NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
Every year the NFL gets a few rookies that come into the league and immediately make their mark. Few of these rookies will go on to have Hall-of-Fame careers, but it all starts with having a stellar rookie campaign. In this most recent draft class, many rookies will be instant impact players, especially at the quarterback position. Therefore, let’s see who has the best chance to win Offensive Rookie of the Year this season.
1. Jayden Daniels - Washington Commanders (Odds: +650)
This award for the most part will be a two-man race between the top two overall picks. I am higher on Jayden Daniels than most which is why I give him the edge over Caleb Williams in Chicago. The skill position group in Chicago is better than that found in Washington D.C. but Jayden Daniels will be a true X-factor from the first snap he takes in the league. At LSU, Daniels put up 50 total touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards during his Heisman season which is absurd considering he played against mostly SEC opponents. His electric play style is similar to Lamar Jackson and we have seen Lamar win MVPs in the NFL. Therefore, Jayden Daniels could come in and similarly light up the league both through the air and on the ground, making him a prime candidate to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2. Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears (Odds: +135)
The number one overall pick certainly must be highly considered for this award. The Chicago Bears have been at work this offseason to give Caleb Williams the best chance to succeed this season. The Bears went out and traded for Keenan Allen from the Chargers, signed D’Andre Swift from free agency, and drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick. Caleb Williams will have one of the best skill position groups in the league with those guys previously mentioned and D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet. With all that talent surrounding Williams and a fairly easy opening season schedule, the Bears should be poised to be serious contenders in the NFC North and to make the playoffs. If Caleb Williams can avoid the costly turnovers that haunted him in college at USC, then he could easily win the award and lead the franchise to new heights that they haven’t experienced since the 1980s.
3. Marvin Harrison Jr. - Arizona Cardinals (Odds: +650)
The best receiver in a stacked receiver class. At Ohio State, Marvin Harrison Jr. put up around 2,500 yards and 29 touchdowns over his last two years in college. These incredible stats combined with where he landed in the draft at the fourth overall pick puts him in a good spot to make a run at the award this season. On the Cardinals, Harrison Jr. should stand out as he is on a very short list of targets for Kyler Murray to throw to. In this role, he should be pulling in Larry Fitzgerald-type numbers as he goes on to have a fantastic rookie campaign. Look for him to contribute right away to the Cardinals’ offense, as he attempts to get them back into relevancy in the NFC West.
4. Malik Nabers - New York Giants (Odds: +2000)
Perhaps the only legitimate offensive weapon on the entire New York Giants roster. Unfortunately, Malik Nabers' dynamic ability at receiver might not be utilized as the quarterback play by Daniel Jones and other pieces on this offense are lackluster. The key to creating space and opportunities for receivers to succeed is to have a great offensive line and solid run game that makes play action a threat which in turn slows down the defensive line. Unfortunately, the Giants didn’t resign Saquon Barkley and now they are left without a legitimate threat in the running game. Luckily, Nabers will get lots of targets, as the Giants will be throwing a lot while trailing in games this season. If Nabers can provide a Justin Jefferson-type spark to this depleted offense, then he has the potential to make his mark on the league, even in his rookie season.
5. Ladd McConkey - Los Angeles Chargers (Odds: +3000)
The new receiver on the Chargers may quickly be thrust into a high-volume situation which may be great for his production. With the Chargers receiving core being left depleted following the departures of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, Ladd McConkey will certainly get his opportunity to shine in this offense. McConkey, unlike Nabers, will get the benefit of great quarterback play from Justin Herbert which should help him shine this season. If McConkey becomes a favorite target for Herbert this season, then look for McConkey to do great things in Los Angeles.
