Who Will Win NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year?

After the NFL Draft, the pro football community is trying to take stock of the new draft class and the rookies who are in a good position to make a significant impact on both sides of the ball. Let’s examine some of the more high-profile defensive rookies who are entering the National Football League this year. Which one will become the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year for 2021?

Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys: +400

The speed and physicality of Parsons are hard to question. He certainly has a lot of measurables which enabled him to become a top-15 pick. A question mark surrounding Parsons is that he opted out of the 2020 college football season due to the pandemic. Some NFL teams viewed that as a negative when considering him as a prospect. Not playing football for a year and being out of the loop meant that Parsons was not able to accumulate as much game tape as other prospects who were able to make a much bigger and more favorable impression in the realm of film study. Parsons could be the real deal in Dallas, but his pro career does not feel like a slam-dunk, can’t-miss success. This could really go either way. Keep in mind that Dallas has switched defensive coordinators this season, with Dan Quinn replacing Mike Nolan. A lot of variables exist in Dallas, though one thing which will help Parsons is that he plays in the low-octane NFC East, where the offenses are not especially strong.

Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins: +700

The Dolphins have a good, fast defense, and Jaelan Phillips should fit right in. He has high-end speed for a defensive lineman. He is so fast, in fact, that he could possibly play some linebacker and become a highly versatile chess piece for head coach Brian Flores. Phillips is entering a good situation in Miami and could use that fact to have a breakout rookie season.

Kwity Paye, Indianapolis Colts: +1000

The Michigan product had a medical scare in the pre-draft process. Chemicals found in his blood led to some worries about his heart condition and overall cardiovascular wellness, but it was discovered that COVID-19 antibodies were in his blood, a finding which enabled NFL and Colts doctors to fully clear him for all football activities. Assuming Paye is fully healthy, the Colts are a great landing spot for him. Indianapolis has a strong front seven which should give Paye the ability to avoid double-teams a good portion of the time. At this price, he represents good value.

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos: +1000

The Broncos face Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs twice per season. If Surtain is to make a real run at Defensive Rookie of the Year, he has to be at his best against the Chiefs. That is a lot to ask of an NFL rookie.

Zaven Collins, Arizona Cardinals: +1100

The linebacker out of Tulsa is a hulk who can run and cover ground very easily. Arizona got a great player here, and Collins’ nose for the ball – not just his speed and his NFL-ready body – make him a great pick. The Arizona defense improved as the 2020 season continued. If Collins helps the Cardinals reach the playoffs, he will get a long look as Defensive Rookie of the Year.