It’s only been a week since the 2019 NFL Draft concluded, but oddsmakers are already hard at work setting the stage for the coming season.
Among other things, if you are so inclined you can place a bet on which first-year player will win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Not surprisingly, the first two defenders selected in the draft — Nick Bosa (No. 2 to the San Francisco 49ers) and Quinnen Williams (No. 3 to the New York Jets) — sit atop the list as odds-on favorites to win.
Bleacher Report Betting, sharing information from Caesars, shows Bosa and Williams have 4/1 odds to win the award, with Ed Oliver (Buffalo Bills), Devin Bush (Pittsburgh Steelers), Devin White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Clelin Ferrell (Oakland Raiders) and Josh Allen (Jacksonville Jaguars) rounding out the list.
Given the fact that Bosa plays a position that should lead to more impressive splash stats like sacks, forced fumbles and tackles for a loss, we’re inclined to give him the nod over Williams. As dynamic a player as he is, Williams is a defensive tackle. He also plays on a line that doesn’t have as much complementary talent as the one Bosa plays on.
The surprising rookie on the list is Ferrrell, who was a stunning pick at No. 4 overall to Oakland. Though, based on his college production, perhaps he’ll explode for the Raiders and put together the most impressive season of any defender in this draft class.