The arrival of the 2016 NFL season means that some rookie sensations will be taking the field. Let’s take a look at some of the more exciting newcomers — and take a gander as to which one is most likely to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Find out the latest college football odds by clicking here.
2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Picks
Favorite: Ezekiel Elliott (RB, Dallas)
He’s not as explosive as Derrick Henry, but with that Dallas offensive line blasting open holes for him, he shouldn’t have to be. Even Darren McFadden was able to break the 1,000-yard barrier behind that line last year, even though the Cowboys basically had a nonexistent passing game. Ezekiel Elliott already has an instinctive feel for those goal-line situations and short-yardage needs. His skills catching the ball and blocking pass rushes mean that he is a likely three-down back. With Tony Romo and Dez Bryant clicking, Elliott will be part of a very special offense this year.
Smart: Jared Goff (QB, Los Angeles)
It was interesting that Nick Foles requested his release from the Los Angeles Rams last week. It’s true that Case Keenum had taken Foles’ place, but Foles had returned to full health and was foregoing the last year of a fairly nice contract to walk away. With Keenum and now Jared Goff in camp, maybe Foles felt that he would not win the starting job. Goff was terrific at Cal, and he has Todd Gurley (who won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2015) carrying the ball, so he won’t have to carry the offense himself like last year’s rookie Marcus Mariota did. There isn’t really a marquee receiver in Los Angeles, but rookies Tyler Higbee and Pharoh Cooper are ready to make their mark on the league too.
Long Shot: Josh Doctson (WR, Washington)
Doctson was an electrifying receiver at TCU, going up to catch pretty much everything that Trevone Boykin threw his way. Now he comes to Washington to bring his skill at timing fades and jump balls and become a real threat to score in the red zone. Kirk Cousins emerged as a solid quarterback last year — without a real threat at wide receiver, as tight end Jordan Reed led the team in catches, yards and reception touchdowns. This year, he and Doctson could form a real dynamic duo. The reason this is a long shot is that the Redskins don’t really have a solid offensive line, so Cousins will be spending a lot of time on the run.
Prediction: Ezekiel Elliott
With that big line and with the solid passing game, Elliott doesn’t have to carry the offense. That will give him room to find his way in the faster game and take advantage of teams who are having to play the pass.
