2026 DROY Betting Odds And Picks: Rueben Bain, David Bailey And More

The NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year isn’t about splash plays alone. It’s about being on the field, consistently around the ball and filling up the stat sheet.

And, historically, the winner lives in the trenches.

Linebackers and defensive linemen dominate DROY, combining for nearly 50 wins, followed by another dozen in the secondary.

You want players who rack up tackles, pressures and steady production.

Last year was the perfect example. Cleveland’s Carson Schwesinger won with volume (156 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections, 2.5 sacks, 97% of snaps).

Opportunity rules the market. And, like Offensive Rookie of the Year, it often pays to stay near the top of the board.

Favorites for 2026 Defensive Rookie of the Year

David Bailey | LB | Jets | +450

Why this wins: NFL-ready pass rusher with double-digit sack upside.

David Bailey led the nation with 14.5 sacks and paced the Big 12 with 19.5 tackles for loss at Texas Tech. That kind of disruption translates quickly to boxscores and to playing time.

Jets HC Aaron Glenn won’t ease in the second overall pick. Bailey’s incredible burst gives him significant pass-rush juice, and recent winners have shown the value in that impact.

Rueben Bain | DE | Buccaneers | +550

Why this wins: Elite run defender with minimal depth chart competition.

Rueben Bain slipped to sixth among defensive players drafted and went 15^th overall, but the ACC Defensive Player of the Year and the country’s top defensive end finished with 9.5 sacks at Miami last year and he landed in an ideal situation with a defensive-minded coach in Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles.

Bain is renowned for his prowess against the run and should be able to overcome questions surrounding his combine measurables.

Arvell Reese | LB | Giants | +650

Why this wins: Versatile off-ball defender with exceptional athleticism and speed.

Big Ten Linebacker of the Year Arvell Reese steps into a Giants defense loaded with talent up front in Abdul Carter and Brian Burns, which ought to allow him to roam freely and clean up plays.

The disruptive fifth overall pick out of Ohio State has historically been an off-ball linebacker (6.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss in 2025), but Reese is a tremendous all-around defender primed to collect tackles and showcase his versatility.

Value Picks for 2026 DROY

Sonny Styles | LB | Commanders | + 750

Why this wins: Top-10 choice with resourceful skill set and rare physical makeup.

Sonny Styles is a freak athlete, plain and simple. The seventh overall pick out of Ohio State stole the show at the NFL Scouting Combine and brings a unique blend of size and speed that suits him well as a tackler and in coverage.

With Bobby Wagner gone, there’s a clear path to a full-time role in the middle of Washington’s defense.

Caleb Downs | S | Dallas | +750

Why this wins: All-around defender steps into large role on defense in transition.

Really, another Ohio State option?

Caleb Downs may be the best pure football player in his class, and the playmaker projects to be an excellent fit in Dallas because he has the instincts to be utilized all over the field by new defensive coordinator Christian Parker.

One problem: a true safety hasn’t won DROY since 1990.

Mansoor Delane | CB | Chiefs | +1000

Why this wins: Positioned for CB1 workload.

It was a bit surprising to see the Chiefs trade up to nab Mansoor Delane at No. 6, but he may instantly slot into a top cornerback role with Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson gone. He’ll be tested, but that means potential pass breakups and interceptions.

The First Team All-SEC selection was exceptional at LSU last year, limiting quarterbacks to a 31.3 passer rating.

Corner is an uncommon choice for DROY, but three men have won at the position since 2015.

Longshot Pick for 2026 DROY

CJ Allen | LB | Colts | +2200

Why this wins: High IQ player with Day 1 starting potential.

Carson Schwesinger was a 28/1 preseason longshot last year and a rare DROY winner to emerge from the second round.

Why not CJ Allen?

The Colts’ top pick was First Team All-SEC at Georgia after recording 88 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 8 tackles and forcing a pair of fumbles, and he projects to be the LB1 for Indianapolis. Allen begins his career with a chip on his shoulder after falling to Round 2. That physicality should be on display weekly.

Published May 8, 2026, 6:45 ET