2022 NFL Futures Betting: Five Best Value Picks for Defensive Rookie of the Year

The rookie class won’t take a snap for months, but it’s never too early to take a gander at the Rookie of the Year football odds.

We will start on the defensive side of the ball, where many of the top candidates went among the top 10 picks in the draft. The favorite is No. 2 overall pick Aidan Hutchinson, who has +450 odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, followed by Kayvon Thibodeaux (+500) and No. 1 pick Travon Walker (+600).

However, I don’t think any of those players are worth a wager. Here are the five players with the most tantalizing odds for a return on investment. Odds via DraftKings on May 23.

5. Edge Drake Jackson, San Francisco 49ers

Rookie of the Year Odds: +3000

There was some speculation that Jackson could be taken in the first round, but he ended up going No. 61 to San Francisco. It’s not easy for a late second-round pick to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, but Jackson has a shot, and the odds are intriguing.

The former USC star could be a main component early on, as Dee Ford has a long injury history and is not expected to make a big contribution this season. If Jackson can earn playing time, he will be opposite Nick Bosa, which means single-teams will be had all the time. The 49ers have a really good defense, and that type of quality around him could help Jackson put up numbers. If he can get eight sacks with a couple splash plays, a DROY is a possibility.

4. Edge Cameron Thomas, Arizona Cardinals

Rookie of the Year Odds: +6500

Thomas has a similar playing time setup to Jackson, although he’s not as decorated of a prospect. The San Diego State product had 10.5 sacks in 2021 before being taken in the third round by Arizona. The Cardinals lost Chandler Jones in free agency and didn’t replace him, leaving a huge hole at edge rusher opposite Markus Golden.

Devon Kennard is the de facto starter but Thomas has more upside. If the Cardinals don’t sign a veteran edge-rusher to help the pass-rush, there couldn’t be a more ideal setup for a mid-round pick. Thomas will need to produce, but if J.J. Watt can stay healthy, little attention will be paid to the rookie edge-rusher. Arizona also drafted edge rusher Myjai Sanders in the third round, but he is not as polished and could take longer to develop. This bet is a longshot, sure, but there is also a clear path in which it could cash.

3. CB Derek Stingley, Jr., Houston Texans

Rookie of the Year Odds: +1000

When the LSU product was drafted No. 3 overall, the Texans’ coaching staff told him to be prepared to face off with No. 1 receivers. It’s a tall task as a rookie, but Stingley has rare physical gifts and may be able to hold his own.

Stingley is also a natural playmaker, and if he is targeted often, it could mean a handful of interceptions as a rookie. This feels like it could be the rookie version of Trevon Diggs’ 2021 campaign: some big plays given up, but enough wow moments to make up for it.

2. DL Devonte Wyatt, Green Bay Packers

Rookie of the Year Odds: +2200

Wyatt dropped to the late first round on draft night, but it was reportedly over character concerns. If Wyatt stays on the straight and narrow, there is no questioning the talent level. He had certain responsibilities in the Georgia defense that didn’t completely show off his skillset, but the situation in Green Bay could be more advantageous.

The Packers need some pass-rush help after the departure of Za’Darius Smith in the offseason, and while they are different players, Wyatt could help pick up the slack. Green Bay will be winning the majority of its games again this year, which will force opponents into pass mode. That will lead to opportunities for Wyatt to make his mark by getting after opposing quarterbacks.

1. S Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore Ravens

Rookie of the Year Odds: +800

There was early buzz that Hamilton could go as high as No. 2 overall to the Detroit Lions, but he ended up dropping to No. 14 overall. That could end up being a great thing, as he will join a Baltimore secondary that also includes Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams and Marcus Peters.

Hamilton didn’t run as fast as hoped leading up to the draft but he’s always been a playmaker and will have ample opportunity to make his mark with the Ravens. Baltimore has some really talented pieces around him, and quarterbacks may choose to test Hamilton over the more established options. It all adds up to a great chance to shine for Hamilton, who will try to become the first safety to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year since Mark Carrier all the way back in 1990.