Asante Samuel Jr. vs. Eric Stokes: Who Has Better Value to Win Rookie of the Year?

The 2021 NFL Draft produced a bunch of solid cornerbacks in the first and second rounds.

Carolina Panthers rookie corner Jaycee Horn was a top contender for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, but he may miss the rest of the season with a broken foot that he suffered in Week 3. 

That has opened the door for two rookie corners, Eric Stokes of the Green Bay Packers and Asante Samuel Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers, to put themselves in the running for the award. While Denver Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain II is the favorite, here’s how Samuel Jr. and Stokes stack up after Week 3, with all odds via WynnBET:

Odds to Win NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

• Patrick Surtain II: +500
• Micah Parsons: +500
• Jamin Davis: +900
• Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah: +1200
• Odafe Oweh: +1200
• Asante Samuel Jr.: +1500
• Zaven Collins: +1600
• Kwity Paye: +1800
• Jaelen Phillips: +1800
• Eric Stokes: +2000

Both players have impressed over the first few weeks of the season, and Samuel Jr. has intercepted Patrick Mahomes and Dak Prescott over the past two games. 

The second-round pick has become a key member of the Chargers’ defense, and his ability to create turnovers is a big reason why oddsmakers have him above Stokes. I agree with this assessment, but that isn’t to say that Stokes isn’t worth monitoring as a potential dark horse. 

The No. 29 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Stokes has played a bigger role over the past two weeks and has delivered with five passes defended and six tackles. Kevin King missed the Packers’ win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 3, and Stokes was solid in a starting role, playing every snap and registering five tackles. 

Samuel Jr.’s interceptions may give him the early edge, but both players are worth monitoring as Defensive Rookie of the Year candidates.

Who’s your pick for DROY? Get in the action at WynnBET!