The 2023 NFL Draft first round has come and gone and we can turn our attention to how some of these impact rookies can jumpstart their pro careers with strong starts.
No. 3 overall pick Will Anderson was the first defensive player selected to the Houston Texans and is the clear favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. The Alabama pass rusher joins a Texans defense that is being coached by former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans.
Elsewhere, Texas Tech pass rusher Tyree Wilson stands as the co-second choice to take home the honor, landing in Las Vegas as the No. 7 overall pick. He is tied with Jalen Carter, the Georgia defensive tackle that went No. 9 to the Eagles. Carter joins arguably the league’s best defense with former teammates Jordan Davis and fellow rookie Nolan Smith alongside him in the trenches.
In the secondary, No. 5 pick Devon Witherspoon is the clear cornerback chalk at +900. Witherspoon, out of Illinois, joins an emerging Seahawks secondary. Despite sliding down draft boards after being projected to be a top 10 pick, No. 17 pick to the Patriots, Christian Gonzalez stands as a close second amongst corners, +1000 as of this writing.
Fit plays a role in this award, not just production, so don’t be afraid to take some shots further down the board on Defensive Rookie of the Year. Here is the full slate of odds:
2023 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
