Predicting the Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL

The NFL season is creeping up on us and I thought it would be fun to try to predict the rookie of the year in the NFL on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball in a two part series. I chose Offensive Rookie of the Year first and I cannot wait to break down the players. Let’s take a look at who I feel will win the award, and will it be a close race?

There are a ton of quarterbacks in this years draft class but I am going to say that all of them are going to struggle in their first season. If I was to predict which quarterback had the best season it would be Zach Wilson. I would like to say Lance but I feel Lance will be on the bench to start the season. Saying that means Lawrence and Wilson will get more snaps. I think Wilson is in a better situation than Lawrence right now. So I would say Wilson and Fields lead the quarterbacks, but just my hunch. I do not think a quarterback wins the award this year. Here are my predictions.

Najee Harris, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers – The Steelers are going to rely on Harris heavily. I think he will have the most touches of any rookie. He is going to be getting the ball through the air and on the ground. He will rack up 1000 yards and score over 10 touchdowns in his rookie season. I think he will end up being a workhorse back for the team.

Devonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles – I think the Eagles are going to throw to him a lot. I think he could easily win the offensive rookie of the year award, but here is the thing, can he stay healthy? I feel the Eagles are going to utilize him a lot and he will get the ball on reverse plays as well as through the air. He is going to be a menace, but he comes in as a runner up to the ROY.

Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals rookie wide receiver will start the season off on a tear, but injuries happen, and it ends up costing him the chance of winning the award. Chase finishes the season 50 yards shy of 1k.

Alex Leatherwood, OT, Las Vegas Raiders – You can pick on me all you want, but he will be a Pro Bowler after his first year. He will solidify the right tackle position for the Raiders and help lead them to the playoffs. He will be a stud in this draft, I stick with my eye, but he will not win it because they do not let offensive lineman win this award.

Kyle Pitts, TE, Atlanta Falcons – Kyle Pitts is going to be this year’s Offensive Rookie Of the Year. I had the pleasure to watch him play at Florida. He was a beast in every game he touched the field. I think Matt Ryan is going to target him more than his wide outs. He will be such a difficult mismatch for linebackers and smaller defensive backs. Pitts will end up going over 1000 yards and scoring 10 plus touchdowns. As a tight end that ends up giving him the award.

Dark Horse

Jaret Patterson, RB, Washington Football Team – James Robinson came out of nowhere and if you have watched any of the WFT games you will see the team loves this kid. He has a knack for hitting the hole and ripping a big gain. I think the UDFA out the University of Buffalo will be a sleeper.