Since the 2021 NFL Draft has not happened yet, narrowing down a list of possible NFL Rookie of the Year winners can be tricky. Generally, a large part of analyzing whether a player is set to thrive in his new environment depends on many things such as his fit within a scheme or positional depth. Last season, a popular early ROY pick was Clyde Edwards-Helaire due to Kansas City's lead back opting out. CEH had a great year, but it wasn't quite the year many were anticipating.
Fueled by incredible rookies such as , Justin Jefferson, , Chase Young, Antoine Winfield Jr., and more, fans got to witness a special group of talent from the 2020 NFL Draft class. Even though the college football season featured fewer games than usual, the 2021 rookie class figures to feature plenty of potential. Some NFL Draft analysts expect as many as five or six quarterbacks taken in the first round alone.
While quarterbacks tend to dominate the conversation, the 2021 NFL Draft features a lot more than just players who can throw a football. Let's dive into some of the other candidates for the 2021 Rookie of the Year award.
NFL 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds Prior to Week 1. Chase Young +220 Isaiah Simmons +550 Kenneth Murray +1100 Patrick Queen +1100 Jeffrey Okudah +1400 Jordyn Brooks +2500 K'Lavon Chaisson +2000 Derrick Brown +2500 Willie Gay Jr. +2500 Javon Kinlaw +2500 A.J. Epenesa +3000 C.J. Henderson +3000 A.J. Terrell +3300 Kyle Dugger +3500 Xavier McKinney +3500. PGA Odds Arnold Palmer Invitational. MLB Odds Spring Training. UFC 259 Odds Multi-Division Champ. NASCAR Odds 2021 Season. NHL Odds Hockey. Odds For Next Year's Super Bowl Already Posted: 2021-22 Futures For All 32 NFL Teams Blockbuster Watch: The Latest Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson Trade Odds NFL MVP Odds 2021-22: Matthew Stafford With Shorter Odds Than Tom Brady, Kyler Murray, Deshaun Watson. Pepsi NFL ROTY Award. The Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Year award is an annual award given since 2002 to the top rookie in the NFL. The winner is selected by fans through an online voting process at NFL.com. Every week during the NFL regular season, five finalists are chosen for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award, and the winner is determined by fan voting online.
Honorable Mentions for ROTY
- Kwity Paye, EDGE, Michigan – Strong run defender with a good motor and powerful bull rush
- Gregory Rousseau, EDGE, Miami – Draws athletic comparisons to Julius Peppers
- Kyle Pitts, TE, Florida – Strong route-runner, good receiving threat
- Jaycee Horn, CB, South Carolina – Plays with competitive fire, Son of WR Joe Horn
- Najee Harris, RB, Alabama – Offers intriguing mix of size/speed, great stiff arm, patient runner
- Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson – Fast, runs hard with good ballcarrier vision
- Micah Parsons, LB, Penn State – Athletic linebacker with very high upside
2021 NFL Rookie of the Year possibilities
10. Mac Jones, quarterback, Alabama
There has been a lot of recent hype surrounding Mac Jones. It is well-deserved as he tore it up in 2020, but let's slow down with the Tom Brady comparisons. Either way, Jones has the feel of a prospect set to hit the ground running as he enters the NFL. It's no secret that Alabama traditionally does a great job of preparing players for the next level as it's practically an NFL Draft factory. Jones is smart, accurate, and has plenty of experience both being around talent and playing in big games.
Read More: Mac Jones: 5 teams who are a perfect fit for Alabama QB in 2021 NFL Draft
9. Trey Lance, quarterback, North Dakota State
After playing just one game in 2020, there are questions about Trey Lance and his overall NFL readiness. While he appears to possess all the traits needed to excel in the pros, which team Lance lands with will be crucial to his early success. Lance is a dual-threat with a strong arm and has enough talent to blossom into one of the NFL's next superstar quarterbacks.
Read More: North Dakota State star QB Trey Lance set to declare for 2021 NFL Draft?
8. Patrick Surtain II, cornerback, Alabama
As the son of a three-time Pro Bowl corner, Patrick Surtain II has a high football-IQ and plays with discipline. At 6-foot-2 and 203 pounds, Surtain II is a big, physical cornerback who is great in press coverage. His quickness and instincts help him stay in position to consistently make plays on the ball. Surtain Jr. could very well be the next player's son to succeed at the highest level.
