The biggest way for a defensive player to make a statement in their first year in the NFL is to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Winning DROY is generally indicative of future NFL success. Each of the last 32 Defensive Rookie of the Year winners has been a Pro Bowler in their careers. Twenty-five of those players have made multiple Pro Bowl appearances. Since the award’s inception in 1967, 12 players have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with more likely to come.
To prepare for the upcoming season, we picked one player on all 32 NFL teams who could be the top candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Every NFL Team’s Top Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate
Arizona Cardinals: Will Johnson
Defensive tackle Walter Nolen was the first defender the Arizona Cardinals took in the 2025 NFL Draft. While his physical upside is through the roof, I think Will Johnson is more ready for the pros.
Johnson was a two-time All-American at Michigan, excelling at cornerback with prototypical size, instincts, and ball skills. He fell to Round 2 due to injuries, but he might be a top-10 talent in the class when healthy. He has the potential to be an impact defender in the NFL.
Atlanta Falcons: James Pearce Jr.
The Atlanta Falcons double-dipped on edge rushers in Round 1, selecting Jalon Walker and trading up for James Pearce Jr. in the back end of the round. Both are talented players, but I give Pearce the slight edge for DROY contention.
Pearce led the SEC with 10 sacks in 2023, and he followed up with 7.5 more sacks in 2024. His elite athleticism off the edge gives him serious pass-rushing juice. Five of the last six DROY winners were edge rushers; Pearce should be a frontrunner if he lives up to expectations.
Baltimore Ravens: Malaki Starks
Mike Green is another worthy contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year. That said, the Baltimore Ravens have a potential steal on their hands in Malaki Starks.
Playing alongside Kyle Hamilton should be beneficial for Starks. It helps that the rookie is also a rangy safety with impressive fluidity and instincts in coverage. The Ravens could get serious use out of him in Year 1.
Buffalo Bills: Maxwell Hairston
By taking five defenders in a row to start off the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills took an aggressive approach toward bolstering the defense. That also leaves a crowded field of contenders who are eligible for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
In the end, it’s their first-round pick who stands the best chance. Maxwell Hairston figures to be a starting cornerback for Buffalo’s defense in Year 1. With his elite athleticism and ability to make plays on the ball, his upside is incredibly high behind a talented Bills defensive front.
Carolina Panthers: Nic Scourton
The Carolina Panthers double-dipped on edge rushers on Day 2, selecting Nic Scourton and Princely Umanmielen with consecutive picks. It’s a close call, but Scourton gets the narrow edge from me.
With 15 sacks in his last two collegiate seasons, Scourton is surprisingly polished for someone who’s just 20 years old. He’s sturdy, physical, and has a deep pass-rushing arsenal to work with. If he cracks Carolina’s starting lineup, he could make some serious noise.
Chicago Bears: Shemar Turner
With their first three picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears put all their focus on the offensive side of the ball. That makes DROY hardware unlikely, but they still drafted an intriguing defender early in the second round: defensive tackle Shemar Turner.
Turner is a physical, high-motor defender who’s stout against the run. He faces competition for playing time, with Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., and Andrew Billings all factoring into Chicago’s defensive tackle group this year. That said, Turner has the potential to be a quality starter in due time.
Cincinnati Bengals: Demetrius Knight Jr.
The Cincinnati Bengals drafted Shemar Stewart in Round 1, and his freakish athleticism gives him a very high ceiling as an edge rusher. Given his more raw skillset, though, the team’s top DROY contender might be someone else.
Demetrius Knight Jr. put together a strong campaign in 2024, notching 82 tackles, eight tackles for a loss, and two sacks for South Carolina. He’s an intelligent linebacker who’s a reliable tackler, which indicates he could put up strong numbers for Cincinnati as a rookie.
Cleveland Browns: Mason Graham
A unanimous All-American in 2024, Mason Graham was one of the top prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns hope he’ll carry his level of success from college over to the professional level.
