rookie. Additionally, Indianapolis does not have a clear-cut double-digit sack artist.

Samson Ebukam, Kwity Paye, and Dayo Odeyingbo return this season with a combined 26 sacks from last year, but none of them possess the pass rush skills that Latu brings to the team. With his aggressive hands and diverse range of moves, Latu has accumulated 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons at UCLA. He also led the power conference edges in pass rush win rate last season at 26.2%.

Latu, typically a top 10 draft pick, fell in the rankings due to a neck injury that forced him to temporarily retire from football while at Washington. After missing two years, his odds are now longer than Turner’s. However, I believe he is still a strong bet, and would back him with a $10 wager for a potential $60 profit.

Top odds: +600 on bet365 | Probability: 14.29%

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

Jared Verse (+1100)

It is not surprising that the Rookie of the Year awards typically go to first round picks. However, it is the Offensive Rookie of the Year award that tends to break this trend more frequently. Defensive Rookie of the Year is rarely awarded to players chosen outside of the top 18 picks in the draft. Unfortunately for fans of Jared Verse, he was selected 19th overall.

Although this shouldn’t deter you from considering Verse altogether, it is worth noting. In the last 25 years, only three players drafted outside the top 18 have won Defensive Rookie of the Year, all of whom were second-round picks playing linebacker.

Having said that, Verse will be part of a Rams front seven that is lacking in depth, ensuring that he will see a significant amount of playing time right away. This may not be the same for Turner and Latu. Verse is known for his relentless motor and strong pass rushing abilities, as evidenced by his impressive 21.8% pass-rush win rate last season.

Verse may not have Turner’s bend and flexibility or Latu’s pass rush arsenal, but he could still make an impact simply due to the high number of snaps he is projected to play. While a $10 bet on him could yield a $110 profit, I would consider other options if I am looking for a player similar to Turner or Latu.

Greatest odds available at +1100 on DraftKings, equating to an implied probability of 8.33%.

Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets

Terms and conditions apply.

Underscoreg Review may receive advertising commissions for visits to a sportsbook or casino betting site. 21+. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly

My NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate to watch

Byron Murphy II (+1500)

If history is any indication and the award typically goes to a player selected within the top 18 picks, then the clear choice, aside from Turner and Latu, would have to be Byron Murphy II. He was the second defensive player chosen after Latu and is in what I consider to be one of the best situations among the defenders selected in the top 20.

The Seattle Seahawks’ new head coach, Mike Macdonald, previously worked for the Baltimore Ravens, where he played a key role in developing Justin Madubuike as a dominant force on the defensive line last season. Madubuike recorded an impressive 13 sacks as a defensive tackle, which likely influenced Seattle’s high expectations for Murphy.

Last season at Texas, Murphy had the highest pass rush win rate among interior defensive linemen in the country (19.6%). His exceptional explosiveness and flexibility on the interior have led to comparisons with players such as Geno Atkins.

Murphy will have the advantage of playing alongside Leonard Williams, Dre’Mont Jones, and Jarran Reed, allowing him to focus on his game. Despite the fact that a defensive tackle has not won the award since Donald, I believe there is value in this bet. A $10 bet would result in a $150 profit if successful.

Top odds: +1500 on bet365 | Probability of winning: 7.69%

Defensive Rookie of the Year odds over time

Odds via bet365.

PlayerOpening odds (April 23, 2024)
Dallas Turner+750
Laiatu Latu+750
Jared Verse+900
Quinyon Mitchell+1000
Terrion Arnold+1200
Byron Murphy II+1500
Cooper DeJean+1600
Chop Robinson+2000
Nate Wiggins+2200
Kool-Aid McKinstry+2500
Darius Robinson+3000
Edgerrin Cooper+3000
Jer’Zhan Newton+3500
Kamari Lassiter+3500
Mike Sainristil+3500
Payton Wilson+3500
Tyler Nubin+3500
Bralen Trice+4500
Chris Braswell+4500
Braden Fiske+5000

