2015 NFL Offensive Rookie Odds
With the 2015 NFL Draft in the books, Vegas wasted no time prognosticating which rookies have the best chance to score some hardware at next year’s league awards ceremony. The class of quarterbacks, receivers, and runners is chock-full of both talent and opportunity. Can number one pick Jameis Winston smoothly translate his game to the pro level?. Will Todd Gurley be ready in time to get enough snaps to make an impact? Is Kevin White the next pass catcher in line to post huge numbers in his first season? A lot can and will happen between now and September, but here are the early odds for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Jameis Winston (Bucs) 6/1 – This is Winston’s team for the foreseeable future. Or at least until he proves he can’t hack it. Having Mike Evans and Vinnie Jackson to throw to does nothing but help his efforts. He’s a good bet to throw for 3800 yards and 20 touchdowns, which might be enough to claim the prize.
Melvin Gordon (Chargers) 13/2 – The Bolts traded up two spots from 17 to 15 to land the Doak Walker Award winner from Wisconsin. There’s no doubt Gordon shredded the Big Ten in 2013 and 2014, but other Badgers backs like Montee Ball, James White, Anthony Davis, Michael Bennett, and Ron Dayne haven’t exactly set the league ablaze. That said, Gordon should see plenty of carries.
Amari Cooper (Raiders) 15/2 – Sure, David Carr’s 5.5 per attempt average was pathetic, but it’s not like he had anyone decent to throw to. Cooper represents an immediate upgrade for a franchise severely lacking in quality receivers for over a decade. The Raiders also dumped veteran James Jones, who led the team with 73 catches a season ago.
Todd Gurley (Rams) 8/1 – The ex Dawg could be the best pure talent at the position since Adrian Peterson. Of course he might sit out the first six games, too. With a stout defense and stationary quarterback Nick Foles, expect Gurley to see a fair share of action once he’s healthy.
Nelson Agholor (Eagles) 14/1 – Chip Kelly’s offense produced career seasons for both DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin. It also made Riley Cooper look competent for half of 2013, and Jordan Matthews superb for most of 2014. Agholor is a multi-purpose wideout with above average speed. He probably won’t go for 85 and 1300, but 70 and 1000 is a distinct possibility.
Maxx Williams (Ravens) 16/1 – The lone tight end with a shot, Williams joins an offense thin on playmakers. There’s Steve Smith and… well, that’s pretty much it besides fellow rookie Breshad Perriman. Point is, Williams could become a viable option for Joe Flacco sooner than later.
Tyler Lockett (Seahawks) 18/1 – The presence of Jimmy Graham opens up a lot of real estate in the Seattle passing attack. This leaves the speedy Lockett a likely candidate to reap the benefits. He’s been compared to Pittsburgh’s Antonio Brown, so lofty expectations could quell his progress.
David Johnson (Cards) 25/1 – Ran for three straight 1000-yard seasons at Northern Iowa, and has the size and power necessary to endure the rigors of the NFL. However, Andre Ellington is still the lead ball carrier, so Johnson’s totes will be limited barring another injury to Ellington.
Duke Johnson (Browns) 25/1 – Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West are just guys. Johnson has explosive abilities and excellent hands. A messy committee is in the works, but Johnson’s innate skills will be too much to ignore. At these odds, he’s a smart play.
