The 5 Frontrunners to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year | Week 6

On the offensive side of the NFL for rookies, Washington Commanders rookie Jayden Daniels has seized the OROY race and isn’t likely to lose his grip.

The 5 Frontrunners to Win Defensive Rookie of the Year | Week 6

But the DROY is higher up in the air and has not quite crystalized like Daniels on the offensive side.

Heading into Week 6, these are the league’s frontrunners to win Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY), according to sportsbooks, ranked in ascending order (No. 1 = leader to win DROY)

5. T’Vondre Sweat

 

Team: Tennessee Titans
Odds to Win DROY: +1200
2024 PFF Score to Date: 80.1

Sweat instantly started for a Titans defense that is quietly quite productive, ranking fifth in the NFL per EPA/Play. He’s logged 10 tackles and 2 tackles for loss while forcing 4 QB hurries and 4 QB pressures through four games.

He’s still waiting on his first sack, which should arrive before too long. Sweat had a splotchy character issue leading into April’s draft, but it’s so far, so good in Tennessee.

4. Quinyon Mitchell (CB)

Team: Philadelphia Eagles
Odds to Win DROY: +1000
2024 PFF Score to Date: 68.3

Mitchell reenters the Top 5 DROY pecking order after a few weeks off, hitting his rookie stride in Philadelphia at the perfect time. The Eagles are close to an inflection point at 2-2, unable to afford more losses earlier in the season, as teams like the Washington Commanders have taken hold of the NFC East.

He’s registered a 76.6 passer-rating-against — a mark that would be commendable for a Pro Bowl veteran. Mitchell has 18 total tackles and 6 passes defended. Philadelphia has found a starting cornerback for the next several years. There’s a reason that the entire draft community was high on Mitchell, the small school standout.

3. Kamari Lassiter (CB)

Team: Houston Texans
Odds to Win DROY: +800
2024 PFF Score to Date: 61.5

Lassiter is another Day One starter, tallying 19 tackles, 3 passes defended, 2 tackles for loss, and an interception to date. And his passer-rating-against is even better than the aforementioned Mitchell’s at 64.0.

It’s worth noting that Lassiter is the lowest draft pick on this list. He’s replaced men like Dallas Turner (EDGE, Minnesota Vikings) in the Top 5 over the last month.

2. Laiatu Latu (EDGE)

Team: Indianapolis Colts
Odds to Win DROY: +500
2024 PFF Score to Date: 79.5

Latu has remained steadfast at No.2 in the DROY race, first trailing Dallas Turner to start the season and now behind the next guy on this list. He’s accounted for 11 quarterback pressures and 2 sacks, with 9 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, and a tackle for loss. That’s while playing 183 defensive snaps — or 50% of the time.

Imagine when he takes over a starter’s role for good. The guy will cook.

1. Jared Verse (EDGE)

Team: Los Angeles Rams
Odds to Win DROY: +225
2024 PFF Score to Date: 79.1

Verse has led the way in the sprint for DROY since mid-September, and the reason is simple. He’s the NFL’s best defensive rookie to date, notching 20 quarterback pressures, 15 quarterback hurries, 22 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and a forced fumble.

Unless he gets injured, Verse will take home the DROY bacon.

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Dustin Baker is a political scientist who graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2007. Subscribe to his daily YouTube Channel, VikesNow. The show features guests, analysis, and opinion on all things related to the purple team, with 4-7 episodes per week. His NFL obsession dates back to 1989. Listed guilty pleasures: Peanut Butter Ice Cream, ‘The Sopranos,’ Basset Hounds, and The Doors (the band). He follows the NBA as closely as the NFL. 

All statistics provided by Pro Football Reference / Stathead; all contractual information provided by OverTheCap.com.