National Football League

2024 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds: Mitchell favored in tight race

Updated Dec. 17, 2024 11:38 a.m. ET

Just as star offensive rookies can make an immediate impact in the NFL, so can standouts on the defensive side of the ball.

One spot in particular that's seeing action is the market for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

A defensive player wasn't drafted until the 15th pick, the latest for a defensive player in the common draft era.

The Colts took Laiatu Latu at that spot, followed by the Seahawks taking Byron Murphy at No. 16 and the Vikings taking Dallas Turner at No. 17.

However, none of those players have the shortest odds to win DROY next season.

Let's dive into the odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Dec. 17.

2024-25 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds:

Quinyon Mitchell, Eagles: +100 (bet $10 to win $20 total)
Jared Verse, Rams: +140 (bet $10 to win $24 total)

An edge rusher or linebacker has won the award seven times in the last 10 seasons, with cornerbacks winning it in the other three instances.

In the last two seasons, the same team has had both the offensive and defensive rookies of the year — with C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. winning for the Texans in 2023, and Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner winning for the Jets in 2022.

Verse had long appeared on his way to continuing that trend, as he's been a revelation for the Rams week after week.

On the season, he has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.

However, making a huge jump in recent weeks is Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, going from +1200 to +220 after Week 11, to +180 after Week 12, to +150 after Week 13, to +115 after Week 14, and now he has taken over atop the oddsboard at +100.

He has become a lockdown corner for Philly during its 10-game winning streak.

Previous NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winners

2023: Will Anderson Jr., Texans
2022: Sauce Gardner, Jets
2021: Micah Parsons, Cowboys
2020: Chase Young, Commanders
2019: Nick Bosa, 49ers
2018: Shaquille Leonard, Colts
2017: Marshon Lattimore, Saints
2016: Joey Bosa, Chargers
2015: Marcus Peters, Chiefs
2014: Aaron Donald, Rams

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