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The 2026 NFL Draft was loaded with defensive talent, especially front-seven players.
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza may have been the first overall pick, but draftniks typically had linebackers and edge rushers at the top of their boards when removing positional needs.
A rookie class that projects to be one of the most impressive we’ve seen in a while on the defensive side of the ball should lend itself to a lively competition for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
To illustrate just how deep the talent pool is, Rueben Bain Jr., who landed in Tampa Bay as the 15th pick in the draft, is a slight favorite at +475 odds as the first week of the preseason gets underway.
2026 Defensive Rookie of the Year odds
PlayerOddsRueben Bain Jr.+475David Bailey+500Arvell Reese+750Caleb Downs+750Sonny Styles+850Mansoor Delane+900Akheem Mesidor12/1Jacob Rodriguez14/1CJ Allen20/1Dillon Thieneman20/1Malachi Lawrence22/1All others30/1Odds via bet365 as of Aug. 15.
Word of Bain impressing coaches and analysts during Bucs training camp went up a level when he reportedly notched three sacks in a joint practice with the Jets this week.
Meanwhile, David Bailey, another highly touted edge rusher taken No. 2 overall by the Jets, is drawing high praise in camp, too.
David Bailey (31) warms up during training camp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
The Post’s Brian Costello reported this week that Bailey has been making highlight plays for the Jets during those same joint practices and is impressing his teammates and coaches in the process.
Bailey actually opened as the favorite to win DROTY immediately following the draft and isn’t far behind Bain with +500.
Betting on the NFL?
In keeping with the theme of high praise in camp, Cowboys defensive back Caleb Downs and Giants linebacker Arvell Reese have received high marks from key voices in their respective organizations during training camp. Both players have +750 odds to win the top defensive award from rookies.
The preseason will reveal in part whether these players are actually the goods in live action, but the real test of which player is the best defensive presence in this class is yet to come.
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Malik Smith has been immersed in the sports betting industry since 2017. He’s a data nerd with a particular focus on the NBA and combat sports. He spends his weeknights in the winter looking for edges on plus-money NBA player props.
