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NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Odds, winners, trophy, when is it awarded?

We provide everything you need to know about the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award.

Current NFL superstars Jared Verse, Will Anderson Jr., Sauce Gardner, Nick Bosa and Micah Parsons are all former NFL Defensive Rookies of the Year who are still playing in the league.

Who will emerge as the league's best defensive rookie?

2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds

Odds for this market will be added when they are available.

Read more: NFL Honors winners, awards, voting results & more

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year past winners

Season

Name

Position

Team

2024

Jared Verse

DE

Los Angeles Rams

2023

Will Anderson Jr.

DE

Houston Texans

2022

Sauce Gardner

CB

New York Jets

2021

Micah Parsons

OLB

Dallas Cowboys

2020

Chase Young

DE

Washington

2019

Nick Bosa

DE

San Francisco 49ers

2018

Shaquille Leonard

LB

Indianapolis Colts

2017

Marshon Lattimore

CB

New Orleans Saints

2016

Joey Bosa

DE

San Diego Chargers

2015

Marcus Peters

CB

Kansas City Chiefs

2014

Aaron Donald

DT

St. Louis Rams

2013

Sheldon Richardson

DT

New York Jets

2012

Luke Kuechly

MLB

Carolina Panthers

2011

Von Miller

OLB

Denver Broncos

2010

Ndamukong Suh

DT

Detroit Lions

2009

Brian Cushing

MLB

Houston Texans

2008

Jerod Mayo

MLB

New England Patriots

2007

Patrick Willis

MLB

San Frnacisco 49ers

2006

DeMeco Ryans

MLB

Houston Texans

2005

Shawne Merriman

OLB

San Diego Chargers

2004

Jonathan Vilma

MLB

New York Jets

2003

Terrell Suggs

OLB

Baltimore Ravens

2002

Julius Peppers

DE

Carolina Panthers

2001

Kendrell Bell

MLB

Pittsburgh Steelers

2000

Brian Urlacher

MLB

Chicago Bears

1999

Jevon Kearse

DE

Tennessee Titans

1998

Charles Woodson

CB

Oakland Raiders

1997

Peter Boulware

LB

Baltimore Ravens

1996

Simeon Rice

DE

Arizona Cardinals

1995

Hugh Douglas

DE

New York Jets

1994

Tim Bowens

DT

Miami Dolphins

1993

Dana Stubblefield

DT

San Francisco 49ers

1992

Dale Carter

CB

Kansas City Chiefs

1991

Mike Croel

OLB

Denver Broncos

1990

Mark Carrier

S

Chicago Bears

1989

Derrick Thomas

OLB

Kansas City Chiefs

1988

Erik McMillan

S

New York Jets

1987

Shane Conlan

MLB

Buffalo Bills

1986

Leslie O'Neal

DE

San Diego Chargers

1985

Duane Bickett

OLB

Indianapolis Colts

1984

Bill Maas

NT

Kansas City Chiefs

1983

Vernon Maxwell

OLB

Baltimore Ravens

1982

Chip Banks

OLB

Cleveland Browns

1981

Lawrence Taylor

OLB

New York Giants

1980

Al Richardson and Buddy Curry

OLB (both)

Atlanta Falcons (both)

1979

Jim Haslett

MLB

Buffalo Bills

1978

Al Baker

DE

Detroit Lions

1977

AJ Duhe

MLB

Miami Dolphins

1976

Mike Haynes

CB

New England Patriots

1975

Robert Brazile

OLB

Houston Oilers

1974

Jack Lambert

MLB

Pittsburgh Steelers

1973

Wally Chambers

DT

Chicago Bears

1972

Willie Buchanon

CB

Green Bay Packers

1971

Isiah Robertson

LB

Los Angeles Rams

1970

Bruce Taylor

CB

San Francisco 49ers

1969

Joe Greene

DT

Pittsburgh Steelers

1968

Claude Humphrey

DE

Atlanta Falcons

1967

Lem Barney

CB

Detroit Lions

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy

The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy features a bronze NFL logo attached to a small pedestal. It is similar to the trophies awarded for Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Offensive Rookie of the Year.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year announcement

The NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year winner is announced at the NFL Honors ceremony, taking place at 9 PM ET on Thursday, February 8.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting

A panel of 50 sports journalists affiliated with the Associated Press votes on the NFL end-of-season awards, including the Defensive Rookie of the Year. For Offensive Player of the Year, voters rank their first three choices which makes it easier for the AP to calculate second- and third-placed finishers in voting.

Odds displayed within this article were correct at the time of writing and are subject to change.

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