NFL Rookie of the Year Odds
The 2014 NFL Draft might be over, but that hasn’t stopped oddsmakers from speculating which rookies will make the biggest impact in their first seasons. Now that we know which players will suit-up for which teams, it’s a little easier to see how they will fit into their respective offensive schemes, and how much they might see the field. Of course, unforeseen injuries and difficulties adjusting to the NFL learning curve cannot be predicted, but it’s still fun to guess who could meet or exceed expectations. Here’s a very early look at the 2014 NFL Rookie of the Year odds.
Mike Evans (Bucs) 3/1 – The third skill player selected leads the pack. Makes sense. Blake Bortles might not even start for Jacksonville, and Sammy Watkins will probably have to deal with quarterback issues in Buffalo. However, pegging Evans to have a big year is putting a lot of faith in journeyman signal-caller Josh McCown.
Sammy Watkins (Bills) 4/1 – Considering the bounty Buffalo gave up to acquire the speedy Watkins, it’s safe to assume he’ll be fed the ball a lot come September. Stevie Johnson is now a 49er, so it’s on Watkins and E.J. Manuel to develop chemistry early in training camp. Having a solid running game should help.
Johnny Manziel (Browns) 15/2 – Cleveland brass says Manziel is the backup to starter Brian Hoyer. For now, anyway. That said, a franchise starving for success can ill afford to keep their supposed quarterback of the future on ice for long. Josh Gordon’s status will have much to do with Manziel’s production if and when he plays.
Kelvin Benjamin (Panthers) 12/1 – This has everything to do with opportunity for the ex-Seminole. The depth chart behind Benjamin includes Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant, Marvin McNutt, and Tavarres King. If he can’t beat out that foursome to become the ‘Cats go-to option, he’s a bust.
Teddy Bridgewater (Vikings) 12/1 – Matt Cassel and Christian Ponder are in the mix, so it’s not a lock that Bridgewater will win the job. His slide leading up to the draft is cause for concern. Does he have the frame and arm strength to compete in the bruising and blustery NFC North?
Bishop Sankey (Titans) 15/1 – Chris Johnson is a Jet and Shonn Greene just underwent knee surgery that will keep him sidelined until at least July. Like Benjamin, Sankey has an opening to exploit. He is a dynamic dual-threat back who rushed for 36 touchdowns as a Huskie in 2012 and 2013.
Jordan Matthews (Eagles) 16/1 – The SEC’s all-time leading receiver is expected to help offset DeSean Jackson’s abrupt departure. Matthews is a big, physical playmaker who excels from the slot. Chip Kelly will waste little time integrating his new toy into his high-octane attack.
Brandin Cooks (Saints) 20/1 – At 20-1, Cooks represents the best value on this list. With Darren Sproles in Philly and Lance Moore in Pittsburgh, the 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner should become a favorite target for Drew Brees from day one. Cooks is a mighty mouse talent who can be deployed all over the field.
Eric Ebron (Lions) 20/1 – Brandon Pettigrew never grew into a consistent receiving threat. Enter Ebron, who has been compared to Vernon Davis. He may very well turn into the next Davis, but rookie tight ends rarely produce huge numbers.
