Three Standout Rookies Contending for OROY

Recently, there has been a growing buzz around the league regarding the prestigious Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) award and who it should be awarded to. Multiple rookies from across the league have made their impact felt on the offensive side of the ball, with some even changing the entire dynamic of their franchises. Today, I will list my top three rookies who I believe are in a position to secure the OROY trophy once the year ends.

1. Washington Commanders - QB Jayden Daniels

Let’s get the obvious one out of the way first. Jayden Daniels has been phenomenal for the Commanders, who selected him second overall in this year's draft. The former LSU Tiger has played at an almost elite level as a rookie and has Washington looking the best it has been in over a decade. The team is currently 7-4, with the fourth-ranked scoring offense and the sixth-ranked offense in terms of total yards. The last time this Washington franchise accomplished anything close to that was when they had a rookie QB, selected second overall, named Robert Griffin III in 2012. Coincidentally, Griffin III went on to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year that year, and I believe it’s time for a Washington QB to follow suit. Daniels has 10 passing touchdowns to only three interceptions and is also one of the most accurate QBs in the NFL, with the ninth-highest completion percentage (68.7%).

2. Las Vegas Raiders - Tight End Brock Bowers

If there is any player who deserves this award outside of Jayden Daniels, it absolutely should be Bowers. Bowers has played at an elite level for a tight end and is expected to break not only the rookie receptions record but also the rookie record for receiving yards by a tight end. His 70 catches and 706 yards rank second and tenth in the entire NFL, regardless of position. I think it’s underrated just how impressive a season Bowers is having, and I feel it would be justifiable if he were to win the award. I see Jayden winning it over him as things stand due to the value the voting committee places on the QB position; otherwise, Bowers would be in the top spot.

3. Denver Broncos - QB Bo Nix

Much like Daniels, Bo Nix has led a complete culture shift in Denver following the departure of Russell Wilson in the offseason. The Broncos' first-round draft pick has played well under Sean Payton and has continued to progress throughout the weeks. Nix has Denver in playoff contention with a record of 6-4 and is coming off easily his best game of the year against Atlanta. The rookie completed 85% of his passes en route to a 300-yard, four-touchdown passing day in a victory. That game brought his season totals to an impressive 2,275 passing yards, along with 14 touchdowns and six interceptions. While I don’t believe Nix should be above the two players listed above, I do believe he is firmly in the race. There is still a lot of season left, and if he’s able to string together some impressive games, anything is possible.