NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year prediction, odds: Bears’ long shot can win the award

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Dillon Thieneman has history working against him in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year race, but it’s hard to ignore this enticing long shot.

Thieneman owns 35/1 odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year at FanDuel Sportsbook, a sizable price for a first-round pick who’s expected to play a major role immediately for the Bears.

No safety has won the award since Mark Carrier did it for Chicago in 1990, but Thieneman has the kind of flashy playmaking ability that could catch voters’ eyes and break that drought.

“He is always around the football. He has a knack for the football,” Bears head coach Ben Johnson said after his team took Thieneman No. 25 overall. “He is a great tackler.”

That ability showed up throughout Thieneman’s college career, during which he intercepted six passes and two forced fumbles as a true freshman at Purdue.

Last year at Oregon, Thieneman had two picks, a sack and 96 total tackles.

That is exactly the type of stuff Thieneman will need to overcome the positional disadvantage against edge rushers, who can pile up double-digit sacks, in this award race.

He should also benefit from playing for a Bears team expected to remain in the playoff conversation after winning 11 games and the NFC North last season.

More meaningful games would give a productive Thieneman considerably more national exposure than many rookies on rebuilding teams, like David Bailey on the Jets and Arvell Reese on the Giants.

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Thieneman should also have every opportunity to play a ton of snaps immediately with free-agent safety Coby Bryant going down with a knee injury.

At 35/1 odds, bettors are getting a first-round talent with an immediate role, strong ball skills, and a chance to become one of the most visible young defenders on a contender.

The pick: Dillon Thieneman to win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (35/1, FanDuel Sportsbook)

Dylan Svoboda is a versatile writer and analyst across many sports. He’s particularly knowledgeable about the big three — MLB, the NFL and the NBA.