2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds


Written by

Now that the draft is over it’s time to look ahead at the impact these players can make in their first season. The 2011 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds are out, and our focus will be on which offensive players we feel have the best shot at winning the award this season.

This award originally was dominated by the running back position, as 29 running backs won this award over the first 36 years this award was handed out. Over the last seven years the trend has started to turn to quarterbacks. Since 2003 four quarterbacks have won the award, including last year when Sam Bradford of the St Louis Rams took home the hardware.  Here is a look at my five favorites for the 2011 season.

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (+600) - While wide receivers taken in the first round have been hit or miss over the years, I don’t see any way Green doesn’t make an immediate impact with the Bengals in his first season. Just look at the difference this kid made last year with the Georgia Bulldogs after he returned from his four game suspension. While he likely won’t have Carson Palmer throwing him the rock, he has the ability to make all the catches and will be a big time redzone target.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers (+600) – Newton was taken No. 1 overall by the Panthers in this year’s draft. While some don’t think he is ready to step in and start right away, the Panthers are going to want to sell tickets, and the best way to do that is get Newton on the field as early as possible. Newton is a a mix of Ben Roethlisberger and Michael Vick, and should only help his case with his ability to scramble and make plays out of the pocket.

Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons (+500) – Jones actually has the best odds of any rookie to win the award, and with all the draft picks the Falcons gave up to get this guy, there is no question they plan on using him a lot in their offensive attack. The reason I have Jones below Green, is the fact that Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez are going to steal a lot of his touchdown opportunities in the redzone.

Mikel Leshoure, RB, Detroit Lions (+1200) – The Lions used their first round pick on running back Jahvid Best in 2010, but he does most of his damage catching the ball out of the backfield. Best had just four rushing touchdowns in 2010, and that is a big reason why I think Leshoure has a great shot at winning this award. Not only will he get the redzone carries, but he will also be the Lions first choice when running the football. Leshoure had 17 rushing touchdowns last year for the Illinois Fighting Illini.

Jake Locker, QB, Tennessee Titans (+1500) – The Titans have decided to part ways with former first round pick Vince Young, who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2006. His successor will likely be Washington quarterback Jake Locker, who many believe was the top quarterback in the draft. The one thing that figures to make it hard for Locker to win the award is the lack of receiving options the Titans currently have on their roster. His chances will greatly improve if the Titans compete for a playoff spot in 2011.

Related:

Complete 2011 Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Julio Jones +500
A.J. Green +600
Cam Newton +600
Mark Ingram +600
Daniel Thomas +1200
Mikel Leshoure +1200
Shane Vereen +1200
Stevan Ridley +1200
Jake Locker +1500
Ryan Williams +1500
Titus Young +1500
Torrey Smith +1500
Jonathan Baldwin +1800
Randall Cobb +1800
Andy Dalton +2000
Blaine Gabbert +2000
Christian Ponder +2000
Kyle Rudolph +2200
Leonard Hankerson +2200
Field +800
Subscribe to the BetFirms RSS Feed
Comments

Got something to say?