Our Draft Pick is Better Than Yours: Saints Linebacker Stephone Anthony Tabbed as Early Defensive Rookie of the Year Favorite

The betting odds are out for who will be named the 2015 Defensive Rookie of the Year, and a familiar face sits atop the list as the favorite. With no further ado, no more gilding the lily, I’ll quit beating around the bush, and stop pussy footing around… let’s just cut to the chase, here are your top three odds-on-favorites for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

3. Vic Beasley Jr. LB, ATL – (More like Vic "Boo"sley, am I right? Eh? Eh? Ahhh, shush, that was funny.) –  Drafted with the 8th overall pick,  Beasley was the prize of the draft for those looking for help rushing the passer.  While he may not be super effective against the run, the Falcons will give him every opportunity to work his magic, after they finished 30th in the league in sacks last season.  Beasley's odds range from as low as 4.5:1 to as high as 9:1, with the average being about 6.64:1.

2. Eric Kendricks LB, MIN – The 13th pick of the 2nd round, Kendricks is set to assume the starting middle linebacker gig for this year's trendy "dark horse" team, the Minnesota Vikings.  Praised for his instincts and knack to always be around the play, Kendricks should pile up the tackles in Minnesota.  Kendricks' odds range from 4:1 to 7:1, with the average being about 5.85:1.

There was a lot of chatter here at CSC, hoping the Saints would take Kendricks, prior to the draft.  Things happened and we instead ended up with...

1. Stephone Anthony LB, NO – Taken with the 31st pick (acquired from the Seahawks via trade), Stephone Anthony was considered a slight reach at the time of the draft.  Still, he's looked very good in camp, so far, and is expected to take over at MLB and slide into a leadership role for a team that finished 2014 ranked 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed.  Anthony has good size and is a very solid athlete, which should help him make an immediate impact.  Anthony's odds range from 4:1 to 6.5:1, with the average being about 5.57:1

While being the preseason favorite is nice and all, Anthony will have to step up come regular season to maintain his position.  Does he have what it takes to be named defensive rookie of the year, when it's all said and done?  Let us know what you think, in the comment section.