Leighton Vander Esch Resurfaces as DROY Contender with Short Odds

Updated: September 14, 2025

• The Cowboys' Leighton Vander Esch is suddenly among the favorites for DROY
• How have his odds adjusted throughout the season so far?
• Does the ILB offer value over other contenders for the award?

The Dallas Cowboys' 19th-overall draft choice Leighton Vander Esch began the season with reasonable expectations for success. With average odds to win Defensive Rookie of the Year of +1600 back in September, the ILB's odds drifted as far out as +4000 throughout October before dropping out of the betting options entirely.

Background of Leighton Vander Esch

Leighton Vander Esch made a name for himself at Boise State University, showcasing his ability on the field with remarkable consistency. During his college career, he recorded 141 total tackles in his final year, earning him the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award in 2017.

His adaptability and quick grasp of the game were key factors that led the Cowboys to pick him as their 19th overall draft choice.

However, a few strong performances recently have been enough to not only see him re-emerge as a candidate, but also as one of the betting favorites.

Vander Esch is now trading at average odds +550 which are the third-best odds to win the award.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds

In betting terms, higher odds like +4000 indicate a longer shot, meaning a $100 bet would yield a significant return. When Vander Esch's odds shortened to +1600, it reflected his improved chances. His recent performance tightened his odds even further, illustrating the changing nature of sports betting as influenced by player achievements and public perception.

Vander Esch Making a Difference

Vander Esch has played a part in a Cowboys defense all season that ranks fifth against the run, tenth against the pass and eighth in total yards allowed.

Despite having no INTs or sacks through his first seven games, the rookie did total a combined 54 tackles.

Back-to-back games of 14 and ten combined tackles in early October were not enough to stop his odds from drifting out for the award.

Vander Esch has amassed 54 combined tackles, ranking him among the top rookie defenders. His solo tackle count places him above many peers, reflecting his ability to disrupt opposing offenses.

His pace on the field and situational awareness ensure he remains a key figure in defensive setups.

Don't even bother trying to block Cowboys LB Leighton Vander Esch because he will just tackle you and the ball carrier at the same time#DALvsATL | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/7IeuHCr0q7

— Kevin Boilard (@247KevinBoilard) November 18, 2018

Out of Sean Lee's Shadow

It was easier to fly somewhat under the radar when he was sharing the field with All-Pro linebacker Sean Lee. However, Lee has once again been plagued by injuries and has only played in five games this season – none since November 5.

That's allowed the 22-year-old to grab the spotlight and slowly start to make a name for himself. In the Cowboys' last two games, Vander Esch has intercepted a pass in each game and has a combined 21 tackles.

“I don’t think there’d be anyone else with a better makeup for it,” guard Zack Martin said. “He’s as humble as they come. As a rookie, you come in, you keep your mouth shut and play hard and he does that. He’s all over the place on the field making huge plays for us but you’d never really know it with the way he carries himself, which is awesome.”

Impact on Team Performance

Vander Esch’s presence has become important for the Cowboys' defensive lineup. His ability to step up in Sean Lee’s absence has strengthened the team’s strategy, offering fresh energy to the linebacker corps.

This adjustment has positively impacted defensive stats, showcasing his growing leadership role.

Linebackers Dominating The Field

Two of the top three contenders for DROY are inside linebackers, a position which has not won the award since 2012 when the Panthers' Luke Kuechly won.

7 tackles, 1 INT, 1 sack, 1 PD, 1 FF… AND THAT'S JUST FROM TODAY!

Should @Dsleon45 be DROY?

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 19, 2018

The Colts' Darius Leonard has been a contender for the award all year and for good reason. Forget leading all rookies in combined tackles, he's leading the entire league with 104. He's also added five sacks to his resume.

Comparison with Past DROY Winners

Comparing Vander Esch to past DROY Inside Linebacker winners, like Luke Kuechly, highlights his competitive edge. Kuechly’s notable season in 2012 set standards for rookie ILBs.

Vander Esch's stats suggest he’s on a similar trajectory, blending defensive leadership with consistent tackling and game awareness.

Vander Esch vs Leonard Season Stats

Vander Esch has been slowly closing the gap and ranks right behind Leonard in second for rookie tackling and tied for seventh overall.

After his 13-tackle and single-INT performance in the Cowboys' Week 10 win over the Eagles, Vander Esch was named both NFL Rookie of the Week and NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

Great instincts + great closing speed = 2nd in NFL with 61 solo tackles ?

Rookie LB @VanderEsch38 has been key to the @dallascowboys defensive success this season!

(via @ShaunOHara60)#NFLPlaybook | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/dRfbxOLLnq

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) November 22, 2018

Is DROY A Legitimate Three-Horse Race?

With Vander Esch's recent re-appearance among the favorites, it's no longer a clear choice between Leonard or Chargers' safety Derwin James.

If we look back to Kuechly's DROY win in 2012, he finished the season with 164 combined tackles, one sack and two INTs. After ten games he had 97 combined tackles, meaning both Leonard and Vander Esch could be in line for similar totals.

Leighton Vander Esch has been a force against the run so far in his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/G0KY5aV9vf

— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) November 13, 2018

Vander Esch presents the better value and could be a sentimental choice playing in Primetime games for “America's Team”. So he is definitely worth a bet.

Vander Esch's Release and Retirement

On March 15, 2024, Leighton Vander Esch was released by the Dallas Cowboys after six seasons with the team. Shortly after, on March 18, he announced his retirement from professional football, citing medical reasons.

Vander Esch's decision was influenced by recurring neck issues that had impacted his career. His retirement marks the end of a notable era with the Cowboys, highlighting both his impactful moments on the field and his commendable contributions to the team's defense during his tenure.

The post Leighton Vander Esch Resurfaces as DROY Contender with Short Odds appeared first on Sports Betting Dime.

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