2026 NFL Draft Insights: Projected Defensive Rookie of the Year
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and we now have insights on potential candidates for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The Jets snagged edge rusher David Bailey from Texas Tech, making him the second pick overall, and were pegged as +470 favorites for the award.
Bailey is viewed as an explosive, NFL-ready player who can pressure quarterbacks effectively and bolster the team’s defense. He tallied 14.5 sacks in 2025 alone, contributing to a total of 29 sacks throughout his college career.
According to Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mousey, Bailey fits well within their plans as they change to a 3-4 defensive scheme. He’s expected to team up with Will McDonald IV to form a dynamic edge duo.
As the highest-drafted defensive player in Jets history, Bailey is seen as a critical asset for a team that’s struggled, particularly after a 10-game losing streak and a long playoff drought stretching back 15 years.
Last season, the Jets had the lowest pressure rate in the NFL at 15.1 percent.
Interestingly, the last time a player drafted in the top three took home the Defensive Rookie of the Year title was Will Anderson Jr., the No. 3 pick by the Texans in 2023.
Next on the list is Reuben Bayne Jr. from the Miami Hurricanes, who was selected by the Buccaneers as the 15th pick, with odds of 5/1 for the award.
Many were caught off guard when Bayne fell to Tampa Bay, as he was widely considered a top edge-rushing talent. He fits seamlessly into the Buccaneers’ aggressive blitzing strategy, bringing the ability to disrupt plays effectively.
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| David Bailey | +470 |
| Reuben Bain Jr. | +500 |
| Abel Reese | +700 |
| Sonny Styles | +850 |
| Caleb Downs | +850 |
| Mansour Deran | +850 |
| Akheem Messidor | 20/1 |
Then there’s Abel Reese, the Giants’ fifth overall pick, who is tied at odds of 5/1 for the award. Initially, he seemed like a likely choice for the Jets, but after they picked Bailey, the Giants quickly selected the Ohio State star to enhance their pass rush, which averaged just 2.3 sacks last season.
Reese brings a versatile skill set, showcasing speed and agility. He’s expected to play as an inside linebacker alongside Tremaine Edmunds, but can also adapt to a flexible defensive setup that includes rushers like Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeau.
Ohio State’s Sonny Stiles, selected seventh overall by the Commanders, has odds of +850. Having transitioned from safety to linebacker, Stiles concluded his college career with an impressive tally of tackles and sacks. His performance at the combine, including a remarkable 4.46-second 40-yard dash at 244 pounds, further solidified his reputation as a promising linebacker capable of covering ground effectively.
