2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Top Ten Candidates

5. Marcus Mariota, QB, Tennessee Titans

May 26, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans first round draft pick quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) passes during OTA drills at Saint Thomas Sports Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

With all offensive awards in the NFL, if everything else is equal, the quarterback is probably going to be the selection. The rookie of the year award is no different, and if there is a rookie quarterback who plays well this season, he is going to get strong consideration.

Enter the 2015 second overall pick Marcus Mariota, who is entering his rookie season as the probable starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans. Mariota enters the NFL with plenty of question marks, but his raw talent and upside at the position is incredibly intriguing.

Coming from an offense at Oregon where he was not expected to extensively read a defense, there could easily be a rough transition period ahead for Mariota. That being said, he is an incredibly intelligent player with obvious arm talent and mobility that may be unrivaled in the NFL.

If Mariota can learn the NFL game quickly, his great combination of mobility and passing ability could carry him to huge numbers immediately. In this case, Mariota would make a strong rookie of the year candidate.

A strong case could be made for Mariota or any of the four remaining rookies who have yet to be named, as the off season favorite for rookie of the year. This seems to be the spot where the top-tier separates itself.

Next: Number Four