3 Rookies to Watch at OTAs – See the Latest OROY and DROY Odds
By Chris Amberley in NFL Football
Published:
- I’ve scoured the odds board looking for values in the OROY and DROY odds as OTAs take place
- Cardinals corner Will Johnson is a tremendous value at +2800 if he can stay healthy
- Below, see the latest NFL Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year odds and best value bets
OTAs are underway across the NFL with mandatory minicamps to follow in the second week of June. Rookies are already turning heads prompting beat reporters to write glowing essays about the futures of these first year players. It’s hard to parse through what’s real and what’s not, but online sportsbooks haven’t been impressed enough to significantly adjust the price of any of the serious offensive or defensive rookie of the year candidates.
Latest NFL OROY Odds
In the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty remains a solid +250 favorite, just ahead of Tennessee’s future franchise QB Cam Ward at +350. The odds of the top-five have not budged since we last checked in four weeks ago, which presents an interesting buying opportunity on Carolina’s Tetiaroa McMillan at +1500.
McMillan Should See a Voluminous Role
The Arizona product’s development is reportedly being fast tracked this offseason. He’s been a focal point of the passing game since Day 1, which makes sense due to the lack of viable competition. McMillan was an elite producer in college, and the Panthers believe he can be their top playmaker right off the bat.
McMillan led the FBS in receiving yards and 20+ yard receptions, while ranking top-five in catches and touchdowns over his final two seasons. His route running and contested catch ability is being drooled over in the early going, and there should be no shortage of opporunity.
Carolina had just one receiver record more than 500 receiving yards last season, while no one exceeded 615 yards or 5 TD. McMilland should dominate target share for the Panthers and could be the key ingredient Bryce Young needs to take the next step. Young finished last season with 8 TD and 0 INT over his final three starts, giving us hope that he can help carry Carolina over their projection in the NFL win total odds and McMillan to an OROY title.
Dart’s Stock Could Rise Quickly
Another offensive play to monitor closely as the start of the season approaches is Jaxson Dart. The Giants second first round pick is expected to start the season on the bench behind Russell Wilson, but could the ladder be in for a cruel twist of fate?
Back in 2012, Wilson was in a similar position to Dart and wound up stealing the starting job in training camp from Matt Flynn. Given Wilson’s decline in play, and Dart’s potential ceiling, the roles could easily be reversed this summer.
Dart is college football’s all-time yards per attempt leader and has the arm talent to further unlock stud receiver Malik Nabers. His odds will shortened drastically if he wins the job right away, but even if he takes over a few games into the season, he still has the upside to put up OROY numbers. Now seems like the right time to take a stab at his +3500 price.
Johnson is a Serious Value in the DROY Market
Much like the OROY odds, the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year odds hasn’t budged in a month. That means Will Johnson remains an incredible value, so long as he stays healthy.
NFL DROY Odds
There was a time not too long ago when Johnson was considered the best player in the 2025 Draft by some pundits. A knee injury caused his slide to pick 47, but his talent is undeniable.
Johnson was the 2024 National Championship Game defensive MVP, and racked up 4 INT, 4 pass deflections and a pick-six in his last full collegiate season.
PFF’s Rookie Corner Rankings
He gave up the FBS’ second lowest passer rating in coverage during his collegiate career, and with Arizona lacking a star in their DB room, he’ll likely draw the opposing team’s top assignment right away. His ball skills and coverage ability will allow him to shine at the pro level, making health his primary obstacle. He’s injury free at the moment, making his +2800 worth the risk given his potential ceiling.
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Sports Writer
As SBD's resident Swiss Army Knife, Chris covers virtually every sport including NFL, PGA, NBA, MLB, NCAAB, NCAAF and the Olympics. A true grinder, he'd rather pick off small edges in the player props market than swing for the fences with a 5-leg parlay.
