As the NFL season progresses, contenders for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Here’s a breakdown of the front runners and other possible candidates for these two awards.
Front Runners Offensive Rookie of the Year
C.J. Stroud
Few quarterbacks are playing as well as C.J. Stroud, let alone his rookie peers. Stroud is third in the NFL in passing yards and has yet to throw an interception. Houston entered the season with low expectations, but their rookie quarterback has already led them to a pair of wins. Stroud is currently the favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award at +130.
Bijan Robinson
The Atlanta Falcons surprised the league by selecting Bijan Robinson with the eighth overall pick. The team already had an effective rushing attack, but Robinson’s versatility has elevated this offense. He’s halfway to 1,000 scrimmage yards after just five outings. At +350 to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year, Robinson will be in contention for the honor come February.
Still in the Hunt (OROY)
Sam LaPorta
Tight ends typically don’t record eye-catching numbers in their rookie season. That couldn’t be further from the truth for Sam LaPorta. Detroit’s 2nd round pick leads all NFL tight ends in yards and has found the end zone three times. There has never been a tight end that has been named Offensive Rookie of the Year, but LaPorta hopes to change that.
Jordan Addison
Rookie receiver Jordan Addison has been a consistent producer on the Minnesota Vikings offense. In four out of five games, he’s topped 50 receiving yards. Addison should see a sharp increase in opportunities with Justin Jefferson placed on Injured Reserve. With the absence of Jefferson, Addison’s odds at winning Offensive Rookie of the Year (+2500) appear enticing.
Puka Nacua
Since 1970, only two Offensive Rookie of the Year were drafted in the 5th round or later. Although history isn’t on his side, it’s impossible to downplay Puka Nacua’s performance. Nacua, a 5th-round pick, leads all rookies in receiving yards, but the return of Cooper Kupp raises questions. If Nacua and Kupp coexist, Nacua will have a case for OROY.
Honorable Mention
De’Von Achane
It didn’t take long for Dolphins rookie running back De’Von Achane to take the league by storm. Achane finds himself 2nd in the league in rushing yards, averaging a ridiculous 12.1 yards per carry. Opposing defenses don’t have an answer for the speedster. Unfortunately, he just landed on IR because of a knee injury. Hopefully, he returns sooner rather than later.
Front Runners Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jalen Carter
Of course one of the top players from the 2023 NFL Draft ended up on the Philadelphia Eagles. This player is rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The 22-year-old is already embarrassing opposing offenses. He recorded 3.5 sacks, forced a couple of fumbles, and a 91.8 grade from PFF. Carter is the odds-on favorite (-175) to be the Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Devon Witherspoon
He may have missed the start of Seattle’s season, Devon Witherspoon is in the Defensive Rookie of the Year conversation. The rookie defensive back’s hardnose style has made an impact in stopping the run and in pass coverage. If Witherspoon can sustain this level of play, it’ll be hard for voters to ignore.
Brian Branch
The versatility of Detroit Lions rookie defensive back Brian Branch can’t be overstated. Branch’s impact is felt whether he’s lined up at safety, nickelback, or hybrid linebacker. He has the 3rd best chance of winning the Defensive Rookie of the Year honor at +1500. Those odds are a testament to his play given that he missed last week due to an ankle injury.
Names to Watch (DROY)
Ivan Pace Jr.
Albeit a longshot at +5000, history can be made this year. Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. is striving toward becoming the first undrafted player to win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Pace has had to grind to get to where he is now. As a physical, disruptive member of Minnesota’s front seven, he’s putting himself on the map.
Tuli Tuipulotu
The Chargers defensive struggles in recent years are well known. They’ve especially had a tough time stopping the run. Rookie edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu is helping Los Angeles change their identity. He recorded a tackle for loss in every game, tacking on a couple of sacks. Tuipulotu’s odds of taking home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award sit at +3000.
Joey Porter Jr.
Stop me if you’ve heard this before, but the Steelers are being stubborn with personnel decisions. Joey Porter Jr. has been exceptional in limited action. His first career interception came in a clutch moment in a winning effort last Sunday. It’s only a matter of time before Pittsburgh officially names Porter a starter.
Main Photo: [Brett Davis] – USA Today Sports
