NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds 2025: Carter Major Favorite; Walker, Hunter Trail

New York Giants pass rusher Abdul Carter is the overwhelming favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Jalon Walker and Travis Hunter far behind.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds 2025
Pictured: New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter participates in a drill during rookie minicamp. Photo by John Jones via Imagn Images.

Already approaching runaway favorite status by the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at our best sports betting sites, all eyes are on Abdul Carter as the No. 3 pick gets set to try to become the New York Giants' new Lawrence Taylor.

While Carter is the obvious favorite to win the award, Jalon Walker, Mason Graham, and No. 2 pick Travis Hunter, who's among the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds favorites, are a few of the talented defenders who could give the Penn State product a run for his money. 

📈 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds 2025

Our 2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds update in real time based on the odds from our best sports betting apps.

🤖 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year AI prediction

We asked ChatGPT to analyze historical trends and NFL stats before predicting the winner of this year's NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Our AI prediction projects New York Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter will win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

🖥️ AI NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction: Abdul Carter (+275)

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds
Pictured: Penn State's Abdul Carter reacts after sacking SMU quarterback Kevin Jennings. Photo by Matthew O'Haren via Imagn Images.

🏈 Dominant collegiate performance: At Penn State, Carter led the nation in tackles for a loss (24) and recorded 12 sacks during his final season, showcasing his disruptive ability on defense
🏈 Favorable team dynamics: 
Joining a Giants defensive line featuring Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux, Carter is expected to benefit from one-on-one matchups, enhancing his pass-rushing opportunities
🏈 High expectations and comparisons:
 Carter's athleticism and versatility have been drawing comparisons to Micah Parsons, setting high expectations for his impact as a rookie

🤔 Betting takeaway: ChatGPT's AI prediction would mean Carter (+275 via BetRivers) winning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. ChatGPT is a large language model and not specifically designed for predicting sporting events, so these projections should be viewed as entertainment or a supplementary data point for your NFL betting research.

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🎯 AI long shot NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction

🌧️ Nick Emmanwori (+4000)

🏈 Versatile skill set: Emmanwori is renowned for his aggressive play style and versatility with his skill to excel in both run support and pass coverage, making him a valuable asset in the Seahawks' secondary
🏈 Opportunity in Seahawks' defense:
 Seattle's defense has been undergoing changes, providing Emmanwori with the chance to secure a starting role early in the season, and his adaptability allows him to fit into various defensive roles
🏈 Potential for high-impact plays:
 His size, athleticism, and versatility should give him the chance to accumulate impressive statistics through interceptions, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss

While Abdul Carter is the current favorite for the award, Emmanwori's combination of skill, opportunity, and potential for impactful plays positions him as an intriguing long-shot bet for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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👀 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year betting insights

Here are some NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year betting insights from BetMGM as of April 30. 

Highest ticket percentage:

  • Jalon Walker: 23.8%
  • Abdul Carter: 9.5%
  • Travis Hunter: 9.5%

Highest handle percentage:

  • Mason Graham: 27.9%
  • Jalon Walker: 15.5%
  • Travis Hunter: 14.2%

Biggest liability:

  • Mason Graham
  • Jalon Walker
  • Jihaad Campbell

🔢 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year opening odds

Odds via BetMGM.

  • Abdul Carter, Giants: +250
  • Travis Hunter, Jaguars: +750
  • Jalon Walker: +900
  • Mykel Williams, 49ers: +1000
  • Mike Green, Ravens: +1200
  • Shemar Stewart, Bengals: +1500
  • Mason Graham, Browns: +1600
  • Jihaad Campbell, Eagles: +1800
  • James Pearce Jr., Falcons: +1800
  • Malaki Starks, Ravens: +2000
  • Jahdae Barron, Broncos: +2200
  • Donovan Ezeiruaku, Cowboys: +2200
  • Walter Nolen, Cardinals: +2500
  • J.T. Tuimoloau, Colts: +2500
  • Nick Emmanwori, Seahawks: +3000
  • Will Johnson, Cardinals: +3000
  • Nic Scourton, Panthers: +3500
  • Maxwell Hairston, Bills: +3500
  • Derrick Harmon, Steelers: +3500
  • Kenneth Grant, Dolphins: +4000
  • Tyleik Williams, Lions: +4000

💰 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year betting history

Season Player Team Preseason odds
2024 Jared Verse, EDGE Rams +800
2023 Will Anderson Jr., EDGE Texans +400
2022 Sauce Gardner, CB Jets +1200
2021 Micah Parsons, LB Cowboys +600
2020 Chase Young, EDGE Washington +150
2019 Nick Bosa, EDGE 49ers +700
2018 Shaquille Leonard, LB Colts +3050
2017 Marshon Lattimore, CB Saints N/A
2016 Joey Bosa, EDGE Chargers N/A
2015 Marcus Peters, CB Chiefs +3500
2014 Aaron Donald, DT Rams +900

❓ NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year FAQs

Who is the favorite for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Penn State edge-rusher Abdul Carter is the betting favorite to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with +275 odds. That implies a 26.67% chance that he'll win the award, according to our odds calculator

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

Los Angeles Rams edge-rusher Jared Verse won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award after entering the season with +800 odds.

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

With C.J. Stroud winning OROY and Will Anderson winning DROY for the Houston Texans two years ago, it marked the fourth time in league history that both winners were on the same team.

The previous three times were with the New York Jets in 2022 (Garrett Wilson and Sauce Gardner), New Orleans Saints in 2017 (Alvin Kamara, Marshon Lattimore), and the Detroit Lions in 1967 (Mel Farr, Lem Barney).

Has a rookie ever won NFL MVP? 

Jim Brown is the only rookie to ever win NFL MVP. He won both Offensive Rookie of the Year and MVP in 1957 for the Cleveland Browns after leading the league with 942 rushing yards. 

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