New York Jets rookie David Bailey began the season as the +450 favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year and reinforced that billing in Week 1 with four tackles, six QB pressures and his first NFL sack. Meanwhile, a couple of former Ohio State defenders have quickly climbed the odds after eye-catching NFL debuts.
Below are the DraftKings Sportsbook DROY odds as of Sept. 14:
– David Bailey: +425 (bet $10 to win $52.50 total)
– Caleb Downs: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
– Sonny Styles: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
– Rueben Bain Jr.: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
– Jacob Rodriguez: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
– Arvell Reese: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
– Mansoor Delane: +1100 (bet $10 to win $120 total)
– Malachi Lawrence: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
A few notes on the board:
– The favorite: Bailey was a unanimous All-American last year at Texas Tech, finishing with a Division I-high 14.5 sacks and a Big 12-leading 19.5 tackles for loss. Analysts hailed the Jets’ decision to draft him, citing his explosive first step and bend off the edge and projecting him as a genuine DROY contender who could add double-digit sacks annually. He immediately showed that upside in the season opener against Tennessee.
– Sonny Styles’ rise: Ohio State placed three players in the top seven picks this draft, including Styles at No. 7. Scouts have compared his rare blend of size and speed to elite historical linebackers, and Washington hoped he would provide an immediate defensive leader. In his first game he posted four tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a QB hit — including a highlight-reel play in which he overpowered Saquon Barkley en route to his sack — and his odds improved from +850 to +700 after that performance.
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Fan take: These early performances matter because they show several high-draft rookies can contribute right away, potentially altering defensive rotations and game plans across the league. If the trend continues, we could see a faster turnover of defensive impact players and more attention on rookie pass-rushers and off-ball linebackers in future drafts.
Source: www.foxsports.com
