NFL Player Awards 2025-26: Will Abdul Carter Win Defensive Rookie of the Year?
NFL Player Awards 2025-26: Will Abdul Carter Win Defensive Rookie of the Year?
The Associated Press (AP) annually presents the Defensive Rookie of the Year award to the top defensive player following their first season.
A panel of 50 members will rank the players, who are judged on their statistics, story, and impact on the team.
For example, voters will review players’ sacks, interceptions, tackles for loss, pass deflections, and overall tackles to determine if they’re a worthy winner. Also, a player who has bounced back from adversity could have a stronger chance of winning the award.
As Abdul Carter wowed during his final collegiate season at Penn State, many football fans believe he might soon accept the award.
Read on to learn if Abdul Carter is likely to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at the NFL Player Awards 2025-26.
LEADERBOARD
NFL Player Awards - 2025-26 Defensive Rookie of the Year Winner
| # | Bet Options | Chance to Win | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Implied Projected Winner Abdul Carter | 30.77% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Mykel Williams | 15.38% | ||
| Implied Projected Winner Mason Graham | 14.29% |
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 Favorite to Win
You only need to look at Abdul Carter’s collegiate performance to see why BEO Betting odds have placed him as the frontrunner for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
During his final season on the team, the gifted linebacker recorded an impressive 12 sacks and led the league with 24 tackles for loss.
As a result, he was the third overall pick by the New York Giants in the NFL 2025 Draft, and was the first defensive player picked, meaning all eyes will be on him at the start of the season.
The Giants will reportedly position Carter for success, as he is expected to play as an edge rusher, providing him with many opportunities to secure many sacks and tackles for loss throughout the 2025-26 season.
If he meets or exceeds expectations, Carter could be a natural choice for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Mykel Williams is a Strong Candidate
San Francisco 49ers’ fans are hoping Mykel Williams will strengthen the team’s weak defensive line this season.
The 21-year-old defensive end was the 11th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his high pick status will likely provide him with immediate playing time on the field.
As Williams will be working under the guidance of Robert Saleh, who was brought back as the team’s defensive coordinator, it could lead to the creation of a formidable defense this year.
Saleh’s experience and strategies could set Williams up for success in the league and strengthen his case for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Mason Graham is a Potential Threat
Mykel Williams isn’t the only defensive player Abdul Carter needs to worry about for the award, as he might face tough competition from Mason Graham.
After all, Graham was the fifth overall pick in the NFL 2025 Draft’s first round and was selected by the Cleveland Browns.
He is an exciting signing for the team, as he wowed on the pitch for the Michigan Wolverines during his final college season.
For instance, the 21-year-old defensive tackle led the league with 45 tackles, which included 3.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. As a result, he was named the unanimous first-team All-American in 2024.
Known for disrupting plays and displaying much discipline as a run defender, he could be exactly what the Browns need to strengthen their defense this season. If he can help the team achieve success, he might earn Defensive Rookie of the Year.
