Schwesinger Tops Odds for Defensive Rookie of the Year
The race for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) title is heating up as the 2025-26 pro football season reaches its climax. Cleveland linebacker Carson Schwesinger has emerged as the strong favorite, dramatically increasing his odds from an initial 4% to an impressive 94% on Kalshi.
Carson Schwesinger’s Stellar Performance
Schwesinger, a second-round pick from UCLA, has been a standout player this season. He led all rookies with 156 combined tackles, earning him not only accolades but also a spot in the top five all-time for rookie tackles.
- Interceptions: 2
- Tackles for Loss: 11
- Passes Defended: 3
Even while coping with a high ankle sprain throughout the season, Schwesinger showcased exceptional skills in both tackling and coverage. His impact on the field was felt even more after his 11-tackle performance against Baltimore, which contributed to a surge in his DROY odds from 38% to 87%.
Other Contenders for DROY
While Schwesinger leads the pack, several other players are making noise in the DROY conversation.
- Nick Emmanwori (Seattle Safety): Currently at 7%, Emmanwori has made significant contributions with 81 tackles and 11 passes defended, showcasing his versatility in 14 games.
- James Pearce, Jr. (Atlanta Defensive End): With a market probability of 2%, Pearce has recorded 10.5 sacks and maintained a presence across all games despite limited starting opportunities.
- Abdul Carter (New York Outside Linebacker): Once at the top with a 40% probability, his inconsistent performance has dropped him to under 1%.
- Xavier Watts (Atlanta Safety): Also at 1%, he remains a less likely contender in the current race.
Unique Historical Context
Interestingly, an interior linebacker hasn’t won the AP DROY since Shaq Leonard in the 2018-19 season. With Schwesinger’s exceptional level of play, he could break that trend. Additionally, there is a rare possibility for Schwesinger and teammate Myles Garrett, who is heavily favored to win the AP Defensive Player of the Year (99% likelihood), to both receive their honors in the same season.
The last time this happened was in 1981 when linebacker Lawrence Taylor won both awards for New York.
Award Announcement Details
The AP Defensive Rookie of the Year will be announced on February 5, 2026, at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco.
Current DROY Odds on Kalshi
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Carson Schwesinger (Cleveland LB) | 94% |
| Nick Emmanwori (Seattle S) | 7% |
| James Pearce (Atlanta DE) | 2% |
| Abdul Carter (New York LB) | 1% |
| Xavier Watts (Atlanta S) | 1% |
As the award date approaches, all eyes will be on Schwesinger, who has proven to be a player to watch in the NFL.
