The defensive rookies haven’t been talked about enough through the first six weeks of the NFL season. However, there are a few that are playing incredibly well through the first six games of the season.
Abdul Carter leads the odds list right now. While he’s only got .5 sacks, he’s issued 13 total tackles and has added two stuffs through six games. There are moments when you wish Carter would show more effort. But he’s certainly creating havoc, and he’s allowing his teammates to benefit from it.
Ultimately, there are other rookies with more sacks and tackles. Jihaad Campbell, for example, even has an interception and 40 total tackles. He’s second on the current NFL 2025-26 Defensive Rookie of the Year betting odds list, but from a box score perspective, he’s been better.
Does Campbell have the best value, or is there someone else who is under the radar and deserving? Let’s talk about it.
2025-26 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Players to Watch
I’ve already discussed Abdul Carter and Jihaad Campbell. But what about Browns’ rookie sensation Carson Schwesinger? The former UCLA Bruins linebacker has earned 52 total tackles with three stuffs and a sack. He just had eight tackles against the Steelers last week, for example.
Schwesinger is easily one of the best defenders within the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year betting odds, which is allowing him to flourish.
| Position | Player | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdul Carter | Giants | +175 |
| 2 | Jihaad Campbell | Eagles | +290 |
| 3 | Carson Schwesinger | Browns | +470 |
New York Giants’ Abdul Carter (+175)
Abdul Carter was the first defensive player taken in the most recent NFL Draft. While he’s lived up to the hype, his box score doesn’t look too appealing for an award.
Carter has just 13 total tackles and only .5 sacks to go along with two stuffs. He’s certainly helping others make plays, but he, himself, isn’t specifically dominating.
Carter has shown off some moves and is getting to the quarterback from time to time, but I wouldn’t go buying Carter stock at +175. The Giants’ defense has improved, but let’s not forget the fact that they’re still a losing franchise.
Philadelphia Eagles’ Jihaad Campbell (+290)
The Eagles drafted Jihaad Campbell with the 31st overall pick in the NFL Draft. The Alabama prospect has 22 solo tackles and 40 total tackles through six games. He’s also forced one fumble and has earned one interception.
Beyond that, he’s been able to deflect a couple of passes through six games. Campbell has better numbers than Carter through the first six games. The Eagles are also in a better position than the Giants through six games, despite the result in the latest Giants-Eagles game.
If you’re debating between Carter and Campbell, Campbell has the better price tag.
Cleveland Browns’ Carson Schwesinger (+470)
Out of the top three candidates, Carson Schwesinger seems to be the best one. The second-round pick has chipped in with 52 total tackles, one sack, three stuffs, and has played in every game this season.
He’s also on one of the best defenses in the NFL and is contributing to it extremely well.
He’s only +470 because he wasn’t drafted as high as Carter and Campbell. But if he were a first-round pick, his odds of +470 would be much lower. That’s how well he’s played. He always finds the ball and makes a play. At +470, this is the best value of the top three.
Betting On The Favorites and What To Do Next
The sportsboks seem to think it’s a three-man race between Carter, Campbell, and Schwesinger.
Mykel Williams, Andrew Mukuba, and Jalon Walker are all +1800 odds or higher. Ultimately, if we’re looking straight at the stats, Schwesinger has made the biggest impact and is filling up the box score more. He’s a magnet to any ball carrier and continues to make a lot of plays.
You can capitalize on +470 for Schwesinger by opening up an account at a reputable sportsbook and placing a bet on him to win. Meanwhile, you can check out the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award odds for all other awards using our player futures tab.
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