2025 NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Best Bets

The first couple weeks after the NFL Draft are a critical time to start building out your Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year portfolio. Draft capital and landing spots play a significant role in projecting the upcoming class in year one but are not always accurately priced in the future markets early on. The goal at this time of the offseason isn’t necessarily to pick out which players are most likely to win the award, but rather to identify candidates with the most value based on their current odds.

2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Best Bet

Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

(+1400, DraftKings Sportsbook)

Tetairoa McMillan came out as one of the biggest winners on Draft Day, sneaking his way inside the top 10 when he was selected by the Carolina Panthers at No. 8 overall. Although he was technically the second wide receiver drafted, only six picks behind Travis Hunter, McMillan is a much safer bet to be a full-time player on offense but has significantly longer odds to win Rookie of the Year. Unlike Hunter, McMillan also likely steps into an alpha role immediately with soon-to-be 35-year-old Adam Thielen his primary competition for targets. In a relatively weak receiver class, McMillan stands out as one of the few players at the position to make an impact right away, coming off of back-to-back 1,300-plus yards and eight-plus touchdowns seasons at the University of Arizona. He should be Bryce Young’s go-to target from Day 1, operating in the “Mike Evans” role in Dave Canales’ offense.

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2025 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Best Bet

Abdul Carter, DE, New York Giants

(+300, BetRivers)

Abdul Carter was among the top prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft, selected by the New York Giants at No. 3 overall. Although he is the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, +300 is still an appealing price for the best defensive end in the class, transitioning from an off-ball linebacker, with an all-around skill set that translates to the next level. Carter was named the Big 10 Defensive Player of the Year in his final season at Penn State, while still learning a new position, leading the NCAA with 23.5 tackles for losses to go along with 12 sacks. At only 21 years old, Carter still has a lot of room to grow and should be able to contribute right away without being the center of attention. It was another season to forget for the GMen, however, the defense held its own, finishing tied for eighth in sacks and tied for third in tackles for loss.