Rookie of the Year Odds and Forecast
The 2020 NFL rookie class is absolutely loaded, with a slew of talented running backs and a potentially historic wide receiver crop. After examining the board, we'll review the contenders at each position and look at some longshots who could challenge the 23-year-old Ohio native for the award. OFFENSIVE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR ODDS. Pro Football Writers of America NFL ROTY Award. The Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) Rookie of the Year awards have been given annually to an offensive and defensive rookie in the NFL since 1969, except in 1985. In 2013, PFWA began selecting an overall NFL rookie of the year in addition to its offensive and defensive honors. The winners are chosen by Pro Football Weekly writers/editors. Rookie of the Year Odds and Forecast. The 2020 NFL Draft is complete, and now we turn our attention to who landed in the best spots and have the greatest chance of securing the 2020-21 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards. NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds. Offensive Rookie of the Year Contender Odds. Joe Burrow +200.
The 2020 NFL Draft is complete, and now we turn our attention to who landed in the best spots and have the greatest chance of securing the 2020-21 Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.
Offensive Rookie of the Year Contender Odds
- Joe Burrow +200
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire +700
- Tua Tagovailoa +800
- Jerry Jeudy +1200
- D'Andre Swift +1200
2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Analysis
The Cincinnati Bengals nabbed QB Joe Burrow (+200) with the top overall pick, and he is the early favorite to come away with the hardware, too. But did he land in the best spot? Yes, the Bengals also snagged WR Tee Higgins (+3200) at the top of the second round to give Burrow a weapon, but the run game and offensive line play is going to have to be better, as Burrow won't be able to step right into the black and blue AFC North and dominate like he did at LSU.
After Burrow, his Bayou Bengal teammate RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (+700) landed in a very favorable spot in Kansas City, and Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa (+800) was picked No. 5 overall. Edwards-Helaire was the first tailback off the board, and the bruising back also has tremendous hands. That should make him a factor from the jump for the defending Super Bowl champs, and QB Patrick Mahomes has the potential to make Edwards-Helaire a star.
As far as Tua, there are a lot of questions about his durability, which makes him a very risky pick. The potential is there for Tagovailoa to step up and be a star, but it is likely going to take some time. The Dolphins needn't push him with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick still on the roster and expected to start initially. As such, it could be tough to like Tua's chances nearly as much as Edwards-Helaire at the same price.
Place in betting. While the selection of RB D'Andre Swift (+1200) by the Detroit Lions was praised, some pundits want to see the vast improvement by their offensive line before investing anything in him. RB Jonathan Taylor landed with the Indianapolis Colts, and that's an intriguing pick. However, remember that RB Marlon Mack is still on the roster in Indy, and that's an awfully big hurdle for Taylor. In addition, his fumbling issues and lack of soft hands to catch the ball make him a less attractive pick.
Perhaps the best intermediate play on the board comes in the form of Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (+1500). He is an impressive specimen, and he lands in a very favorable situation with QB Dak Prescott, who can sling with the best of them. While WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup are also in the receiver room with Lamb, the latter is expected to take over the slot spot previously occupied by WR Randall Cobb, now in Houston. The ceiling could be rather high for Lamb, who should see a heavy catch volume. His breakaway potential makes him worthy of a small-unit bet at a very favorable price.
And if you REALLY want to go for a longshot, Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (+4100) could fit the bill. He steps in to a situation for the Colts with just WR T.Y. Hilton and a bunch of other guys. If the rookie jells nicely with veteran signal caller QB Philip Rivers early in training camp and preseason, a starting job could easily be within his grasp. The Colts should air it out quite frequently, and that makes Pittman would a look.
2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
Top 3 Offensive Rookie of the Year Picks
- Kansas City Chiefs RB - Clyde Edwards-Helaire +700
- Dallas Cowboys WR - CeeDee Lamb +1500
- Indianapolis Colts WR - Michael Pittman Jr. +4100
Defensive Rookie of the Year Contender Odds
- Chase Young +200
- Isaiah Simmons +500
- Kenneth Murray +900
- Patrick Queen +900
- Jeffrey Okudah +1400
2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Analysis
The Washington Redskins snapped up EDGE rusher Chase Young (+200) out of Ohio State with the No. 2 overall pick, and he has been touted as a generational prospect by some talking heads. He should step right in to harass the likes of Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones and Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz, who cannot be too pleased about the prospects of trying to elude him.
While Young is the heavy favorite to hoist the hardware, Arizona Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons (+500) figures to have something to say about the battle. The standout at Clemson gives the Cardinals an immediate boost. He wrapped up his career in the upstate with 253 stops, including 28.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Simmons also had four picks, including a pick-six, while jarring the ball loose for five forced fumbles in 44 appearances. He is a disruptive force, and that's just what the doctor ordered in Arizona. He is going to be fun to watch.
