Jan 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New York Giants receiver Odell Beckham at Team Irvin practice for the 2015 Pro Bowl at Luke Air Force Base. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
There was no shortage of capable players to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season, and if were not for a historic debut for New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr, many different players would have had a strong argument for the award.
Playing in only 12 games, Beckham exploded down the stretch for the Giants, finishing with 91 receptions for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns. Beckham was basically impossible to cover, using his incredible speed, strength and athleticism to make plays all over the field. He truly was one of the best players in the NFL down the stretch, making him a fairly obvious Offensive Rookie of the Year selection.
While choosing Beckham was not difficult, it was not because of lack of talent and performance from other players. Fellow wide receiver Mike Evans was also a stud last year, finishing with 68 receptions for 1,051 and 12 touchdown. Beckham and Evans led in-arguably the greatest rookie WR class in NFL history, with Sammy Watkins, Brandin Cooks, Kelvin Benjamin, Jordan Matthews, John Brown, Martavis Bryant and many others also showing incredible skill-sets and production at the position.
On top of the incredible WR class, Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman Zack Martin was named a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, and received the second-most Rookie of the Year votes behind Beckham. Cleveland Browns offensive lineman Joel Bitonio also deserves mention based on is incredible rookie season.
All of this, and we yet to even talk about quarterbacks Teddy Bridgewater and Derek Carr, and running back Jeremy Hill. All three of these players also had incredible rookie campaigns, and would have been serious contenders in a normal year.
Simply put, the 2014 offensive rookie class was absolutely loaded. The 2015 class clearly has some huge shoes to fill. That being said, on paper, there is similar talent in this rookie class. I strongly believe that this year’s rookies will impress in a similar fashion.
Now, let’s get to the good stuff. Without further ado, here are the top ten candidates to take home the 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Next: Number Ten