NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year markets experienced massive selloffs following the 2026 draft, with former favorites Caleb Downs, Rueben Bain Jr., and Arvell Reese all dropping from 69¢-70¢ to just 19¢-29¢. Dallas traded up to select Caleb Downs, with the Cowboys seeing him as potentially "the best overall player in the draft". The dramatic price moves reflect how draft position and team fit reality diverged from pre-draft expectations. While scouting reports projected Downs "as a Day One starter who could reasonably compete for Defensive Rookie of the Year honors", markets now suggest a wide-open race with no clear frontrunner — a shift from the pre-draft consensus around these former favorites.