posted September 10, 2009 at 15:21 EST in NFL Props
NFL Prop Betting - Defensive Rookie of the Year
Pro football betting fanatics have another entertaining way to cash in thanks to the vast array of prop bets in the BetUS Sportsbook.
By selecting the correct winner of the league’s 2009 Defensive Rookie of the Year, football bettors can break the bank in a big way. This look at some of the league’s past award winners, along with my expert NFL analysis, should put pro football bettors well on their way to cashing in on this thrilling season-long football Props wager.
First, here is a look at the past winners since 2000, followed by a comprehensive list of my top contenders – and selection on which player will ultimately win this year’s award.
Past NFL Defensive ROY Winners
2000 - Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears, Linebacker, New Mexico
2001 - Kendrell Bell, Pittsburgh Steelers, Linebacker, Georgia
2002 - Julius Peppers, Carolina Panthers, Defensive end, UNC
2003 - Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens, Linebacker, Arizona State
2004 - Jonathan Vilma, New York Jets, Linebacker, Miami
2005 - Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers, Linebacker, Maryland
2006 - DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans, Linebacker, Alabama
2007 - Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers, Linebacker, Ole Miss
2008 - Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots, Linebacker, Tennessee
Top Contenders
Aaron Curry +450
Curry, the fourth overall draft pick by the Seattle Seahawks certainly fits the mold to win this year’s ROY award. He plays the correct position (outside linebacker) and has all the tools, like speed, size – and a nasty enough disposition - to become one of the best young linebackers in the game.
Tyson Jackson +700
Jackson, the third overall draft pick by the Kansas City Chiefs has the talent and plays a position (defensive end) where he can make a lot of plays and highlight his talent. However, playing for the lowly Kansas City Chiefs won’t help, not to mention the frequent double teams he will likely see.
Brian Orakpo +1000
The Washington Redskins made an excellent pick in drafting Orakpo with the 13th overall pick in the draft. The fleet-footed defensive end will have plenty of opportunities to make plays in his rookie season and plays for a team with a very sound, if not spectacular, defense. This guy has a motor that doesn’t quit.
B J Raji +700
Raji, the ninth overall pick by the Green Bay Packers, has plenty of talent, but he plays the wrong position (defensive tackle) to really stand out for voters that love disruptive, speedy, playmakers. Still, Raji will have a shot at the very least.
Aaron Maybin +2000
Maybin, the 11th overall draft pick by the Buffalo Bills is a speedy defensive end that will undoubtedly make plays for the Bills in his rookie season. While I don’t think he’s as good a player as Brian Orakpo, there’s no disputing that he will have a shot at winning.
Brian Cushing +1200
Cushing, an outside linebacker that was drafted by the Houston Texans with the 15th overall draft pick, joins a talented defensive unit that features some outstanding young defensive players, particularly on the defensive line – and should be able to make plenty of plays coming off the end as a speed rusher or dropping back to defend the AFC South’s fine quarterbacks, (Manning, Collins, Garrard).
Larry English +1500
English is a speedy hybrid defensive end-linebacker that was selected by the San Diego Chargers with the 16th overall draft pick – and will make a ton of plays playing opposite of outstanding linebacker Shawne ‘I didn’t choke Tila’ Merriman.
Clay Matthews +1200
Matthews, the 26th overall pick by the Green Bay Packers, may not be a jaw-dropping, highlight reel kinda’ linebacker, but all I know is that Matthews, more often than not, is in the perfect position to make plays. Voters that like steady-as-a-rock defenders will love Matthews.
E.W.’s Pick: As BetUS NFL betting enthusiasts can see from the list of past winners, seven of the past eight winners have been playmaking linebackers. In keeping with that trend, I’m going with one of two players to win this year’s award. Either Aaron Curry or Larry English. Both players will start from the get-go for their respective teams and should be able to make a ton of plays, though I’ll admit that English should have more opportunities playing for the AFC title contending San Diego Chargers and opposite perennial All-Pro linebacker Shawne Merriman.
Check out all of the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds in the BetUS NFL Sportsbook.
