Early Defensive Rookie of the Year favorites for 2026 NFL season

With the NFL’s regular season kicking off in September, there’s no better time than now to take a look at all the talented and bruising defensive players who can make a case as the next defensive rookie of the year.

While the award has heavily favored defensive pass rushers over the years, several high-profile athletes have a chance to change the course of history and become one of the league’s next top stars.

MORE: Early Offensive Rookie of the Year favorites for 2026 NFL season

Let’s take a look at four rookies who could contend for this season’s defensive rookie of the year trophy.

Caleb Downs, S, Dallas CowboysAug 15, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs (13) during the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

It’s been over 35 years since the NFL has seen a safety win the defensive rookie of the year award, but when a rare talent like Caleb Downs is roaming the field for Dallas, there’s a chance that three-decade-long streak can finally be broken.

The Cowboys will need to let Downs play as the versatile chess piece he was in college to get the most out of a player of his caliber. If he can move around on defense where he can make tackles, sacks, and garner various takeaways, it will be hard to ignore Downs for DROY at the end of the season.

Mansoor Delane, CB, Kansas City ChiefsJul 29, 2026; St. Joseph, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Mansoor Delane (5) walks down the hill to the fields before training camp at Missouri Western State University. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

The undoubted best cornerback in the recent NFL Draft, Mansoor Delane, will be inserted into a CB1 role from the start of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, entrusting the LSU product to be as lockdown as advertised by scouts.

Because he is a rookie, quarterbacks will likely test the young defensive back, but if he’s able to hold his own and log at least four interceptions on the season, then Delane could very well be a name to watch in the defensive rookie of the year race.

Sonny Styles, LB, Washington CommandersJul 29, 2026; Ashburn, VA, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles (52) participates in a drill on day one of training camp at BigBear.ai Performance Center at Commanders Park. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Commanders’ newest defensive addition, Sonny Styles, is another rookie who will possibly be a Week 1 starter with the opportunity to jumpstart his career as a three-down off-ball linebacker with the ability to log sacks and a multitude of tackles.

His size and athleticism make Styles an imposing defender; how the Commanders utilize him will be a big-time tell on how much impact he can have on their team. If he is utilized in a versatile manner, then Styles will certainly be a DROY contender.

Rueben Bain Jr., EDGE, Tampa Bay BuccaneersAug 14, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. (3) warms up before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

A DROY favorite coming into the 2026 campaign, Tampa Bay pass rusher Rueben Bain Jr. is likely going to be a full-time starter for the Buccaneers from Week 1. It will have plenty of opportunities to prove to teams around the league that it was a mistake to let him go No. 15 overall in the draft.

Pass rushers also have an advantage at winning the trophy, thanks to sacks and tackles being graded so highly. EDGE rushers have won five out of the last seven defensive rookie of the year awards, and with Bain likely to be off the leash by Week 1, this may just be his award to lose.

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