Three out of the last five Defensive Rookie of the Year winners came from the edge position. Because edge rushers are one of the most critical positions in the new pass-first era of the NFL, it seems wise to focus on that position when deciding on this season’s winner. I will focus on who has the best NFL odds to win the 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidate | Jaelan Phillips
I will preface that I am a Miami Dolphins fan. However, this decision is based solely on opportunity and merit. To achieve a coveted award like DROY, a player must have three things working in his favor. They include a clear starting role, talent, and a beneficial opportunity to showcase that talent.
These factors come into play when considering edge rusher Jaelan Phillips for the best Defensive Rookie of the Year odds. You must consider what the other candidates have going for them and against them. Phillips has the clearest path to putting up Pro Bowl numbers coupled with the best NFL odds.
Clear starting role
The Dolphins employ a 3-4 base defense but are typically in a sub-package over 70% of the time. Miami is deep at the linebacker position, but each LB plays a different role within the formation. The only true competitor to Phillips at the rush end position (his primary position) is Emmanuel Ogbah.
The rush end in the Dolphins’ defense is primarily responsible for attacking the quarterback’s blindside on passing downs. You must be an extremely athletic individual; think Jason Taylor or Cameron Wake for previous freakish Dolphins’ athletes at the position. Both of these players have accumulated multiple awards, and Phillips showcases the same talent for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
The NFL is a pass-first league focused on pushing the ball downfield and waiting for opportunities to expose the opposing defense. With the Dolphins’ ability to shut down receivers with the electric duo of Xavien Howard and Byron Jones, Miami rush ends should have plenty of time to attack the quarterback.
Not only will Phillips likely have plenty of opportunities at rush end, but he could also potentially play at the strongside linebacker/Sam position. The primary responsibility of this position (especially the Sam) is to blitz the quarterback and contain the running back. They must shed blocks from the tight end and fullback to pursue both the quarterback and the running back.
Given the multiple fronts head coach Brian Flores loves to employ, Phillips should see plenty of starting reps in exotic fronts. This scheme is designed to confuse the opposing quarterback and allow him to blow up plays before they occur. This potential opportunity gives him the best odds to win the 2021 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Talent
At one point, Phillips was rated the best high school player in the nation. However, due to a string of injuries, he retired from football. Nevertheless, he made his empathic return as a member of the “Turnover Chain” Miami Hurricanes.
He was a first-team All-American that compiled 45 total tackles, 15.5 tackles for loss, and 8 sacks last year. Phillips is an explosive edge rusher who gets leverage on his opponents and is extremely fluid in every direction. He can change directions on the fly and accelerate quickly. These natural tools will provide him with plenty of opportunities to disrupt plays in the backfield.
With his multifaceted skill set, Phillips can flow between the traditional defensive end role and outside linebacker. Coming from the Bill Belichick tree, Flores tends to covet versatile players that can line up in multiple positions. This helps to facilitate his desire for exotic and confusing schemes.
Phillips has all the talent in the world, with a great defensive mind to utilize that talent. The question will come down to whether or not he can remain healthy enough to truly highlight his potential to lead him to the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Defensive Rookie of the Year | Phillips has beneficial opportunity
What more could you ask as a defensive rookie than to land with one of the best defensive minds in the league? Insert Flores and his résumé of coaching multiple stout Patriots’ defenses and converting the Dolphins from a basement dweller to an elite defense in less than two years.
Phillips is also surrounded by some of the best talent in the league, especially at the cornerback position. He’ll play alongside two of the best corners in the NFL, giving him opportunities to showcase his explosiveness. In his third season as head coach of Miami, Flores has finally built the defensive roster he desired.
With countless players available to line up all over the field and his own versatility included, Phillips will confuse plenty of pass protectors as both an edge rusher and outside linebacker.
Closing thoughts
Phillips has all the tools capable of being an immediate force in the NFL. If he can remain healthy, he can thrive in today’s NFL.
With his 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year award odds currently sitting at +1000, the payout for a player of his caliber is tremendous.