DROY Watch: Early Predictions and Odds for the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

The NFL is a league driven by young talent, and the Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award is a prestigious honor that spotlights the league’s rising defensive stars. As we gear up for the 2025 season, the buzz around potential DROY candidates is already building. Last year, Los Angeles Rams’ edge rusher Jared Verse took home the award after a stellar rookie campaign, racking up impressive stats and quarterback pressures. But who will be the next defensive standout to make their mark?

This year’s draft class is loaded with defensive talent, making the DROY race one of the most exciting storylines to follow. Several factors can influence a rookie’s chances of winning the award, including their draft position, team fit, and opportunity for playing time. Historically, edge rushers and linebackers have dominated the award, but cornerbacks have also emerged as contenders in recent years.

Let’s dive into some of the early predictions and odds for the 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The Frontrunners

Several names have emerged as early favorites for the award, based on their college performance, draft position, and projected role in their respective teams.

Abdul Carter, LB, New York Giants: Carter, drafted third overall, is considered by many to be the top defensive prospect in the class. The Penn State standout is known for his explosive first step, incredible bend off the edge, and impressive instincts for the football. Some analysts even consider Carter a “generational prospect” due to his rare combination of skills. Playing alongside established defensive linemen Dexter Lawrence II and Brian Burns, Carter should have plenty of opportunities to make an impact. In his final year at Penn State, Carter recorded 12 sacks and 24 tackles for loss, showcasing his potential to be an immediate difference-maker in the NFL.
Travis Hunter, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Hunter is a unique two-way player who excels as both a cornerback and a wide receiver. While he’s a candidate for both the Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year awards, many believe he has a better chance of winning the defensive honor. Hunter’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a fascinating prospect, and his impact on the Jaguars’ defense could be significant. Deion Sanders has lauded Hunter as the best WR and CB in college football.
Jalon Walker, LB, Atlanta Falcons: Walker is known for his speed and explosiveness, which should allow him to contribute in a variety of ways for the Falcons. Walker’s versatility and sky-high ceiling make him an intriguing DROY candidate. In his final season at Georgia, Walker recorded 61 tackles and 6.5 sacks.

The Contenders

While the frontrunners have the highest expectations, several other rookies could emerge as contenders for the DROY award.

Mykel Williams, EDGE, San Francisco 49ers: Williams was drafted 11th overall by the 49ers and is expected to step into the lineup right away. The former Georgia star is a strong and explosive player who excels at setting the edge against the run and getting after the quarterback. Playing opposite Nick Bosa, Williams should benefit from favorable matchups and have opportunities to rack up sacks.
Jihaad Campbell, LB, Philadelphia Eagles: Campbell joins a strong Eagles defense and could form a dynamic duo at linebacker with Zack Baun. With a key role in what should be a successful season for the Eagles, Campbell could be a surprise contender for the award.
Shemar Stewart, EDGE, Cincinnati Bengals: Stewart has a great combination of power and speed off the edge. While he only had 1.5 sacks in his final season at Texas A&M, his flexibility along the defensive line and relentless pursuit of the quarterback make him an intriguing prospect.

The Sleepers

These players may not be getting as much attention as the frontrunners and contenders, but they have the potential to surprise and make a run at the DROY award.

Mike Green, DE, Baltimore Ravens: Green is an undersized edge rusher, but he was highly productive in college, recording 16 sacks in his final season. If the Ravens allow him to focus on getting after the quarterback, Green could star as a designated pass rusher.
Carson Schwesinger, LB, Cleveland Browns: Schwesinger is an athletic linebacker who is expected to be a day one starter for the Browns. If he puts up numbers similar to what Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah did in his rookie season, Schwesinger could be a dark horse candidate for the award.
Jahdae Barron, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars: Barron is a versatile defensive back who can play on the outside, in the slot, and in the box. His speed and tackling ability make him a valuable asset, and he could emerge as a key playmaker for the Jaguars’ defense.

Positional Trends and Historical Data

Historically, linebackers have dominated the DROY award, accounting for nearly half of the winners. Defensive ends are the next most common position, followed by cornerbacks, defensive tackles, and safeties.

In recent years, edge rushers have been particularly successful, with five of the last six DROY winners playing that position. This trend suggests that pass-rushing prowess is a key factor in winning the award.

Draft position also plays a significant role, as most DROY winners are drafted in the top half of the first round. However, there have been exceptions, and players drafted later can still emerge as contenders if they have the right combination of talent, opportunity, and team fit.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year race promises to be one of the most exciting storylines of the upcoming season. With a talented class of defensive prospects, several players have the potential to make a significant impact and contend for the award. While the frontrunners like Abdul Carter and Travis Hunter have the highest expectations, other rookies like Mykel Williams, Jalon Walker, and Jihaad Campbell could also emerge as contenders. Keep an eye on the sleepers as well, as they could surprise and make a run at the award.

Ultimately, the winner will be the player who can combine talent, opportunity, and team success to make a significant impact on their team’s defense. As the season unfolds, it will be fascinating to watch these young stars emerge and compete for the prestigious honor of Defensive Rookie of the Year.