2019-20 NFL Defensive Rookie of The Year Odds

Nick Bosa, DE, San Francisco 49ers

The odds-on favorite to take home the 2019 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award is No. 2 overall pick Nick Bosa. While there were some injury concerns about Bosa entering the draft and even during his first training camp, he has been nothing short of spectacular for the San Francisco 49ers. He has been a big reason for the defensive turnaround in San Francisco, and his play isn't going unnoticed.

With the 49ers being one of the best teams in the NFC, Bosa should continue to receive a lot of attention from the national media. And considering how well he is playing, it's going to take a lot for someone to best him for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Brian Burns, DE, Carolina Panthers

Another defensive end that has a great chance of taking home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award is Brian Burns of the Carolina Panthers. Burns has quickly become Carolina's best edge rusher and has developed into a playmaker, recording 4.5 sacks, a forced fumble and a defensive score in the first six games of his NFL career.

While he might not have the name recognition as Bosa, Burns has quietly been one of the better defensive ends in the entire league this season and someone NFL betting fans should give a long look at. If he can record double-digit sacks with the Panthers this season, look for him to potentially steal the Defensive Rookie of the Year award away from Bosa.

Devin Bush, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

The last position to take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award was a linebacker, and there is a good chance that is the case once again this season as Devin Bush is becoming a star in Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers made the bold move to trade up in the draft to acquire the former Michigan linebacker, and that is already proving to be beneficial.

Through six weeks, Bush recorded 52 tackles, recovered four fumbles, and intercepted two passes. That’s quite a start. He is already Pittsburgh's best playmaker on defense, and the end-of-the-year stats could be mind-boggling. If the Steelers can stay in the playoff hunt in the AFC North, Bush might be a great bet to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

Our Pick for the 2019 DROY Award

While Bosa and Burns are two edge rushers making noise in the NFC, Bush is the best bet to take home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He is on a team that perfectly suits his skillset, and his play should only continue to rise as he gets more comfortable in the defense. By the end of the season, his 16-game stats will be too hard to dismiss as he racks up even more tackles, sacks and interceptions.

If you want to look for a darkhorse bet after Bosa, Burns, Bush, etc., consider betting on defensive end Chase Winovich of the New England Patriots. Winovich was selected by the Patriots in the third round and has already tallied four sacks and a defensive score for New England through six weeks. While he's not an every-down player for the Patriots, he's had an impressive start to his career, and his odds make him a worthwhile bet as a longshot.

Before you place your bet on the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award, make sure to check out Bookies.com for all the updated odds. Bookies.com has reviewed the top online sportsbooks to place your bets, which will help you compare and find the best and most favorable odds.

Defensive Rookie of the Year FAQs

Has a DROY ever won NFL MVP?

There has never been a rookie defensive player who has gone on to win the league's MVP award and typically you won’t see them very high in NFL MVP odds. In fact, only one defensive player has ever won the league's MVP award, and that was Lawrence Taylor in 1986.

What Round are Most DROY Drafted In?

Most Defensive Rookie of the Year award winners are selected in the first round. Since 2000, only three players won the award after not being drafted in the first round. Those three players (Darius Leonard, DeMeco Ryans and Kendrell Bell) were all selected high in the second round. So, while it may seem enticing to bet on a late-round pick to win the award given the odds, it's best to save your bets for high-first round picks.

Has Any Defensive Position Not Won the DROY Award?

Every position won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award at least once. But the position that has seen the fewest winners is at safety as only players have ever taken home the award: Erik McMillian (1988) and Mark Carrier (1990).

Which Position Has the Most DROY Award Winners?

The position that has won the most awards is at linebacker (26), but that is somewhat misleading as 3-4 edge rushers are often labeled as "linebackers" rather than pass-rushers. However, off-the-ball linebackers are still the position that produces the most award winners with defensive ends coming in second.

Who Won the DROY Award in 2018?

The 2018 Defensive Rookie of the Year was linebacker Darius Leonard of the Indianapolis Colts. Leonard starting 15 games for the Colts, tallying 163 tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, four forced fumbles and two interceptions. He quickly became the Colts' best defender and was an All-Pro selection during his rookie season. Here are the last 10 Defensive Rookie of the Year award winners, their position and their team: