Last week, we took at look at Bovada’s online sportsbook for odds on who would win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year for 2011. This week, we turn attention to the other side of the football – let’s take a look at some numbers for AP Defensive ROY:
Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals
6/1
After a standout career at LSU, Peterson was taken 5th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft by the Arizona Cardinals. The reasons for this were aplenty â Peterson was the most decorated defensive player in college football last season and ran the second-fastest 40 yard dash time at the Scouting Combine, running a 4.34 (and he did all this despite being the biggest cornerback there, at 6-foot, 219 lbs). He tops the list of likely Defensive ROY winners because of his situation – aside from having tremendous ball skills and physicality, he’ll likely get a chance to start right away in Arizona. There are spots to be had at cornerback with only Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie locked in as a starter. Peterson will be one to watch this year amongst NFL football bettors.
Nick Fairley, DT, Detroit Lions
13/2
Fairley’s an interesting case study. He was thought to be the most talented player in the draft, but questions about attitude and work ethic saw him slip to 13th overall - and right into Detroit’s lap. And that’s what makes things interesting. Detroit already has the reigning Defensive ROY on its roster â Ndamukong Suh - and he too plays along the defensive line. Detroit will boast one of the most talented and disruptive DLs in the league this year, making Fairley a boom-or-bust pick. If teams pay attention to Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch, Fairley could be freed up for a lot of playmaking opportunities. If they don’t, Fairley will struggle to get his chances.
Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos
13/2
Denver made Miller the highest-drafted LB since LaVar Arrington went No. 2 to Washington over 10 years ago – so that tells you what the organization thought of his playmaking abilities. Team VP John Elway said Miller is “a type of guy that comes around every 10 years” and head coach Jon Fox is already looking for opportunities to unleash Miller on opposing offenses. If you’re looking for a sleeper bet, Miller could be your guy. CBSSports.com draft guru Rob Rang belives that Miller will win the Defensive ROY honor, so that’s something to definitely keep in mind.
Othersâ¦
Marcel Dareus, taken third overall by Buffalo, is at 15/2. He’s expected to become the run-stuffing DT in the Bills’ new-look 3-4 defense: CB Jimmy Smith (10/1) joins a tough and ball-hawking Baltimore defense that should get him plenty of playmaking opportunities: Prince Amukamara (10/1) will compete for a starting job in the New York Giants secondary.
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