Related: 2021 NFL mock draft – Jacksonville Jaguars pass on Trevor Lawrence, more QB surprises.
7. Caleb Farley, cornerback, Virginia Tech
As a former receiver, Caleb Farley has impressive ball skills. Considered the best cornerback in the draft class, Farley is a bit of a size/speed freak at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds. Farley opted out of the 2020 season and has some past injury concerns, but corners built like him don't grow on trees. A cornerback hasn't won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year since Marshon Lattimore took home the honors in 2017, but Farley has the talent to get it done.
Read More: Atlanta Falcons draft picks: Best 2021 NFL Draft targets, potential draft selections
Early sleepers for 2021 ROY award
6. Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver, Alabama
Despite his listed height of 5-foot-10, Jaylen Waddle is a legitimate deep ball threat. A big part of that is thanks to his world-class speed. Waddle claims to be able to run the 40-yard dash in the high 4.2s, low 4.3s. Similar to fellow former Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs, who ran a 4.27 and went 12th overall to the Raiders, Waddle figures to be dangerous at the next level.
Vegas Nfl Rookie Of The Year Odds
Related: NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 – The GOAT is #1, Chiefs' Kelce Top 10.
5. Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver, LSU
Ja'Marr Chase opted out of the entire college football season in 2020. It's amazing that even though he didn't suit up, he still finds himself in the conversation for the best receiving prospect in the class. It has been said that when compared to fellow former LSU Tiger, Justin Jefferson, Chase is the superior talent. With great hands and a knack for hauling in 50-50 balls, Chase would be the No. 1 option on most NFL teams.
Read More: Philadelphia Eagles draft picks: Top selections, ideal 2021 NFL Draft targets after Carson Wentz trade
4. DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith was nearly unstoppable for the Crimson Tide as a senior. Considered to be the top wide receiver prospect in the draft class, Smith is a shifty wideout with top-notch route-running skills. He may not possess the raw speed that fellow Alabama alumni such as Henry Ruggs or Jaylen Waddle have, but Smith is a lot more polished.
Top-3 pre-draft NFL Rookie of the Year candidates
Read More: Justin Fields: 5 teams who are a perfect fit for Ohio State in 2021 NFL Draft
3. Justin Fields, quarterback, Ohio State
As the latest successful quarterback to come out of Ohio State, Justin Fields has a lot going for him. Conversely, Fields enters the draft as a controversial prospect due to various concerns about his lack of experience, inconsistency and tendency to stare down receivers. However, Fields has everything it takes to become a star at the next level, with a great arm, plenty of athleticism and sky-high potential.
Read More: NFL Draft rumors: Four quarterbacks expected to be top-10 picks in 2021
2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Entering the 2020 college football season, the name Zach Wilson was nowhere to be found when discussing top quarterback prospects. Fast forward to a year later and Wilson has vaulted himself up draft boards, possibly going as high as No. 2 overall. Mildly athletic with the ability to throw from various angles, Wilson could become the 2021 version of Justin Herbert in that he has instant success in the pros.
Read More: Top NFL Draft prospect Trevor Lawrence undergoes shoulder surgery, to be ready for training camp
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
As one of the best QB prospects since Andrew Luck, Clemson product Trevor Lawrence will be under the spotlight from the moment he gets taken in the draft. The top recruit going back to his high school days, Lawrence is set to be a superstar at the next level. Widely expected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence is in line to be a day-one starter in the NFL. Can Urban Meyer coach Lawrence to become the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Revisiting the 2020 NFL Rookies of the Year
The players from the 2020 NFL Draft class surpassed all expectations. Justin Jefferson and Justin Herbert broke rookie records. Joe Burrow gave Cincinnati Bengals fans hope until he suffered an unfortunate injury. Chase Young became almost an instant force on the defensive line for the Washington Football Team. Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs both started all 16 regular-season games on their way to winning Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It was an incredible display of talent from an incoming group of players who had no idea what to expect with their first foray into the league, despite having fewer reps than their fellow rookies before them.
