2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Early Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds & Favorites

2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Early Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds & Favorites: Offseason programs are just beginning, but it is never too soon to look ahead to the 2016 NFL season. One of the tougher regular season awards to predict is the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, and evaluating how a defensive lineman or defensive back will adapt to the NFL tends to be a lot tougher than projecting a running back or receiver. With that in mind, here is a closer look at the early frontrunners for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. And, as always, a friendly reminder to bookmark our NFL odds page for your updated NFL betting lines and totals all season long.

2016 NFL Picks and Predictions: Early Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds & Favorites

The Favorites

Concerns over his knee caused him to slide out of the first round, but Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Myles Jack isn’t expected to have any short-term issues. Instead, he should be a three-down player for an improving defensive unit, and his speed and athleticism should allow him to pile up plenty of tackles and make more than enough big plays to be in the mix for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

He was the first defensive player picked in the draft for a reason, and defensive end Joey Bosa should see all the snaps he can handle for the San Diego Chargers. He is a complete player that can help stop the run and make plays in the backfield, and solid play week in and week out could should lead to an excellent final stat line and plenty of consideration for top rookie honors.

The Contenders

While he may be more of a pass-rushing specialist as a rookie, outside linebacker Leonard Floyd has the speed to be a force off the edge in the Chicago Bears’ 3-4 base defense. It is definitely possible that Floyd makes a run at double-digit sacks, and an abundance of flashy big plays will certainly get him noticed.

He is locked in as a starting safety for the Oakland Raiders, and Karl Joseph has the attitude and physicality to deliver big hits against the run and the coverage skills to create some turnovers against the pass. His versatility could make Joseph a legit playmaker for an up-and-coming Oakland defense.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins has a few things going for him in the battle for Defensive Rookie of the Year. For one, has the rare combination of size and athleticism that allows him to stuff the run and occupy space and get pressure on quarterbacks. He will also be joining a New Orleans Saints defense that was awful last year, so he is sure to get his share of credit if the unit makes strides in 2016.

His speed makes him a great fit in the new pass-happy NFL, and New York Jets linebacker Darron Lee finds himself locked into a steady role for an excellent defensive unit. The strong supporting case should make it even easier for Lee to make a consistent impact, so don’t be surprised if he finishes among the rookie leaders in tackles.

The Sleeper

It can be difficult for cornerback to see enough playing time as a rookie to make a run at Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, but Tampa Bay’s Vernon Hargreaves could be an exception to the rule. After all, he has the cover skills to hold his own on the outside immediately, and his nose for the ball could lead to a handful of interceptions. The transition to corner in the NFL isn’t easy, but if Hargreaves does it successfully, his impact won’t be lost on voters.

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