Rookie of the Year Odds
Running backs have been the cream of the crop for the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award.
Since 1967, 31 of the 41 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year’s have been running backs. However, only two backs in the past five years have claimed the award, and one of the two was the Vikings’ Adrian Peterson in 2007 (the other was Tampa Bay’s Carnell “Cadillac” Williams).
Despite the fact only two backs in the past five years have taken home the Rookie of the Year honors, odds makers at Sportsbook.com still feel the position is the favorite to take home the award again this year. The reason running backs are often favored to win the award is because it’s arguably the easiest position to make the transition from college to the pros. Backs usually can contribute immediately as well, unlike quarterbacks and receivers, who often have to be brought along slowly. That said, value is the name of the game throughout this year’s rookie class.
Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland (3-1)
The Raiders already have a starter at running back in Justin Fargas, but they didn’t draft McFadden with the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft just to watch him ride the bench. The big back from Arkansas should see plenty of careers this year and might even steal Fargas’s starting job at some point before or during the season.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers (8-1)
Mendenhall might split carries with “Fast” Willie Parker, but don’t forget, Parker is coming off of major surgery. Mendenhall is a big back and should do very well running behind the Steelers’ solid offensive line. The former back from Illinois should see plenty of carries.
Devin Thomas, WR, Redskins (20-1)
Thomas was a great steal in the second round, especially considering some NFL pundits felt he was the best wide receiver prospect in the draft. Thomas is a big target and can stretch the field with good speed. The Redskins are in desperate need to find a go-to-guy for quarterback Jason Campbell and they might have found one in Thomas.
DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Eagles (20-1)
Jackson is an all-around playmaker who should contribute a lot on special teams in the return game, as well as a downfield threat for quarterback Donovan McNabb. Jackson has game-changing speed and given the lack of true playmaking weapons in the Eagles’ receiving crops, Jackson might have a decent sized role in Andy Reid’s offense.
Ryan is immensely talented, but will he see the field as a rookie? The Falcons currently still have Chris Redman and Joey Harrington on the roster – two veteran signal callers that might be called upon this year as Ryan learns for the sidelines. Then again, the Falcons are in desperate need to rid themselves of the Michael Vick era and Ryan was considered the most NFL-ready of any quarterbacks in the draft so he might get the chance to play early on.Bet the Rookie of the Year at Sportsbook.com.
Sportsbook.com’s odds to win the 2008 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year:
