NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Betting

Choosing which player will win Defensive Rookie of the Year is one of the tougher 2010 NFL futures. Linebackers have claimed nine of the last 10 awards, including seven straight. The linebacking crop is a little thin; instead, this year's draft featured several high-profile defensive tackles, a position traditionally ignored in ROY voting. So who has the inside edge?

NDAMUKONG SUH, +450 Detroit Lions

Suh is fighting an uphill battle as a defensive tackle. No tackle has won Rookie of the Year since Tim Bowens in 1994. Suh is incredibly talented, but tackles just don't rack up glam stats voters love, like sacks-especially not in their rookie seasons.

ERIC BERRY, +550 Kansas City Chiefs

Voters do love high tackle output, though, which is something Berry should put up. The Chiefs are sluggish against the run, meaning Berry should have plenty of opportunities to chase down opposing backs through the secondary. Throw in a few interceptions and forced fumbles, and you have the best candidate on the board in Berry.

GERALD MCCOY, +850 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

McCoy is in the same boat as Suh. Even if he has an effective year, he won't generate the eye-popping numbers voters are looking for. He's not worth it considering some of the other guys available.

EARL THOMAS, +875 Seattle Seahawks

Thomas is already running with the first team and will start at safety on opening day. He has the benefit of a great veteran teacher beside him (Lawyer Millow) and pretty solid help are corner, including Marcus Trufant, Kelly Jennings and Josh Wilson. The Seahawks will struggle to rush the passer, though, which could contribute to Thomas struggling in his rookie season.

SEAN WEATHERSPOON, +1400 Atlanta Falcons

Weatherspoon plays the recent position du jour for Rookie of the Year voters, linebacker. He's expected to be eased into the defense and might only play passing downs to begin with; that won't generate the sheer number of tackles needed to win the award.

OTHER NOTABLES

Kyle Wilson, Jets, +1400. Wilson could be in line for more playing time than expected with Darrell Revis currently holding out. If Revis sits out, Wilson moves up the board-teams will throw at him instead of Antonio Cromartie, creating more chances for interceptions.

Rolando McClain, Raiders, +1500. Perhaps the best value on the board. Playing for a poor Raiders "D" will actually help McCalin-more opportunities for tackles. He's also been practicing with the nickel package, meaning he should be a three-down player.

Derrick Morgan, Titans, +1700. Morgan is nursing a torn calf injury, and he's losing ground to a few veterans. Stay away.

Joe Haden, Browns, +1700. Unless an injury intervenes, Haden won't start this year. His speed was also questioned by the team during mini-camps. Another candidate you don't want to buy in on.

Brandon Spikes, Patriots, +2300. If you're looking for a real long shot, Spikes is your man. He has a great chance to start in Week 1 and would rack up a pile of tackles playing in the middle of New England's defense. They've also toyed with him at outside linebacker during camp, meaning some third-down/pass rush opportunities might be available as well.