NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates

In a league that focuses on the exciting young offensive talent coming into the league, sometimes the real difference makers to a team can be found on the defensive side of the ball. In the Super Bowl era, teams primarily make it to the big game if they are able to have a top-10 offense and a top-10 defense in the league. In the emerging Chiefs dynasty, they have found a way to pay their offensive players and draft exceptional defensive players who they get on cheap rookie contracts. Therefore, drafting good defensive talent has never been so important in the league. Let’s look at who is going to make a big difference to their team’s defense this year, and make a run at the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

1. Laiatu Latu - Indianapolis Colts (Odds: +550)

While this guy was at UCLA, he would pop off the TV screen. Typically, we reserve that term for big-time offensive talent, but when talking about Laiatu Latu, it applies. Over his last two years at UCLA, he had 25.5 sacks in 24 games. In his last year, he had a few games of pure dominance including two three-sack games against Colorado and Coastal Carolina as well as a two-sack game against the first overall pick, Caleb Williams, and USC which UCLA ended up winning 38-20.  He will be a dominant force alongside DeForest Buckner as the Colts look to compete with the Jaguars and Texans for the AFC South division title.

2. Dallas Turner - Minnesota Vikings (Odds: +430)

A shocking combination of speed and power. At Alabama, Dallas Turner took on some of the biggest and best offensive tackles in the country and still found a way to dominate them. At six foot and four inches and 245 lbs he will be looking to become the edge pressure the Vikings have been missing on their defense. He also posted a 4.46 40-yard dash time at the combine, so not only is he strong, but also fast. In his last year at Alabama, he managed to get to the quarterback 10 times and he will look to get similar production as he tries to become a premier edge rusher in the NFL.

3. Jared Verse - Los Angeles Rams (Odds: +1100)

After the Rams lost Aaron Donald to retirement, they wasted no time getting in another dominant defensive lineman to fill the void. After posting 18 sacks in the past two years at Florida State, Jared Verse is looking to come into the NFL and prove he can produce at the next level. This Rams defense is currently far from what it looked like a few years ago when they made the Super Bowl and if they have any intention to get back there they are gonna need the defense to step up. If Jared Verse pans out as the Rams hope, he could become their next big-time defensive leader to fill the void left by Aaron Donald.

4. Junior Colson - Los Angeles Chargers (Odds: +4000)

The heart and soul of an NFL defense can typically be found at the middle linebacker position. For years the Chargers have had great edge rushers, corners, and safeties, but have always lacked a true linebacker. Coming off a National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines, Junior Colson will be reuniting with his college coach, Jim Harbaugh, in Los Angeles to start his NFL career. For Junior Colson, you could not dream of a better situation than getting paired with your former college coach who knows how to make you into an effective defensive player in the NFL.

5. Cooper DeJean - Philadelphia Eagles (Odds: +3500)

Cooper DeJean will hopefully be bringing an infusion of youth to a team that is very technically skilled at the corner position. The Eagles have always been very good at drafting and they are hoping DeJean will come in and immediately be an impact player for them in the secondary. At Iowa, DeJean had seven interceptions and 13 pass deflections in his last two years of college which earned him a 2023 consensus All-American selection. Cooper DeJean will look to join a Philadelphia Eagles squad that will be looking to bounce back after a less-than-stellar season last year.