NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds with 2 favorites and appealing long-shot options

Q: Who are the top favorites for NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year 2026?

David Bailey and Rueben Bain Jr. are the top favorites, both listed at +500 odds.

Q: What are the odds for Arvell Reese to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Arvell Reese has odds of +750 to win the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Q: Which team drafted Rueben Bain Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft?

Rueben Bain Jr. was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Q: What impact could David Bailey have on the New York Jets' defense?

David Bailey is expected to contribute immediately, helping to improve the Jets' defense after they invested their No. 2 overall pick in him.

TAMPA, FL - April 24: Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2026 first round pick Edge Rusher Rueben Bain Jr. holds up a jersey as General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles stand on each side of Bain during the Tampa Bay Buccaneers First Round Pick Press Conference on April 24, 2026 at the AdventHealth Training Center at One Buccaneer Place in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images With the NFL Draft in the rearview, fans can start speculating on how well players will fit into their new landing spots. The NFL Draft is an inexact alchemy, and every prospect’s impact will be determined as much by their own skills and traits as their ability to adapt and gel with their new organization’s structures and schemes. Taking a look at the odds on NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, via FanDuel, is a chance to project which players found the perfect landing spot to make an immediate impact in the league. **David Bailey (+500), EDGE – New York Jets** Many expect David Bailey to contribute right away after the Jets invested their No. 2 overall pick in the EDGE prospect’s steady production and projectable traits instead of searching for more upside with less polished prospects. Bailey posted 14.5 sacks last season with Texas Tech. If Aaron Glenn’s defense starts playing at an above-average level, Bailey could earn a lot of attention for helping turn things around. **Rueben Bain Jr. (+500), EDGE – Tampa Bay Buccaneers** Rueben Bain Jr. showed off his ability to move the line of scrimmage and take over football games during ’s run to the CFB Championship. The defensive lineman is joining a Buccaneers team that’s struggled to find consistency in closing out games, and they’re watching their NFC South conference rivals stock up on offensive firepower. Bain will start right away for a Todd Bowles defense that can create unique passrushing looks around DT . **Arvell Reese (+750)** will start immediately alongside friendly company in linebackers , , and . If offenses key on all of these other stars, Reese could produce eye-popping stats. **Mansoor Delane (+850)** will be tested early and often as the primary CB after the traded away both of last year’s starters. The Chiefs traded up to secure the draft’s top CB, and the former Virginia Tech and LSU standout will be playing in a big TV market that will create buzz if he starts making plays. ** (+900)** will get the chance to play the role in the middle of Dan Quinn’s defense. The converted safety led the Buckeyes in tackles last season, and he’ll benefit from playing alongside disruptive linebacker . ** (+900)** will be a focal point of ’ new Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker’s 3-4 scheme. Parker brings familiarity with the division as former passing game coordinator and DBs coach for the Eagles, and he could put Downs in position to clean up a lot of broken plays behind a revamped defensive front .