With the NFL season officially kicking off on Thursday, September 4, fans will see nearly 250 to 300 new players making their debut. Out of this wave of fresh talent, only one will rise above the rest to claim the prestigious Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Before any regular-season games kick off, five rookies have already separated themselves from the pack. Each brings elite talent, opportunity, and the potential to make an immediate impact—making them early favorites to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
Top Five Candidates for Defensive Rookie of the Year
5. Will Johnson (Cornerback) – Arizona Cardinals
Will Johnson was selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the NFL Draft (47th overall). Johnson brings explosive playmaking, physical tackling, dependable run-game support, and versatile skill to the Cardinals’ secondary. He pairs his physical abilities with remarkable football IQ, backed by three years of experience as a starter at Michigan. After missing last season due to injury, Will Johnson is now primed to make a major impact in the NFL.
Johnson joins a Cardinals secondary that has lacked impact players in recent years. With Arizona adding Walter Nolen III and Josh Sweat up front, the team is clearly investing heavily in its defense. That makes Will Johnson the perfect fit—his elite playmaking ability gives the secondary the spark it’s been missing. With a strengthened defensive line creating opportunities, Johnson has the chance to step up and establish himself as one of the league’s best.
4. Mykel Williams (Edge) – San Francisco 49ers
Mykel Williams was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the first round of the NFL Draft (11th overall). Williams has the traits and tools to become a premier edge rusher in the NFL. At 6’5”, he’s an elite athlete with a relentless motor and standout run-defense skills. Versatile enough to play both inside and outside, his youth only adds to a sky-high ceiling for potential. Mykel Williams is the ideal edge prospect, poised to break out and become a dominant force in the NFL.
Mykel Williams enters the NFL as a project prospect, with areas of his game still needing refinement. Fortunately, he landed with the perfect franchise to develop his talent. Head Coach Kyle Shanahan and Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh have a proven track record of unlocking defensive linemen—Nick Bosa being a prime example. Williams has the potential to continue that tradition.
While it may take Mykel Williams a few weeks to adjust to the NFL, don’t be surprised if he emerges as one of the league’s best by season’s end.
3. Mason Graham (Defensive Tackle) – Cleveland Browns
Mason Graham was selected by the Cleveland Browns in the first round of the NFL Draft (fifth overall). Graham is the ideal defensive tackle to bolster any NFL defensive line. With an explosive first step and elite athleticism, he can penetrate gaps and disrupt plays as they develop. Add his versatility, athleticism, bend, and relentless motor, and you have a standout defensive tackle. Poised for a breakout, Mason Graham is set to dominate at the next level.
Mason Graham isn’t the only force on Cleveland’s defensive front. Myles Garrett has been waiting for a running mate, and now he’s got the top defensive tackle from the 2025 NFL Draft. With offenses keying in on Garrett, Graham steps into an ideal situation where he can shine among his rookie peers. The attention Garrett draws will give Graham the space to wreak havoc and pile up stats.
Mason Graham enters the NFL as the top rookie defensive tackle, and it won’t be long before he proves that title belongs to him.
2. Jalon Walker (Linebacker/Edge) – Atlanta Falcons
Jalon Walker was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the NFL Draft (16th overall). Walker is one of the most exciting prospects in the draft, capable of playing both linebacker and edge. With exceptional athleticism, blazing speed, natural instincts, and elite versatility, he’s easily one of the most talked-about players in the class. Jalon Walker has the talent to transform the Falcons’ defense and dominate at the next level.
The Falcons’ pass rush has struggled in recent years, desperately needing a true number-one edge presence. Enter Jalon Walker—ready to take the mantle as Atlanta’s top force on the defensive front. Even with Jalon Walker at the heart of every opponent’s game plan, his versatility makes him nearly impossible to predict. Offenses won’t know whether he’s dropping into coverage or crashing the line to pressure the quarterback.
Jalon Walker’s versatility gives him a clear path to ranking among the NFL’s top rookies.
1. Abdul Carter (Linebacker/Edge) – New York Giants
Abdul Carter was selected by the New York Giants in the first round of the NFL Draft (third overall). Carter was not only the best defensive player but arguably the top overall talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. His elite speed, athleticism, versatility, production, and playmaking instincts made him the third overall pick. As one of the most hyped prospects in the class, Abdul Carter is ready to meet—and possibly exceed—expectations.
Abdul Carter joins a stacked Giants defensive front. With Pro Bowlers and rising stars around him, it might seem difficult for Carter to carve out a role. But the abundance of talent actually plays to his advantage. With Brian Burns and Dexter Lawrence handling the pass rush and Bobby Okereke dropping into coverage, Carter has the freedom to move around without weakening the defense. With support all around him, Carter has the perfect opportunity to break out and make his mark in the NFL.
Main Image: Rich Barnes-Imagn Images
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