2011 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds, Picks and Predictions – Top 5 Favorites and Contenders to Win NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year: The 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds have been posted by the vegas oddsmakers at the Las Vegas sportsbooks on the strip and are now updated on NSAwins.com. The vegas line experts have made Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Vonn Miller and Arizona Cardinals rookie cornerback the +500 favorites to win the 2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award followed by Buffalo Bills rookie defensive tackle Marcell Dareus at +650 odds, Detroit Lions rookie defensive tackle Nick Fairley at +800 odds and Baltimore Ravens rookie cornerback Jimmy Smith at +800 odds.
Last season, defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh took home the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. By claiming top honors, Suh snapped a seven-year streak of linebackers winning the award. That being said, linebackers have still claimed nine of the last 11 awards. Members of the secondary have had an even tougher time getting recognized. Charles Woodson was the last non-lineman to win the award way back in 1998.
Top 5 2011 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Contenders and Favorites
- Von Miller, Linebacker, Denver Broncos
Since linebackers seem to have the inside track and Miller is the most talented rookie at the position, he should have an excellent chance. He will start right away for a Denver team that had a terrible defense last season. The unit shifts to a 4-3 scheme this year, which should mean more tackles for Miller. The fact that he has solid pass rushing skills will only make his numbers more appealing to voters.
- Cameron Jordan, Defensive End, New Orleans Saints
Although Cameron Jordan was drafted to help improve the Saints’ pass rush, his ability to defend both the run and pass will put him in the mix for the Rookie of the Year Award. Being on the field almost every down will allow him to put up better numbers than a lot of his rookie competition, and if he can finish with around 50 tackles and 10 sacks, he will be tough to overlook. Playing for team with Super Bowl aspirations will definitely help Jordan’s chances at winning Rookie of the Year honors.
- J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Houston Texans
The Texans completely retooled their secondary in the offseason by picking up a few players via free agency. Houston also drafted J.J. Watt to improve the team’s pass rush and help take some pressure of the aforementioned secondary. With the Texans switching to a 3-4 base defense this season, Watt’s size and strength will be a perfect fit at the end position. Unfortunately for Watt, he may cause more problems for opponents than his number actually indicate. Opening up holes for DeMeco Ryans and Brian Cushing to make plays is going to be a huge boost for Houston defense, but it won’t help Watt’s chances to win individual accolades.
- Patrick Peterson, Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals
With Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie being shipped to the Eagles, the door is open for Patrick Peterson to start right away. Universally regarded as the best player in April’s draft, he should be productive immediately. Granted, cornerbacks have had a tough time winning Rookie of the Year honors, but the fact that Peterson should also see time as a kick returner will boost his odds. He has athleticism to spare, and if he can score a couple of touchdowns on special teams and add a handful of interceptions, Peterson will be in the mix.
- Jabaal Sheard, Defensive End, Cleveland Browns
Cleveland got a steal when Jabaal Sheard slipped to the second round. He has a motor that doesn’t quit, and Sheard should quickly become a thorn in the side of many an opposing quarterback. Being a lesser known player coming out of college, he is going to have to be even better than some of his big name competition to get noticed by voters. That being said, Sheard has the energy and quickness to pile up sacks and tackles for loss. If he can establish himself as the best pass rusher among rookies, he could end up stealing top honors.
NSAwins.com’s expert NFL handicapper Gerry “BIG CAT” Andino likes Denver Broncos rookie linebacker Vonn Miller at +500 odds to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. You can bet on who you think will win the 2011 NFL Rookie of the Year Awards at JustBET Sportsbook and get a 100% MATCH BONUS upto $2500 FREE on your 1st Deposit. Stop by NSAwins.com daily throughout the NFL season for daily Free NFL Predictions and Weekly NFL Odds plus daily updated Super Bowl XLVI Futures Odds.
2011 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award Odds
1851 Aaron Williams +1500
1852 Adrian Clayborn +1200
1853 Aldon Smith +1000
1854 Bruce Carter +1000
1855 Cameron Jordan +1200
1856 Corey Liuget +1500
1857 DaQuan Bowers +2000
1858 JJ Watt +1200
1859 Jabaal Sheard +1800
1860 Jimmy Smith +800
1861 Marcell Dareus +650
1862 Marvin Austin +1500
1863 Muhammad Wilkerson +1500
1864 Nick Fairley +800
1865 Patrick Peterson +500
1866 Prince Amukamara
1867 Phil Taylor +2000
1868 Robert Quinn +1200
1869 Ryan Kerrigan +1200
1870 Von Miller +500
1871 Cameron Heyward +1500
1872 Field +800