Of course, Justin Herbert went on to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Chase Young won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award with their dominant performances. Young was a popular early pick for the trophy, but Herbert was not as he entered the season as a backup.
Will we see something similar for this year's upcoming batch of rookies? Will there be an early runaway or will we have some sleeper candidates fans did not expect to have such success?
With three preseason games expected to be played this season, at least we'll have a chance to see the rookie class in action before the real games start. When the Dallas Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, it will be our first opportunity to watch pro football in nearly six months, you can bet the world will be tuning in. For many NFL fans, August 5th can't come soon enough.
Halfway through the NFL season, plenty of rookies have received opportunities to play and several have stood out from the pack.
As the popularity of the NFL continues to rise, so do the betting markets.
The 'Award Props' have been known to return great investments for bettors and with all the talent expected to take the field in 2020, we could see that trend continue with first-year players in the NFL.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Bettors can begin to wager on both the top offensive and defensive rookies for the upcoming 2020 NFL season.
To no one's surprise, the top options on the board is a quarterback. Former Oregon standout Justin Herbert has been starting for the Chargers since Week 2 and although Los Angeles has struggled to win games, the quarterback has already thrown 23 touchdowns and amassed six 300-yard passing games.
Herbert is currently the odds-on favorite at -450 odds (Bet $100 to win $22.22). Bengals' quarterback and top pick Joe Burrow was hanging around for the award, but those hopes were dashed when he sustained a season-ending knee injury in a Week 11 loss at Washington.
The most recent quarterback to shine is Miami's Tua Tagovailoa, who is now in the discussion at +1500 odds. Tagovailoa has made five starts and won four of them for the Dolphins, as he is coming off a victory over the Bengals in Week 13.
7. Caleb Farley, cornerback, Virginia Tech
As a former receiver, Caleb Farley has impressive ball skills. Considered the best cornerback in the draft class, Farley is a bit of a size/speed freak at 6-foot-2 and 207 pounds. Farley opted out of the 2020 season and has some past injury concerns, but corners built like him don't grow on trees. A cornerback hasn't won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year since Marshon Lattimore took home the honors in 2017, but Farley has the talent to get it done.
Read More: Atlanta Falcons draft picks: Best 2021 NFL Draft targets, potential draft selections
Early sleepers for 2021 ROY award
6. Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver, Alabama
Despite his listed height of 5-foot-10, Jaylen Waddle is a legitimate deep ball threat. A big part of that is thanks to his world-class speed. Waddle claims to be able to run the 40-yard dash in the high 4.2s, low 4.3s. Similar to fellow former Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs, who ran a 4.27 and went 12th overall to the Raiders, Waddle figures to be dangerous at the next level.
Vegas Nfl Rookie Of The Year Odds
Related: NFL Top 100 Players of 2021 – The GOAT is #1, Chiefs' Kelce Top 10.
5. Ja'Marr Chase, wide receiver, LSU
Ja'Marr Chase opted out of the entire college football season in 2020. It's amazing that even though he didn't suit up, he still finds himself in the conversation for the best receiving prospect in the class. It has been said that when compared to fellow former LSU Tiger, Justin Jefferson, Chase is the superior talent. With great hands and a knack for hauling in 50-50 balls, Chase would be the No. 1 option on most NFL teams.
Read More: Philadelphia Eagles draft picks: Top selections, ideal 2021 NFL Draft targets after Carson Wentz trade
4. DeVonta Smith, wide receiver, Alabama
The 2020 Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith was nearly unstoppable for the Crimson Tide as a senior. Considered to be the top wide receiver prospect in the draft class, Smith is a shifty wideout with top-notch route-running skills. He may not possess the raw speed that fellow Alabama alumni such as Henry Ruggs or Jaylen Waddle have, but Smith is a lot more polished.
Top-3 pre-draft NFL Rookie of the Year candidates
Read More: Justin Fields: 5 teams who are a perfect fit for Ohio State in 2021 NFL Draft
3. Justin Fields, quarterback, Ohio State
As the latest successful quarterback to come out of Ohio State, Justin Fields has a lot going for him. Conversely, Fields enters the draft as a controversial prospect due to various concerns about his lack of experience, inconsistency and tendency to stare down receivers. However, Fields has everything it takes to become a star at the next level, with a great arm, plenty of athleticism and sky-high potential.
