NFL Player Awards 2025-26: Who Will Win Defensive Rookie of the Year?
NFL Player Awards 2025-26: Who Will Win Defensive Rookie of the Year?
The NFL Player Awards are traditionally presented at the NFL Honors ceremony, which is held on the Thursday before the Super Bowl in the host’s city.
The upcoming event for the 2025-26 season is expected to take place in February 2026, and various accolades will be presented to the best individuals, coaches, and teams from the season.
One of the most sought-after awards of the night is Defensive Rookie of the Year, which recognizes the best defensive player following their first NFL season. As a result, the accolade is often given to a defensive end, linebacker, cornerback, defensive lineman, or safety.
Continue reading to find out who is most likely to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Player Awards 2025-26.
Analysis of BEO’s betting odds points to Abdul Carter winning Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Player Awards 2025-26 ::: Discover the latest Bet Entertainment Odds predictions for this market.
Abdul Carter is the Current Favorite to Win
LEADERBOARD
NFL Player Awards - 2025-26 Defensive Rookie of the Year Winner
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner Abdul Carter | 31.25% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Mason Graham | 15.38% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Mykel Williams | 15.38% |
Abdul Carter has impressed on the field since he arrived at the New York Giants. There were high expectations for the 21-year-old linebacker, as he was the third overall pick in the NFL Draft 2025, and he’s unlikely to disappoint during his rookie season.
If you watched him in a college game, you’ll know he’s an explosive player, providing the perfect combination of speed and power.
His versatility during each game could help him secure the honor this season, as he can stop runs, rush the passer, and drop back in coverage when necessary.
As he has a natural gift for placing pressure on a QB, he is likely to become every offensive coordinator’s worst nightmare during a game.
For the above reasons and likely more, BEO betting odds are showing he has the best chance of winning Defensive Rookie of the Year this season.
Jalon Walker is a Strong Contender
Confidence is high for Jalon Walker at the Atlanta Falcons, as he was the number 15 overall pick during the 2025 NFL Draft.
As he was a high draft pick, fans are optimistic that he’ll have a positive impact during the season, which will kickstart on September 4, 2025.
Many regard Walker as a diverse player, as he has the skills to rush the passer and play in space. For this reason, he’s likely to provide the Falcons with plenty of impact plays during his rookie season.
His 2024 college season at Georgia is proof of his talent on the field, as he made 60 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, and 6.5 sacks. As a result, he accepted the Butkus Award, which is annually presented to the top linebacker in the country.
For this reason, you cannot rule him out for Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Player Awards 2025-26.
Mike Green Might Surprise This Season
As talented as Abdul Carter and Jalon Walker are, you shouldn’t rule Mike Green out for the accolade.
While he might have been a second-round pick for the Baltimore Ravens, making him 59th overall, many have praised his explosiveness on the field, intense motor, and variety of pass-rush moves, which could help make an impact in many games.
As the Baltimore Ravens have developed a reputation for tapping into defensive potential, Green’s skills are likely to grow from strength to strength during his rookie season.
Plus, he proved he’s a great disruptor when playing at Marshall during his college career, achieving 17 sacks and 22.5 tackles for loss during the 2024 season.