A defensive tackle has not won Defensive Rookie of the Year since Aaron Donald in 2014, but Graham is an explosive, refined lineman who’s aware against the run and disruptive when rushing the quarterback. If there’s any defensive tackle who can break the streak this year, it’s him.
Dallas Cowboys: Donovan Ezeiruaku
Shavon Revel Jr. was a strong selection in Round 3, but he likely won’t have a path to a starting position until 2026. The Dallas Cowboys’ best DROY candidate is Donovan Ezeiruaku, their second-rounder in this year’s draft.
Ezeiruaku was an All-American for Boston College last year, finishing with 16.5 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss. His pass-rushing abilities next to Micah Parsons could make him a valuable asset for the Cowboys in Year 1.
Denver Broncos: Jahdae Barron
With Pat Surtain II in their secondary, the Denver Broncos already have one shutdown cornerback on the roster. After drafting Jahdae Barron, they could soon have two.
Barron was an All-American with five interceptions for Texas last season. His versatility could see him deployed in the slot, out wide, and even at safety for Denver. If he puts up big interception numbers like he did in college, he should be a strong DROY contender.
JAHDAE BARRON WITH THE INTERCEPTION FOR THE LONGHORNS 🔥
COMING UP BIG FOR TEXAS AGAIN THIS SEASON 😤 pic.twitter.com/EbKq3WE5GF
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 8, 2024
Detroit Lions: Tyleik Williams
Seeing as though the Detroit Lions drafted only offensive players between Rounds 2 and 5, their best DROY candidate is the stud defensive tackle they selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Williams is a stout run defender who’s quick off the ball for his size and can generate pressure up the middle. He might be a DROY long-shot, but he could be a quality starter in the league for quite some time.
Green Bay Packers: Barryn Sorrell
The Green Bay Packers used their first three draft picks on offense, making it unlikely any of their draft picks will win Defensive Rookie of the Year. That said, they did get a solid player in the fourth round in Barryn Sorrell.
Though somewhat undersized for an edge rusher, Sorrell had 25 tackles for a loss in his last three seasons at Texas. With his quickness and high motor, he could get some clean-up sacks with Rashan Gary getting attention on the opposite edge.
Houston Texans: Jaylen Reed
The Houston Texans only took three defenders with the nine picks they had in the 2025 NFL Draft. Of those picks, I like the value of safety Jaylen Reed in the sixth round the most.
While Calen Bullock and C.J. Gardner-Johnson figure to be the Texans’ primary safety duo, Gardner-Johnson could get some reps in the slot. In that case, Reed should have opportunities to make plays. If one of those safeties goes down with injury, the Penn State product’s instincts and physicality could see him make big plays.
Indianapolis Colts: JT Tuimoloau
After using a first-round pick on Laiatu Latu last year, the Indianapolis Colts continued the investment in their defensive line by taking JT Tuimoloau in the second round this year.
Tuimoloau is a high-motored edge rusher who can convert speed to power, and he was a three-time first-team All-Big Ten at Ohio State. That’s a lot of accomplishments (and hyphens). With Dayo Odeyingbo having departed in free agency, the Colts have an opening for playing time at the edge rusher position.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Travis Hunter
It remains to be seen exactly how the Jacksonville Jaguars divide up Travis Hunter’s snaps between offense and defense. If he gets a strong role at cornerback, expect him to be a DROY favorite.
The reigning Heisman Trophy winner had four interceptions and 11 pass deflections last year for Colorado. His elite ball skills give him tremendous turnover upside at cornerback in the NFL. If the Jaguars lean more toward offense with him, keep an eye on third-round safety Caleb Ransaw.
Kansas City Chiefs: Ashton Gillotte
Defensive tackle Omarr Norman-Lott offers pass-rushing value in Round 2, and cornerback Nohl Williams could end up becoming a starter in the Kansas City Chiefs’ secondary. That said, I think Ashton Gillotte has the strongest DROY case.
