Photo by Bobak Ha'Eri (CC BY 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons

Jacob Rodriguez is Defensive Rookie of the Year favorite after big game vs. Chiefs

After capturing numerous collegiate accolades at Texas Tech, linebacker Jacob Rodriguez fell to the second round of the 2026 NFL draft where the Miami Dolphins selected him with the 43rd pick. He has quickly justified that selection, emerging as the +400 betting favorite for Defensive Rookie of the Year following a stellar performance against the Chiefs that featured three tackles behind the line of scrimmage against Kenneth Walker and an interception off Patrick Mahomes.

Several other rookies trail closely behind Rodriguez in the current betting markets. His former college teammate, Jets linebacker David Bailey, sits at +450, while three standout players from Ohio State round out the top tier of odds: Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles at +700, Giants linebacker Arvell Reese at +800, and Cowboys safety Caleb Downs at +850.

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