Offensive Rookie Of The Year Nfl 2020
The defending champion LSU Tigers were heavily represented in this draft, and LB Patrick Queen (+900) lands in a favorable spot in Baltimore, while S Grant Delpit (+2300) figures to see a heavy workload immediately in Cleveland. The latter should rack up his fair share of tackles, and if he is able to stay healthy, he should show why he was previously thought of as a Day 1 player before an injury-marred 2019 campaign. A player entering with a chip on his shoulder is just the kind of person you want to target, especially at a nice value price like Delpit's.
Nfl Offensive Rookie Of The Year 2019 Odds
Young's partner in crime at Ohio State, CB Jeffrey Okudah (+1400), went third overall and is a value play at this price. He should step right in for the departed Darius Slay and start from the get-go in the Motor City. Win real money online casino for free. Don't expect this attractive price to stay this high for long.
The Carolina Panthers became the first team in the modern era to use all seven of their picks on defensive players, and former Auburn standout Derrick Brown (+2500) looks to be the new face of the Carolina defense following the retirement of fan favorite Luke Kuechly. Brown and former Penn State stud Yetur Gross-Matos (+3500) look to get off to a flying start in the Queen City. Each are worth a small-unit play just because they figure to start from Day 1.
If you're looking for a real longshot to potentially pay off, look no further than Houston Texans DE Ross Blacklock (+6600). He figures to be one of the book ends with J.J. Watt, and the 290-pounder turned in an impressive 4.9 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The 40th overall pick should make head coach Bill O'Brien very happy on the defensive side of the ball. At the same price, Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Antoine Winfield Jr. (+5500) has those family bloodlines, and he should be an impact player for the contending Bucs. He'll also have the luxury of learning from the best in practice, as future Hall of Famer Tom Brady gives him immediate on the job training.
2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
Top 3 Defensive Rookie of the Year Picks
- Washington Redskins DE - Chase Young +200
- Detroit Lions CB - Jeff Okudah +1400
- Houston Texans DE - Ross Blacklock +6600
Ohio State Buckeyes standout defensive back Jeffrey Okudah was the No. 3 pick for the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. (AP)
Analysis provided by VI Expert Joe Williams - Odds & Betting Markets Subject to Change
When projecting college players to the NFL, one of the most obviously important aspects of that process is the understanding of scheme and positional fit at the next level. One of the more interesting parts of that process is the number of college offensive tackles who have been asked to kick inside to guard when they go pro.
Whether due to height, arm length, movement and agility concerns, or simple team need, it's happened a lot in the last decade. Zack Martin, Joel Bitonio, Brandon Scherff, Kelechi Osemele, and Jamon Brown are among the tackle-to-guard converts who have played levels from starter to All-Pro over the last decade. Mitch Morse even converted from left tackle at Missouri to center for the Chiefs, who selected him in the second round of the 2015 draft, and Morse has played at a high level for both Kansas City and Buffalo.
That said, it's not always sensible to move a guy around. With the retirement of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, the Colts are reportedly toying with the idea of moving left guard Quenton Nelson outside. Which seems insane to me. Nelson is the best guard of his era, and one of the best I've ever scouted. I had Nelson as the best overall player in the 2018 draft class ahead of everyone from Lamar Jackson to Josh Allen to Baker Mayfield to Nick Chubb, and if I had to do it all over again in 2021, I'd still give Nelson the nod among all players in that class.
You can draft a left tackle (I had the Colts taking Virginia Tech's Christian Darrisaw 21st overall in my most recent mock draft). You can sign a free-agent left tackle, and the Colts have the cap space to do just that. But you don't take the best player at his position in at least the last decade and start messing with his natural home. At least, that's how I see it.
How I also see it is that just because a player doesn't fit your physical parameters for the position doesn't mean he can't play the position at an exceedingly high level, no matter the circumstance. What this is all leading up to is the professional future of Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater. Legit bingo online play.
At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, Slater (literally) falls short when it comes to the preferred height for NFL left tackles, and there are arm length concerns as well. That's led a lot of people to automatically kick Slater inside to guard in their heads once he hits the NFL, but that's not at all how I would project Slater's future. Especially after the first time I watched Slater deal with Ohio State's Chase Young in 2019. Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but after this game, you could say he'd done all he needed to do.
And I'm not alone.
Mr. Brugler is absolutely on the nose here. Longtime offensive line performance coach Duke Manyweather, who I worked with on Bleacher Report's NFL1000 project in 2017 and 2018, and has worked with Slater himself, had this to say on the subject.
