Will Cowboys' first-round pick Caleb Downs win DROY? Here's what the odds say

TL;DR

Dallas Cowboys' first-round pick Caleb Downs is a top contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, with odds of +750 to +850 across major sportsbooks. Analysts consider him a steal from the 2026 NFL draft.

Key points

Caleb Downs was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys at No. 11.
He is among the favorites for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
His odds range from +750 to +850 at major sportsbooks.

Mentioned in this story

Ohio State

Defensive Rookie of the YearDallas CowboysCaleb DownsNFL Draft 2026

Newly drafted Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs of Ohio State warms up during rookie minicamp at the Star in Frisco, on Friday, May 1, 2026. (Shafkat Anowar/The Dallas Morning News) Many analysts felt the Cowboys got the steal of the 2026 NFL draft when they were able to select Caleb Downs at No. 11. Can the Ohio State safety prove them right by winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award? Oddsmakers are currently giving Downs a legitimate chance to bring home the hardware, as he is among the betting favorites at most of the major sportsbooks. He could be competing against the likes of David Bailey (Jets), Ruben Bain Jr. (Buccaneers) and his teammate with the Buckeyes, Arvell Reese (Giants). Here are the odds for Downs to win DROY across BetMGM, DraftKings, FanDuel and Caesars, and where he ranks relative to their favorites.

Q&A

What are Caleb Downs' odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year?

Caleb Downs has odds ranging from +750 to +850 to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award across major sportsbooks.

Who are the other top contenders for DROY alongside Caleb Downs?

Other top contenders for the Defensive Rookie of the Year include David Bailey from the Jets, Ruben Bain Jr. from the Buccaneers, and Arvell Reese from the Giants.

What awards did Caleb Downs win at Ohio State?

Caleb Downs was a two-time unanimous All-American and won the Jim Thorpe Award in 2025, recognizing him as the nation's best defensive back.

Sportsbook	BetMGM	DraftKings	FanDuel	Caesars
Odds	+850	+850	+850	+750
Rank	T3	T4	T2	T3
If Downs were to win DROY, it would be another entry on his already impressive list of football awards. He was a two-time unanimous All-American at Ohio State and won the Jim Thorpe Award, given to the nation's best defensive back, in 2025. Cowboys insider Joseph Hoyt had him as the best player in the draft and an ideal fit for a Dallas team looking to improve its defense, especially in the secondary.

Will Cowboys' first-round pick Caleb Downs win DROY? Here's what the odds say

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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