Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds: Is Jared Verse still favored by the Rams?

While Jared Verse started the season strong, he seemed to hit the rookie wall over the last three weeks. For the first time since the start of the season, the Los Angeles Rams rookie is no longer the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Depending on the sports betting provider, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Quinyon Mitchell is now just ahead of Verses +110 to +150.

The odds don’t necessarily decide the winner, but they are evidence of how close the race has become. A month ago, Verse was well ahead of Mitchell and wasn’t very close. Mitchell has significantly closed that gap, while Verse’s play has taken a slight dip.

For Verse to be named Defensive Rookie of the Year, he will need to finish the season strong. Despite this, Verse is still highly regarded in league circles. NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero recently asked executives around the league about who they think should win awards at the end of the season. Those awards included Defensive Rookie of the Year, where Verse still has a big advantage. Pelissero said:

“The 19th overall pick, Verse received 15 votes – a testament to what a force he was in the Rams’ recovery from a 1-4 start to regain control of the NFC West.” He has 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He leads all rookies in tackles for loss (11) and QB hits (17). Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell, selected three picks later, finished second with six votes. He started all 14 games and was credited with 10 pass breakups. Rams defensive end Braden Fiske (second round, 39th overall) received three votes.”

After Kobie Turner missed out on the Defensive Rookie of the Year award last season, it would be nice to see Verse come out on top this year. Braden Fiske probably won’t win, but the fact that he’s someone recognized by everyone around the league is certainly a positive. Even if Verse or Fiske don’t win, the fact that Rams players are in this conversation two years in a row is a testament to how well general manager Les Snead has been drafting lately.

For Verse to win the award, he will have to once again perform at the level he was at the start of the season. Mitchell was very good for the Eagles as that team had the best pass defense in the NFL. Combine that with recency bias, and it wouldn’t be unusual for voters to side with Mitchell in the media.

The next three games will be important for the Rams and Verses. With a 10 day break it should give Verse time to reset and go into the final stages refreshed. If the Rams’ rookie can put together solid performances in prime time against the Arizona Cardinals next week and possibly again in Week 18 to win the NFC West, it will be hard to dismiss him for Defensive Rookie of the Year.