'Rashawn is a tackle, I don't care what anyone says,' Manyweather told Brugler last October. 'At some point, teams have to realize they're missing badly on offensive linemen because they're looking at bull things that are ancillary. Don't get me wrong, things like length are important when trying to make up the gap. But Rashawn understands technique and body position extremely well. I've been doing this a long time and rarely miss on this – he's a tackle.'
As far as Tua, there are a lot of questions about his durability, which makes him a very risky pick. The potential is there for Tagovailoa to step up and be a star, but it is likely going to take some time. The Dolphins needn't push him with veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick still on the roster and expected to start initially. As such, it could be tough to like Tua's chances nearly as much as Edwards-Helaire at the same price.
Place in betting. While the selection of RB D'Andre Swift (+1200) by the Detroit Lions was praised, some pundits want to see the vast improvement by their offensive line before investing anything in him. RB Jonathan Taylor landed with the Indianapolis Colts, and that's an intriguing pick. However, remember that RB Marlon Mack is still on the roster in Indy, and that's an awfully big hurdle for Taylor. In addition, his fumbling issues and lack of soft hands to catch the ball make him a less attractive pick.
Perhaps the best intermediate play on the board comes in the form of Dallas Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (+1500). He is an impressive specimen, and he lands in a very favorable situation with QB Dak Prescott, who can sling with the best of them. While WRs Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup are also in the receiver room with Lamb, the latter is expected to take over the slot spot previously occupied by WR Randall Cobb, now in Houston. The ceiling could be rather high for Lamb, who should see a heavy catch volume. His breakaway potential makes him worthy of a small-unit bet at a very favorable price.
And if you REALLY want to go for a longshot, Indianapolis Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. (+4100) could fit the bill. He steps in to a situation for the Colts with just WR T.Y. Hilton and a bunch of other guys. If the rookie jells nicely with veteran signal caller QB Philip Rivers early in training camp and preseason, a starting job could easily be within his grasp. The Colts should air it out quite frequently, and that makes Pittman would a look.
2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
Top 3 Offensive Rookie of the Year Picks
- Kansas City Chiefs RB - Clyde Edwards-Helaire +700
- Dallas Cowboys WR - CeeDee Lamb +1500
- Indianapolis Colts WR - Michael Pittman Jr. +4100
Defensive Rookie of the Year Contender Odds
- Chase Young +200
- Isaiah Simmons +500
- Kenneth Murray +900
- Patrick Queen +900
- Jeffrey Okudah +1400
2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Analysis
The Washington Redskins snapped up EDGE rusher Chase Young (+200) out of Ohio State with the No. 2 overall pick, and he has been touted as a generational prospect by some talking heads. He should step right in to harass the likes of Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, New York Giants QB Daniel Jones and Philadelphia Eagles QB Carson Wentz, who cannot be too pleased about the prospects of trying to elude him.
While Young is the heavy favorite to hoist the hardware, Arizona Cardinals LB Isaiah Simmons (+500) figures to have something to say about the battle. The standout at Clemson gives the Cardinals an immediate boost. He wrapped up his career in the upstate with 253 stops, including 28.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. Simmons also had four picks, including a pick-six, while jarring the ball loose for five forced fumbles in 44 appearances. He is a disruptive force, and that's just what the doctor ordered in Arizona. He is going to be fun to watch.
Offensive Rookie Of The Year Nfl 2020
The defending champion LSU Tigers were heavily represented in this draft, and LB Patrick Queen (+900) lands in a favorable spot in Baltimore, while S Grant Delpit (+2300) figures to see a heavy workload immediately in Cleveland. The latter should rack up his fair share of tackles, and if he is able to stay healthy, he should show why he was previously thought of as a Day 1 player before an injury-marred 2019 campaign. A player entering with a chip on his shoulder is just the kind of person you want to target, especially at a nice value price like Delpit's.
Nfl Offensive Rookie Of The Year 2019 Odds
Young's partner in crime at Ohio State, CB Jeffrey Okudah (+1400), went third overall and is a value play at this price. He should step right in for the departed Darius Slay and start from the get-go in the Motor City. Win real money online casino for free. Don't expect this attractive price to stay this high for long.
The Carolina Panthers became the first team in the modern era to use all seven of their picks on defensive players, and former Auburn standout Derrick Brown (+2500) looks to be the new face of the Carolina defense following the retirement of fan favorite Luke Kuechly. Brown and former Penn State stud Yetur Gross-Matos (+3500) look to get off to a flying start in the Queen City. Each are worth a small-unit play just because they figure to start from Day 1.
If you're looking for a real longshot to potentially pay off, look no further than Houston Texans DE Ross Blacklock (+6600). He figures to be one of the book ends with J.J. Watt, and the 290-pounder turned in an impressive 4.9 40-yard dash time at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The 40th overall pick should make head coach Bill O'Brien very happy on the defensive side of the ball. At the same price, Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Antoine Winfield Jr. (+5500) has those family bloodlines, and he should be an impact player for the contending Bucs. He'll also have the luxury of learning from the best in practice, as future Hall of Famer Tom Brady gives him immediate on the job training.
2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Predictions
Top 3 Defensive Rookie of the Year Picks
- Washington Redskins DE - Chase Young +200
- Detroit Lions CB - Jeff Okudah +1400
- Houston Texans DE - Ross Blacklock +6600
Ohio State Buckeyes standout defensive back Jeffrey Okudah was the No. 3 pick for the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. (AP)
Analysis provided by VI Expert Joe Williams - Odds & Betting Markets Subject to Change
When projecting college players to the NFL, one of the most obviously important aspects of that process is the understanding of scheme and positional fit at the next level. One of the more interesting parts of that process is the number of college offensive tackles who have been asked to kick inside to guard when they go pro.
Whether due to height, arm length, movement and agility concerns, or simple team need, it's happened a lot in the last decade. Zack Martin, Joel Bitonio, Brandon Scherff, Kelechi Osemele, and Jamon Brown are among the tackle-to-guard converts who have played levels from starter to All-Pro over the last decade. Mitch Morse even converted from left tackle at Missouri to center for the Chiefs, who selected him in the second round of the 2015 draft, and Morse has played at a high level for both Kansas City and Buffalo.
That said, it's not always sensible to move a guy around. With the retirement of left tackle Anthony Castonzo, the Colts are reportedly toying with the idea of moving left guard Quenton Nelson outside. Which seems insane to me. Nelson is the best guard of his era, and one of the best I've ever scouted. I had Nelson as the best overall player in the 2018 draft class ahead of everyone from Lamar Jackson to Josh Allen to Baker Mayfield to Nick Chubb, and if I had to do it all over again in 2021, I'd still give Nelson the nod among all players in that class.
You can draft a left tackle (I had the Colts taking Virginia Tech's Christian Darrisaw 21st overall in my most recent mock draft). You can sign a free-agent left tackle, and the Colts have the cap space to do just that. But you don't take the best player at his position in at least the last decade and start messing with his natural home. At least, that's how I see it.
How I also see it is that just because a player doesn't fit your physical parameters for the position doesn't mean he can't play the position at an exceedingly high level, no matter the circumstance. What this is all leading up to is the professional future of Northwestern offensive lineman Rashawn Slater. Legit bingo online play.
At 6-foot-4 and 314 pounds, Slater (literally) falls short when it comes to the preferred height for NFL left tackles, and there are arm length concerns as well. That's led a lot of people to automatically kick Slater inside to guard in their heads once he hits the NFL, but that's not at all how I would project Slater's future. Especially after the first time I watched Slater deal with Ohio State's Chase Young in 2019. Slater opted out of the 2020 season, but after this game, you could say he'd done all he needed to do.
And I'm not alone.
Mr. Brugler is absolutely on the nose here. Longtime offensive line performance coach Duke Manyweather, who I worked with on Bleacher Report's NFL1000 project in 2017 and 2018, and has worked with Slater himself, had this to say on the subject.
'Rashawn is a tackle, I don't care what anyone says,' Manyweather told Brugler last October. 'At some point, teams have to realize they're missing badly on offensive linemen because they're looking at bull things that are ancillary. Don't get me wrong, things like length are important when trying to make up the gap. But Rashawn understands technique and body position extremely well. I've been doing this a long time and rarely miss on this – he's a tackle.'
Nfl Rookie Of The Year Race
Against Ohio State and specifically Chase Young in the sixth game of the 2019 season, Slater never let his play slip at all despite the fact that the Wildcats took a 52-3 butt-kicking from the Buckeyes. Slater was powerful, technically sound, and mean off the snap from start to finish, and when Young (the 2020 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year) faced Slater, he was able to accomplish very little. In fact, there were times when Slater physically dominated Young, which is something a lot of NFL tackles found exceedingly difficult to do. Slater allowed no sacks, no quarterback hits, and two quarterback hurries in the game, and no sacks, one quarterback hit, and four quarterback hurries in 355 pass-blocking snaps in the 2019 season.
'You know that NBA clip with Matt Barnes and the in-bounds play where Kobe (Bryant) doesn't blink? That's Rashawn. He doesn't blink,' Manyweather concluded when asked about the Young matchup. 'Him and Chase were matched up 16, 17 times throughout the game, and Rashawn won almost every rep because he was so clear on his strong suits and his technique. I saw a calm, consistent player.'
Nfl Offensive Rookie Of The Year Odds
So did I, which is why I sent Slater to the Chargers with the 13th overall pick in my mock draft. Let's go to the tape and take a detailed look at the traits and attributes of Rashawn Slater, Professional Left Tackle.