Donte Jackson Gets Roasted by Steelers; Yet his DROY Odds Improve

Updated: August 17, 2025

• Donte Jackson's DROY odds improve despite rough TNF game vs Steelers
• How Jackson stacks up against his contemporaries
• The best bet to win defensive rookie of the year award

Figure this one out – Carolina Panthers rookie defensive back Donte Jackson allowed a perfect 158.3 passer rating in being targeted four times last Thursday, and was torched by Antonio Brown for a TD.

Yet, his odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year got stronger. (See him on the Top 6 tab in the graph below.)

Historical Context of DROY Award

The Defensive Rookie of the Year (DROY) award has a long tradition in the NFL. It highlights the most outstanding defensive players who are in their first year.

Past winners include legends like Lawrence Taylor and Charles Woodson. These players have set high standards, often translating early success into Hall of Fame careers.

2018 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

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Despite the poor performance under the lights, Jackson still has a puncher's chance of taking home the hardware.

But he faces an uphill battle with four others drafted before him all having strong campaigns, with two in particular establishing themselves as the clear favorites to emerge victorious.

Odds to Win 2018 NFL DROY at Bovada

Up to the 2018 season, Donte Jackson had already impressed with his quick adaptation to the NFL. He recorded multiple interceptions and a substantial number of tackles.

His remarkable agility and speed have quickly made him a key player in the Panthers' defense.

Donte Jackson went up against a beast last week

Back to that rough game against the Steelers.

Let's be real here – Antonio Brown has made a living torching defensive backs, so in this day and age of hot takes and wild emotional reactions from week to week, it's quite startling that Jackson's odds to win DROY improved.

Tough to ask your rookie CB to cover AB all alone. Donte Jackson needs to get hands on AB and not give a clean release like that, also can’t turn your head and guess vs a guy like AB, he makes you pay.
pic.twitter.com/3WSA4Ssijj

— Rob Paul (@RobPaulNFL) November 9, 2018

Analysis of Panthers vs Steelers Game

In the matchup against the Steelers, the Panthers faced a high-powered offensive unit. Jackson was challenged by Antonio Brown's elite speed and route-running.

The game underscored the need for more support from the secondary, as Brown consistently found ways to evade coverage. Despite the loss, Jackson's ability to learn from each play remains promising for his future performances.

Jackson was none too pleased after getting burned by a Steelers team that hung 52 points on the Panthers that he had a mini meltdown setting twitter ablaze with a treasure trove of meme possibilities.

So… Panthers rookie CB Donte Jackson was NOT happy about getting beat deep by Antonio Brown for a TD#CARvsPIT | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/HEYeSuS2pB

— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) November 9, 2018

Despite the poor outing, let's not lose sight of the fact that Jackson has already matched the most interceptions (four) Josh Norman ever had in his four seasons in Carolina and still has seven games to go!

He also finds himself tied for second in picks in the NFL, behind only Falcons safety Damontae Kazee, who has just one more interception.

Jackson still has two games remaining against the juggernaut Saints and another contest against Matt Ryan and the Falcons, so expect him to take some more lumps.

Donte Jackson for NFL Defensive ROY pic.twitter.com/jcQc0ycVvo

— Panthers 24/7 (@Panthers24_7) November 4, 2018

Best bet to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

Barring an injury this really has the feel of a two-horse race between Derwin James (Chargers) and Darius Leonard (Colts).

Resist the temptation to put some cash on Jackson and place that money elsewhere.

The post Donte Jackson Gets Roasted by Steelers; Yet his DROY Odds Improve appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

Original source: https://www.sportsbettingdime.com/news/nfl/donte-jackson-roasted-steelers-droy-odds-improve/