Henry Roldán
With just under a month to go before the beginning of the 2022-23 American football season,in Las Vegas, the odds are already in the air… So, in this edition, JefeBet brings you the favorites to win the DROY NFL (Defensive Rookie of the Year) award for the upcoming campaign.
Predictions, Picks, and Betting Preview for the DROY Race in the NFL 2022-23 Season
10.- Devin Lloyd (+2000)
The first-round selection of the Jaguars is ranked 10th in Las Vegas, not because he is a bad player, but rather because Jacksonville added so many players during the preseason to bolster its defense that Devin Lloyd won’t likely have as many chances to accumulate stats for the award. He is also a good linebacker with a lot of aggressiveness on the gridiron.
9.- Nakobe Dean (+2000)
The Eagles appear to have made a good decision in taking a chance on Nakobe Dean, who was taken in the third round after suffering a pectoral injury that prevented him from being higher in the draft. The young linebacker is expected to be part of Philadelphia’s second defensive unit, although he dazzled the coaching staff in his first preseason game and could sneak into the starting lineup at the last minute.
8.- Jermaine Johnson (+1600)
Although he should not start the season as a starter, the Jets’ first-round pick, Jermaine Johnson, made a very good impression during the first preseason game and New York is excited about what the powerful linebacker is able to achieve. He played 15 snaps against the Eagles and may start 2022 as Carl Lawson’s backup.
7.- Derek Stingley Jr. (+1400) (+1400)
It’s not often that a cornerback gets to fight closely for the NFL DROY, but Derek Stingley Jr.’s quality, as well as the playing time he will get from the beginning with the Texans, make him a top ten candidate for the award. The third overall pick in last year’s draft has the technique, athleticism, and innate quality of a good catcher that a cornerback needs.
6.- Quay Walker (+1200)
The Packers’ first-round pick in last year’s draft will play an important role for the team from the first week of the regular round.
The linebacker will start as one of the starters and will have the opportunity to get a good amount of records for his 2022 DROY NFL bid. The question regarding Quay Walker was related to whether he could be mentally ready for the challenge, which Green Bay believes he has already met and has confidence in him.
5.- Willow Gardner (+1000)
The Jets went for Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner as their first pick, fourth overall in the draft, because the young corner projects to be one of the best in the circuit from his first season. In addition to his agility and speed, Gardner is known for not being afraid of any receiver in front of him, so he wastes no time in playing aggressively in the 1-1 duels he holds.
4.- Kyle Hamilton (+1000)
While a deep safety has never won the NFL DROY, Kyle Hamilton is among the favorites because he is not a traditional safety.
The Ravens’ first-round pick can put some pressure as a linebacker, play zone against tight ends, and play as a traditional safety to cover passes deep. All of this, within a Baltimore defense that projects to be one of the best in the league, bodes well for his first year on the circuit.
3.- Travon Walker (+900)
The talent is there, but it looks like playing for a team like Jacksonville may not be enough to keep the DROY NFL for the 2022-23 season.
The first overall pick of last year’s draft aims to play outside linebacker for the Jaguars, a different position than the defensive wing position he played in college and which has brought him so much success. By changing Walker’s position, he may not have the impact and drive necessary to fully compete for the award.
2.- Kayvon Thibodeaux (+550)
The fifth overall pick in the last draft is very close to the top spot because of the importance he will play in the Giants’ defense.
The linebacker will see action on a team that projects to take a lot of carries at quarterback under defensive coordinator Don Martindale, something that could benefit Kayvon Thibodeaux if he can add a good amount of catches. In addition, playing in the middle of the line guarantees him a lot of direct confrontations and a good amount of tackles.
1.- Aidan Hutchinson (+450)
The second overall pick in last year’s draft is set to be the defensive face of the Lions in just his first season on the circuit. Aidan Hutchinson is first in Las Vegas to win the 2022-23 DROY NFL due to his size, strength, and agility that he demonstrates in his game and that should give him a good amount of catches in his first experience.
Hutchinson should play virtually every snap for Detroit this year and be the man going after the opposing quarterback with the most ferocity.
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