Past NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners

SeasonPlayerTeamPositionPreseason odds
2023Will Anderson Jr.TexansDE+400
2022Sauce GardnerJetsCB+1200
2021Micah ParsonsCowboysLB+600
2020Chase YoungWashingtonDE+150
2019Nick Bosa49ersDE+700
2018Shaquille LeonardColtsLB+3050
2017Marshon LattimoreSaintsCBN/A
2016Joey BosaChargersDEN/A
2015Marcus PetersChiefsCB+3500
2014Aaron DonaldRamsDT+900

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners by position

PositionDROY winners
Linebacker27
Defensive end13
Cornerback10
Defensive tackle7
Safety2

How to bet on NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

To bet on the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, look for a trustworthy sportsbook that provides futures bets for this category. Compare the odds for various players – for instance, if Dallas Turner is listed at +500 and Jared Verse at +800, Turner is the favored choice. Determine your desired wager amount and make your bet accordingly. If you place a $100 bet on Turner at +500 and he emerges victorious, you will receive $600 in return ($500 in profit plus your initial $100 stake). Monitor the performances of the rookies throughout the season to assess the progress of your bet.

In future markets, the movement of odds hinges on a player’s performance and public perception. A standout game by a rookie can lead to improved odds, while underperformance or injuries can worsen them. Team success can also impact a player’s odds, with rookies on winning teams potentially seeing better odds. Public betting trends are crucial, as sportsbooks may adjust odds based on the volume of bets placed on a player to manage their risk. Expert analysis and predictions can also influence public opinion and betting patterns. By understanding these factors, bettors can make more informed decisions and capitalize on favorable odds changes.

How to read NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds

Understanding NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds is simple. They are typically displayed as either positive or negative numbers, such as +500 or -200. Positive odds show the potential profit you could make on a $100 bet. For instance, a $100 bet at +500 odds would result in a $500 profit, plus your initial $100 investment, for a total of $600. On the other hand, negative odds indicate the amount you must bet to win $100. Therefore, a $200 bet at -200 odds would yield a $100 profit, in addition to your $200 wager, totaling $300.

The odds are a reflection of the implied probability of a player winning the award. Lower odds (+200) indicate a greater chance of winning, while higher odds (+1000) suggest a lower probability. Underscoregs take into account factors such as player performance, injuries, team success, and betting patterns to adjust these odds.

If Laiatu Latu has odds of +500 and Quinyon Mitchell has odds of +800, Latu is seen as the more probable winner. Betting $100 on Latu and him winning would result in a $600 return ($500 profit + $100 stake). Knowing these odds can assist you in making well-informed betting choices and evaluating potential earnings.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year FAQs

Who is the favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Dallas Turner, the edge rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, was the initial favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year and has maintained that position. With odds of +350, he has a 22.22% chance of winning according to implied win probability.

When will the 2024-25 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year be announced?

The recipient of the 2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award will be revealed at the NFL Honors ceremony held during Super Bowl week in early February of 2025.

Who was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year last year?

Will Anderson Jr., defensive end for the Houston Texans, was awarded the title of NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2023 season.

Has a team ever had both the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Indeed, last season saw CJ Stroud clinch OROY and Will Anderson secure DROY for the Houston Texans, marking the fourth occasion in league history that both awards were claimed by players from the same team.

The last three instances were with the New York Jets in 2022, featuring Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner, the New Orleans Saints in 2017 with Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore, and the Detroit Lions in 1967, showcasing Mel Farr and Lem Barney.

Has a rookie ever won Defensive Player of the Year? 

In 1981, Lawrence Taylor made history by becoming the only rookie to ever win the Defensive Player of the Year award, achieving this feat while playing for the New York Giants.

NFL betting odds pages

Here are our best NFL betting sites:

Call 1-800-GAMBLER if you are 21 or older and have a gambling problem. Bonuses are not valid in Ontario.

Related pages