Not only has the award rewarded pass rushers in recent seasons, but Gillotte has the likes of Chris Jones and George Karlaftis to draw attention from him when he rushes the passer. He’s a high-floor edge rusher with power and active hands, which could see him contribute for the Chiefs in Year 1.
Las Vegas Raiders: Darien Porter
With the five picks the Las Vegas Raiders had in the first three rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft, four of those players were offensive prospects. The lone exception was Darien Porter, a toolsy cornerback who had three interceptions for Iowa State last year.
Porter was a sixth-year senior who didn’t convert to cornerback until 2022, but he brings an elite combination of size, athleticism, and ball skills. In a similar light to Riq Woolen in his rookie year, Porter could put up big interception numbers if given the opportunity.
Los Angeles Chargers: Kyle Kennard
Jamaree Caldwell was the first defender the Los Angeles Chargers drafted, but he’s more of a run-stuffer who doesn’t put up flashy numbers. I think Kyle Kennard has a chance to contribute more than the average fourth-round edge rusher as a rookie.
Kennard led the SEC with 11 sacks last season, adding 16 tackles for a loss in a Nagurski Award-winning season. Could he add to his trophy collection as a dark-horse Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate this year?
Los Angeles Rams: Chris Paul Jr.
The Los Angeles Rams have the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year on their roster in Jared Verse. If they are to repeat as winners, it’ll need to come from one of their mid- or late-round picks.
Chris Paul Jr. could be a sneaky contender for the award if he wins a starting linebacker job early in the season. The Rams’ unit there isn’t all that inspiring, and Paul showcased tremendous instincts and playmaking ability in college. He’s my dark-horse pick out of all the Day 3 defenders selected in this year’s draft.
Miami Dolphins: Kenneth Grant
Kenneth Grant faces steep odds as a prospective DROY contender, seeing as though he’s a sturdy run-stuffer who doesn’t put up flashy numbers. That said, he has the potential to be a backbone for a rebuilding Miami Dolphins defense.
Grant is a powerful defensive tackle with a strong anchor and good awareness working off of blocks in run support. He has enough athleticism demonstrated on tape to give him pass-rushing upside along the interior.
Minnesota Vikings: Kobe King
The Minnesota Vikings only had five draft picks this year, and only two of them came on the defensive side of the ball. None of them came until Day 3, limiting the odds that they have a player win Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Kobe King stands out as a potential contributor if injuries arise at the linebacker position. He’s not the most explosive athlete, but he’s a physical tackler who takes precise angles in run support and could rack up some big numbers.
New England Patriots: Bradyn Swinson
After a defense-heavy free agency haul, the New England Patriots predictably went heavy on offense in the draft to surround Drake Maye with talent. Even with that approach, they still landed a potential contributor in Round 5 in edge rusher Bradyn Swinson.
The Patriots added Harold Landry III to boost their pass rush, but Swinson is the only major addition they made to another lackluster group. He’s a crafty technician with a high motor and above-average power rushing off the edge, making him a potential contributor right out of the gate.
New Orleans Saints: Danny Stutsman
The New Orleans Saints drafted two defenders in the third round: defensive tackle Vernon Broughton and safety Jonas Sanker. However, I think it’s fourth-rounder Danny Stutsman who has the potential to be the best of the bunch.
He projects behind Demario Davis and Pete Werner on the linebacker depth chart currently, but if one of them goes down, Stutsman might not give that starting spot back up. His athleticism, size, and tenacious playing style could translate to high tackling numbers in the NFL.
New York Giants: Abdul Carter
As the first true defensive player off the board, Abdul Carter should be considered the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2025.
Sure, the New York Giants also have Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux rushing off the edge already. That said, offseason clips have indicated the Giants have packages for all three to play on the same defensive line. Carter’s elite athleticism and tremendous pass-rushing instincts give him Pro Bowl potential right out of the gate.