Read More: NFL Draft rumors: Four quarterbacks expected to be top-10 picks in 2021
2. Zach Wilson, QB, BYU
Entering the 2020 college football season, the name Zach Wilson was nowhere to be found when discussing top quarterback prospects. Fast forward to a year later and Wilson has vaulted himself up draft boards, possibly going as high as No. 2 overall. Mildly athletic with the ability to throw from various angles, Wilson could become the 2021 version of Justin Herbert in that he has instant success in the pros.
Read More: Top NFL Draft prospect Trevor Lawrence undergoes shoulder surgery, to be ready for training camp
1. Trevor Lawrence, QB, Clemson
As one of the best QB prospects since Andrew Luck, Clemson product Trevor Lawrence will be under the spotlight from the moment he gets taken in the draft. The top recruit going back to his high school days, Lawrence is set to be a superstar at the next level. Widely expected to be selected No. 1 overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Lawrence is in line to be a day-one starter in the NFL. Can Urban Meyer coach Lawrence to become the 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year?
Revisiting the 2020 NFL Rookies of the Year
The players from the 2020 NFL Draft class surpassed all expectations. Justin Jefferson and Justin Herbert broke rookie records. Joe Burrow gave Cincinnati Bengals fans hope until he suffered an unfortunate injury. Chase Young became almost an instant force on the defensive line for the Washington Football Team. Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tristan Wirfs both started all 16 regular-season games on their way to winning Super Bowl LV with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It was an incredible display of talent from an incoming group of players who had no idea what to expect with their first foray into the league, despite having fewer reps than their fellow rookies before them.
Of course, Justin Herbert went on to win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award and Chase Young won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award with their dominant performances. Young was a popular early pick for the trophy, but Herbert was not as he entered the season as a backup.
Will we see something similar for this year's upcoming batch of rookies? Will there be an early runaway or will we have some sleeper candidates fans did not expect to have such success?
With three preseason games expected to be played this season, at least we'll have a chance to see the rookie class in action before the real games start. When the Dallas Cowboys take on the Pittsburgh Steelers for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, it will be our first opportunity to watch pro football in nearly six months, you can bet the world will be tuning in. For many NFL fans, August 5th can't come soon enough.
Halfway through the NFL season, plenty of rookies have received opportunities to play and several have stood out from the pack.
As the popularity of the NFL continues to rise, so do the betting markets.
The 'Award Props' have been known to return great investments for bettors and with all the talent expected to take the field in 2020, we could see that trend continue with first-year players in the NFL.
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
Bettors can begin to wager on both the top offensive and defensive rookies for the upcoming 2020 NFL season.
To no one's surprise, the top options on the board is a quarterback. Former Oregon standout Justin Herbert has been starting for the Chargers since Week 2 and although Los Angeles has struggled to win games, the quarterback has already thrown 23 touchdowns and amassed six 300-yard passing games.
Herbert is currently the odds-on favorite at -450 odds (Bet $100 to win $22.22). Bengals' quarterback and top pick Joe Burrow was hanging around for the award, but those hopes were dashed when he sustained a season-ending knee injury in a Week 11 loss at Washington.
The most recent quarterback to shine is Miami's Tua Tagovailoa, who is now in the discussion at +1500 odds. Tagovailoa has made five starts and won four of them for the Dolphins, as he is coming off a victory over the Bengals in Week 13.
The only non-quarterback in the discussion is Vikings' wide receiver and Burrow's former college teammate at LSU Justin Jefferson. The wideout leads Minnesota in receiving yards with 1,039 yards as Jefferson has vaulted to 9/2 odds to capture Rookie of the Year honors.
