2022 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds: Ranking the Top 5 Candidates for Each Award

2022 NFL Rookie of the Year Odds: Ranking the Top 5 Candidates for Each Award

Before the 2022 NFL season begins, we'll look at the top five candidates to win the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year. Although a player might've been drafted earlier, these awards all come down to opportunity. A rookie that will get to start for his team in Week 1 probably has a better chance at winning the award just due to the potential volume of reps. Here are the top five candidates for each Rookie of the Year award.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

1. Treylon Burks, WR, Titans

It feels like Treylon Burks has the best path to winning this award. He's taking over for A.J. Brown in Tennessee and will ultimately be the number one receiver on the Titan's offense. Sure, Tennessee is a run-first offense, but a little play-action to Burks down the field never hurt anyone. Burks could be a gem for the Titans this year.

2. Breece Hall, RB, Jets

I don't want to leave Breece Hall out. I'm just not sure how many snaps he's going to get between himself and Michael Carter. Either way, Hall will benefit from an improved offensive line in New York. The Jets should be much better offensively this year if Zach Wilson can grow as a quarterback. If the Jets remain balanced and have success, Breece Hall will be right in the middle of it.

3. Kenny Pickett, QB, Steelers

I went back and forth here. What if Mitch Trubisky starts the season and looks good? Pickett will never get an opportunity. But then again, what if Trubisky looks awful and is quickly taken out for Pickett, who then leads the offense to the playoffs again? Pickett should still be considered to win this award, but it all depends on Mitch Trubisky first and foremost.

4. Skyy Moore, WR, Chiefs

The Chiefs might quickly realize how much they miss Tyreek Hill. If that's the case, they will want to get Skyy Moore involved in the offensive immediately. There's plenty of talent on this Chiefs' depth chart at wide receiver, but Moore can do some things that the other receivers can't. Keep him in mind.

5. Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans

If Dameon Pierce is going to take over at running back for the Texans, he has to be considered. The Texans will be playing down in most games and thus, have to throw the ball more in the second half.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year

1. Travon Walker, LB, Jaguars

Are we just going to act like he wasn't drafted first overall by the Jaguars? He might need to become a bit of a better pass rusher, but he'll work on that in his rookie season. There's a reason why he's highly regarded. He can do a lot of things really well and has the perfect body frame at linebacker.

2. Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Lions

If you've been watching Hard Knocks, you know just how good Aidan Hutchinson can be. He didn't look great against Georgia in the College Football Playoff, but he's already showing some growth in preseason action. There's so much to like about Hutchinson and he's clearly going to get the reps to potentially win the award.

3. Kyle Hamilton, S, Ravens

In practice, Hamilton was getting beat left and right by random wide receivers who had no business torching him. Anyway, he took the punch on social media and was just fine. His coverage won't always be up to par, but he can hit you hard and pop the ball out. A couple of forced fumbles could help him become the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

4. Sauce Gardner, CB, Jets

Nobody throws the ball near Sauce Gardner when he's on the field. That's a great thing in coverage, but for the Rookie of the Year award, most people will want to look at stats like interceptions and deflections. He won't get the love that he should get this year. He'll be deserving of the award but will lack other stats because of how well he'll play.

5. Derek Stingley Jr., CB, Texans

Stingley Jr. didn't even need to play for LSU last year to get drafted by Houston early in the draft. He's a major talent with the skills that will blow you away at cornerback. He's a playmaker and will earn a good reputation in the league quickly. He'll have a chance to win the award as well.

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