NFL Rookie of the Year Awards - Early Leans

It’s early, but it’s never too early to talk about wagers in the awards markets. I’ve already given you my first round grades but I want to go a little deeper. Please keep in mind - I am just referencing whatever odds I could find right now. I am not pressing any buttons so please don’t odds police me. Shop around and make your own decision.

 

Offensive:

 

Carnell Tate +600 – The chalk might cash. Think about how desperate Cam is for a #1 receiver. I know guys like Ayomanor and Dike are fun, but let’s be serious - they ain’t moving the needle. Potential for a good supporting cast? Definitely. But there is a reason a defensive minded HC like Saleh signed off on this pick. He knows Cam needs help, and he trusts new OC Brian DaBoll to get him involved. I will absolutely be betting something Tate related, even if it’s not OROY.

 

Jadarian Price +1000 – Pretty crazy to see the 32nd overall pick and 2nd RB selected have the fifth highest odds to be OROY, ain’t it? That’s probably because Vegas knows. The Seahawks will be determined to not look like morons for letting Kenneth Walker walk. I expect Price to be heavily involved in this offense. And trust me, as a Notre Dame fan, he is an absolute DAWG. 

 

Ja’Kobi Lane +8000 - Here’s my longshot play at first glance. The Ravens know Lamar needs more weapons. Smart of them to go OL in the first round, and I love that they got Lane in the third. Makai Lemon was the guy at USC but don't let him overshadow the fact that Lane is a beast. I think Zay Flowers is a nice receiver, but outside of that, who are the Ravens threats in the passing game? Mark Andrews is ancient and Rashod Bateman is not that guy, pal. I can see a world where Lane gets fed or is at least a red-zone monster. The number here is too good to pass up on a team that's trying to win now and has an elite QB.

Defensive:

 

Sonny Styles +700 – I am all the way in love with this pick from the Washington Commanders. Their linebacking core is old and slow. Styles should be a great fit ,and I trust Dan Quinn to utilize him well with a smart defensive scheme. This would be my chalk play.

 

Keldric Faulk +2500 – I mean, do we not love Robert Saleh trading up to get his pass rusher? First year in Tennessee and you know he will want to revamp this defense from Day 1. I thought it was ballsy to go WR as high as they did, but this move shows me that Saleh wanted Faulk, and I’d have to imagine you’re going to want to prove to the team and the fanbase that he was worth it.

 

Jacob Rodriquez +3000 – Not the biggest longshot but I love the value here. If Carson Schwesinger can win DROY for being a tackling machine, why can’t Jacob?