2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Two weeks into the 2015 NFL preseason and things are beginning to take shape regarding this year’s rookie class of offensive players. Injuries, of course, are always a factor as the impending season edges closer. Bears wideout Kevin White is already out for at least six games after undergoing surgery on a stress fracture in his left shin. Anyone can get hurt between now and September 10, so pegging a potential Offensive Rookie of the Year at this point is a tad risky. That said, half the fun of wagering on NFL futures is the thrill of looking like Mr. Smarty Pants if you guess correctly. Here are the odds for the 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Jameis Winston 9/2 – The young Buc has had an up-and-down training camp, which is to be expected for a rookie signal-caller. His arm talent isn’t in question, but his decision-making and ability to diagnose pro defenses quickly are. He’d have to post some very impressive stats to take home the gold, meaning not tossing many ugly interceptions. That seems unlikely.
Melvin Gordon 11/2 – The opportunity is there for Gordon, but so are Branden Oliver and Danny Woodhead, both of whom have outperformed the ex-Wisconsin Badger. Gordon sat out Week 2 of the preseason with a balky ankle, which might help explain why he looked the opposite of explosive in Week 1. The wide-open rush lanes he saw in college will be few and far between at the pro level.
Amari Cooper 13/2 – Cooper appears to be a keeper and has developed a fast rapport with second-year quarterback Derek Carr. Cooper has good size and runs precise routes for a rookie pass catcher. The Raiders are still a major work in progress on offense, which could limit how many splash plays Cooper is able to execute.
Todd Gurley 8/1 – He’s pretty much a guarantee not to be active when the season kicks off. There’s no doubt Gurley is supremely talented, but injuries have darkened his potential. Then again, he may only need 10 or so games to make a lasting impact for the Rams.
Marcus Mariota 8/1 – The former Oregon Duck has been better than advertised thus far, showing a live arm and plenty of composure. The skill positions around him are underwhelming, which will hurt his chances of stuffing the stat sheet most weeks.
Ameer Abdullah 10/1 – It didn’t take long for the hype machine to reach DEFCON 1 after Abdullah’s debut a couple weeks ago. Jets head coach Todd Bowles actually made a kinda sorta comparison to Lions’ legend Barry Sanders. Slow down, folks. The kid is damn good, but there are other mouths to feed in the Detroit backfield.
Nelson Agholor 12/1 – A speedy receiver with deep speed and solid run-after-catch ability operating in a Chip Kelly offense? Yes, please. Agholor has suspect hands, but his talent is off the charts. At these odds, he represents excellent value.
Devin Funchess 33/1 – The season-ending ACL injury to Kelvin Benjamin opens the door for Funchess to shine. He’s massive in stature (6’5″ 235 lbs), but does he have the quickness to separate from defenders?
