Top 5 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates

Every sports fan knows the adage that defense wins championships. For a lot of teams around the NFL, young guys have stepped up and made significant noise.

Five players, in particular, have cemented themselves as favorites to win Defensive Player of the Year at this point in the season.

5. Will Johnson: Cornerback, Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals haven’t had too much to be happy about this season. Sitting at 3-5, it seems like Arizona’s playoff hopes are fading fast. However, one of the few bright spots in Scottsdale is rookie cornerback Will Johnson.

Through six games, Johnson has 14 solo tackles, 19 total tackles, one forced fumble, six pass breakups and zero interceptions. With these numbers, Johnson so far looks to be the best corner in the 2025 draft class.

Johnson sticks to receivers like glue in man coverage and provides very little separation. Even with such tight coverage, Johnson has a very small number of penalties to open the season. For him to rise up this list, he will need at least 2-3 interceptions, if not more.

4. Donovan Ezeiruaku: Edge Rusher, Dallas Cowboys

Since trading away star outside linebacker Micah Parsons, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense has been one of the most frustrating units to watch in the league. But, the most satisfying part of this defense is rookie edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku.

On the year, Ezeiruaku has 20 total tackles, 13 solo tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Ezeiruaku’s best game came against the Washington Commanders, where he had four total tackles, three solo tackles, and one sack.

If Ezeiruaku continues to produce at this and maybe even a higher level, not only can he win DPOY, but he may also be the answer to the question of “who will replace Micah Parsons?”

3. Nick Emmanwori: Safety, Seattle Seahawks

Unlike the first two teams, the Seattle Seahawks are among the best in the league. A lot of their success is thanks to a strong defensive unit.

On the back end of that unit is a player who patrols the deep part of the field and prevents receivers from making plays. He is a safety and his name is Nick Emmanwori.

In five games as a Seahawk, Emmanwori has 23 total tackles, 16 solo tackles, and two pass deflections. Emmanwori’s best game came against the Washington Commanders, where he had six total tackles and five solo tackles.

As his stats suggest, Emmanwori can lay the boom. He is able to do this as the Seahawks have the ability to put him anywhere on the field, and he will produce.

By bringing the boom, Emmanwori can be compared to another Seahawks great who he may be able to reach the level of, safety Kam Chancellor

2. Jihaad Campbell: Linebacker, Philadelphia Eagles

As if the Eagles couldn’t get any stronger, they somehow found a way with rookie linebacker Jihaad Campbell.

In eight games wearing the green and white, Campbell has racked up 45 total tackles, 26 solo tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception. In his best game, Campbell had 11 total tackles and six solo tackles.

Campbell is relentless. Every single play, he is darting toward the football or to his coverage assignment. Even if he doesn’t make the play, he finds a way to either impact it or be in its vicinity.

1. Abdul Carter: Linebacker, New York Giants

Coming out of Penn State, Abdul Carter was being compared to the likes of former Nittany Lion division rival Micah Parsons. While he may not be at Parsons’ level just yet, he is well on his way to getting there.

In nine games as a New York Giant, Carter has 22 total tackles, 11 solo tackles, one fumble recovery, and half of a sack.

In arguably his best game against the Washington Commanders, a team that seems to let every rookie tear it up against them, Carter had three total tackles, one solo tackle, and half of a sack.

While the numbers may not be there in the sack department for Carter, the Giants have nothing to lose, so Carter should be inspired to go out and play recklessly. Carter has a perfect blend of power and speed.

This combination, along with other physical traits and intangibles, has made Carter the best defensive rookie in the league to this point and rightfully given him comparisons to Parsons.

Max Malec is a first-year student majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email mvm7264@psu.edu.