Defensive Rookie Race 2026 | NFL News

0:00It's September 7th, NFL News. Today starts now, AI powered and always on. Alright, let's talk about who's going to take home defensive rookie of the year for the upcoming 2026 season. We've got a few names popping up, but Ruben Bain Jr., from the Tevbe Buccaneers, is getting a lot of buzz. Some folks think he's going to be a chaos monster and a real problem for opposing offenses, especially with B2Va on the same defensive line. Another strong contender is Caleb Downes, a safety for the Dallas Cowboys. The word from camp is he's been dominating and some are even comparing his potential impact to an ed-read type of player. With Dallas expected to be in a lot of shootouts, he should have plenty of chances to make plays on the ball. Then there's David Bailey, a defensive end for the New York Chets. He's reportedly looking good in camp and is expected to be a key player for them right from the start. The Chets are counting on him to wreak havoc from day one. We're also hearing about Dylan Finiman, who landed with the Chicago Bears.

1:01It sounds like a perfect fit for him and the team, and once he gets settled, he's expected to make a lot of splash plays throughout the year. His potential is being compared to some legendary Bears defensive backs. Ultimately, it's a tough call with so much talent entering the league. But the consensus seems to be leaning towards Ruben Bain Jr., due to a situation in Tampa Bay in the motivation he might have after slipping in the draft. We'll have to wait and see how it all shakes out on the field.