Early NFL Rookie of the Year contenders

This is the time of year when new heroes emerge and new reputations are made, and keen betting fans are carefully studying the stats and highlights as they look for the best sportsbook promotions and deals. It’s never too early to make predictions and with so many talented rookies entering the NFL, competition for the Rookie of the Year award will be fierce. Here are some of the leading challengers:

Garrett Wilson – Wide receiver, New York Jets

High-performing receivers often have a strong chance at winning the Rookie of the Year, and Garrett Wilson has landed in a perfect situation. Although he doesn’t have Zach Wilson throwing him the ball, Joe Flacco has a powerful arm and plenty of experience. Wilson’s speed was on display in Week 2 as his explosive acceleration saw him burn past defenders with ease. Wilson has made a strong start and could register some big numbers in the weeks ahead.

Kenny Pickett – Quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pickett has yet to see action in the NFL but he is the main backup for Mitchell Trubisky, and based on what we saw in the preseason games, he has the potential to make a huge impact. He rounded off the preseason with a solid display against the Lions, completing 86% of his passes, and reports that he was likely to be pro-ready in his rookie year seem justified. With Trubisky and coach Mike Tomlin under pressure, he could have his chance sooner rather than later.

Treylon Burks – Wide receiver, Tennessee Titans

Breathing issues early in the Titans camp suggested that Burks may be set for a struggle as he adjusts to life in the NFL, but those problems seem to be behind him and he has huge potential. His combination of size and speed is rare, and his ability to break tackles combined with this speed make him a potentially lethal opponent. His playing time is likely to increase over the next few weeks, although he will need the Titans’ offense to improve their performance level if hopes to hit big numbers.

Chris Olave – Wide receiver, New Orleans Saints

Olave has the advantage of being a talented young receiver in an offense that heavily favors the pass, and has the potential to rise through the ranks. He is one of the fastest rookies to come into the NFL and has made a solid start for the Saints. Given that quarterback Jameis Winston is usually looking for big plays, Olave has the chance to capture national attention.

Sauce Gardner – Corner, New York Jets

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner was one of the most talked about picks in the 2022 Draft and he has all of the necessary traits to succeed in the NFL – particularly his competitive streak that will enable him to cope with taking on the best receivers in the business. In his opening game against the Ravens, Gardner pulled off a touchdown-saving deflection and allowed only one catch for eight yards, and put in another solid performance in Week 2 against the Browns.

Drake London – Wide receiver, Atlanta Falcons

Drake London wasted no time getting involved on his NFL debut. He caught seven targets from 54 snaps, helped by the fact that Kyle Pitts tends to draw the top opposing defender in coverage. If that continues, London will continue to build on this strong start. There was plenty of evidence of that happening in Week 2 when he was the top target for Marcus Mariota. If his career continues on this trajectory then he is a major contender for Rookie of the Year.

Jahan Dotson – Wide receiver, Washington Commanders

The 16th overall pick from the 2022 Draft, Dotson came into the league with a lot of hype around his name, and he has the clear potential to become a strong second option for Carson Wentz. On his debut, he eluded the defense to run in for two touchdown catches and he scored again in Week 2 against the Lions. There will be tougher challenges, but right now, he rates as one of the outstanding young wide receivers in the NFL and has a big chance of taking the Rookie of the Year award.