Abdul Carter showing off his spin move 😳🌪️ pic.twitter.com/6FIhx8L9UF
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) June 12, 2025
New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas
With the departure of D.J. Reed in free agency, the New York Jets have an opening at cornerback opposite Sauce Gardner on the perimeter. The eventual hope is that Azareye’h Thomas takes over that role.
He’ll be competing with Brandon Stephens for a starting job. That said, Thomas has the size, physicality, and ball skills needed to project as a reliable outside cornerback in the NFL. If he starts early enough, he should get plenty of attention alongside Gardner and, therefore, plenty of chances to make plays on the ball.
Philadelphia Eagles: Jihaad Campbell
The Philadelphia Eagles consistently have one of the deepest defensive lines in the NFL. That provides plenty of chances for linebackers to clean up and make plays in space.
Not only did that help Zack Baun become an All-Pro, but it could also make Jihaad Campbell a strong Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate. His elite physical attributes could make him an impact defender at the second level for Philadelphia.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Derrick Harmon
The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of talented defensive linemen. Players like T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Cameron Heyward, and Keeanu Benton will all get plenty of attention. With the addition of Derrick Harmon, they might have the most complete unit in the league.
Harmon’s length and explosiveness give him three-down value at the next level. He has the finesse needed to stack and shed blocks in the run game, as well as the speed needed to rush the passer. He’s a sneaky DROY candidate.
San Francisco 49ers: Mykel Williams
Any time you get a player like Nick Bosa rushing off the edge, whichever player rushes alongside him is practically guaranteed consistent 1-on-1 blocks. For the San Francisco 49ers, that player figures to be Mykel Williams in 2025.
Though a little bit raw, Williams has elite size and length rushing off the edge. His short-area quickness and power indicate he could be a threat if he deepens his arsenal as a pass rusher. His upside alongside Bosa is incredibly high.
Seattle Seahawks: Nick Emmanwori
With the four picks the Seattle Seahawks had in the first three rounds, the only defender they drafted was Nick Emmanwori. That makes him their top DROY candidate by default.
It’s not just out of necessity that Emmanwori is a possible candidate. He’s a generational athlete at safety with elite physical upside and a willingness to lower the shoulder in the run game. If Seattle uses him properly, he could be an impact player in Year 1.
Nick Emmanwori is a SS prospect in the 2025 draft class. He scored an unofficial 10.00 #RAS out of a possible 10.00. This ranked 1 out of 1079 SS from 1987 to 2025.
Splits projected, times unofficial. Pending agis and bench, could be a new top guy!https://t.co/WDmbwaGk56 pic.twitter.com/53Vx9vR7dx
— RAS.football (@MathBomb) February 28, 2025
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Benjamin Morrison
Benjamin Morrison is coming off an injury-shortened 2024 season, which dropped him to the second round, but his 2023 tape at Notre Dame was something special.
Morrison had nine interceptions between his first two seasons in college. His instincts in coverage make him a sticky cover defender. He should compete for a starting spot for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers right out of the gate, and he could be a dark-horse DROY candidate.
Tennessee Titans: Kevin Winston Jr.
The Tennessee Titans took just one defender in the first five rounds of the 2025 NFL Draft. Almost by default, Kevin Winston Jr. seems like their top contender for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
As a third-round safety, his odds of winning DROY aren’t incredibly high. That said, he’s a hard-hitting defensive back with a high football IQ. If he gets the right opportunity, he could surprise some people.
Washington Commanders: Trey Amos
In an attempt to fortify their secondary, the Washington Commanders drafted Trey Amos in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Amos broke out in 2024 for Ole Miss with three interceptions and 13 pass deflections. His speed and agility make him an enticing coverage cornerback at the next level. If he puts up similar numbers in his rookie year, he’ll be a sneaky DROY contender.