Listed below are the odds for all available players to win the NFL 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
NFL 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
| 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds (Ascending Order) | ||||||||||||
|
NFL 2020 Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Prior to Week 1
Joe Burrow +240
Clyde Edwards-Helaire +400
D'Andre Swift +900
Jonathan Taylor +1000
Jerry Jeudy +1400
CeeDee Lamb +1400
Henry Ruggs III +1600
Tua Tagovailoa +1400
J.K. Dobbins +1600
Justin Herbert +2000
Jalen Reagor +2000
Justin Jefferson +2200
Cam Akers +2500
Brandon Aiyuk +4000
Michael Pittman Jr. +4000
Chase Claypool +5000
A.J. Dillon +5000
Cole Kmet +5000
Tee Higgins +6000
Denzel Mims +6500
Zack Moss +6500
K.J. Hamler +8000
Jalen Hurts +8000
Jordan Love +8000
Laviska Shenault Jr. +8000
Jake Fromm +10000
Anthony McFarland +10000
Donovan Peoples-Jones +10000
Brycen Hopkins +12500
Adam Trautman +12500
Eno Benjamin +15000
Jacob Eason +15000
Lynn Bowden Jr. +20000
NFL 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Prior to Week 1
Chase Young +220
Isaiah Simmons +550
Kenneth Murray +1100
Patrick Queen +1100
Jeffrey Okudah +1400
Jordyn Brooks +2500
K'Lavon Chaisson +2000
Derrick Brown +2500
Willie Gay Jr. +2500
Javon Kinlaw +2500
A.J. Epenesa +3000
C.J. Henderson +3000
A.J. Terrell +3300
Kyle Dugger +3500
Xavier McKinney +3500
Antoine Winfield Jr. +3800
Jeff Gladney +4000
Damon Arnette +4000
Zack Baun +5000
Jeremy Chinn +5000
Marlon Davidson +5000
Jordan Elliott +5000
Yetur Gross-Matos +5000
Jaylon Johnson +5000
Geno Stone +5000
Akeem Davis-Gaither +6000
Trevon Diggs +6500
Kristian Fulton +6500
Neville Gallimore +6500
Noah Igbinoghene +6500
Logan Wilson +6500
Ross Blacklock +8000
Ashtyn Davis +8000
Troy Dye +8000
Malik Harrison +8000
Anfernee Jennings +8000
Terrell Lewis +8000
Julian Okwara +8000
Markus Bailey +10000
Julian Blackmon +10000
Cameron Dantzler +10000
Raekwon Davis +10000
Jalen Elliott +10000
Trevis Gipson +10000
Jonathan Greenard +10000
DaVon Hamilton +10000
Bryce Hall +10000
Justin Madubuike +10000
Troy Pride Jr. +10000
Darrell Taylor +10000
Joshua Uche +10000
K'Von Wallace +10000
Curtis Weaver +10000
Evan Weaver +10000
Kenny Willekes +10000
Alohi Gilman +20000
Where to Bet 2020 NFL Rookie of the Year
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Offensive Rookie of the Year Winners
(Last 10 Years)Nfl Rookie Of The Year Odds Bovada
- 2019 - QB Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
- 2018 - RB Saquon Barkley, New York Giants
- 2017 - RB Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints
- 2016 - QB Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
- 2015 - RB Todd Gurley, St. Louis Rams
- 2014 - WR Odell Beckham, New York Giants
- 2013 - RB Eddie Lacy, Green Bay Packers
- 2012 - QB Robert Griffin, Washington Redskins
- 2011 - QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
- 2010 - QB Sam Bradford, St. Louis Rams
QB (Quarterback)
RB (Running Back)
WR (Wide Receiver)
Defensive Rookie of the Year Winners
(Last 10 Years)2020 Mlb Rookie Of The Year Candidates
- 2019 - DL Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
- 2018 - LB Darius Leonard, Indianapolis Colts
- 2017 - DB Marshon Lattimore, New Orleans Saints
- 2016 - DL Joey Bosa, San Diego Chargers
- 2015 - DB Marcus Peters, Kansas City Chiefs
- 2014 - DL Aaron Donald, St. Louis Rams
- 2013 - DL Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets
- 2012 - LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
- 2011 - DL Von Miller, Denver Broncos
- 2010 - DL Ndamukong Suh, Detroit Lions
2021 Nfl Rookie Of The Year Odds
DL (Defensive Linemen)
LB (Linebacker)
DB (Defensive Back)
Nfl Rookie Of The Year Odds 2018
Odds Subject to Change
