10 leading candidates for rookie of the year
By Andrew Garda
The 2015 NFL Draft is done, the way too early draft grades are out, and we can now take a look at who the most likely candidates are for Rookie of the Year in 2015. Of course, as with everything else there is a long way to go before anyone is named to that award, and many things could and will happen.
However, we can take a look at a few things to narrow our choices down and that is what I have done.
First of all, while there may be many worthy players, there is an almost certain chance that the winner will be an offensive skill player. While a defensive player might catch your eye, it’s very rare and an offensive lineman is unheard of.
According to a list on Wikipedia, the Rookie of the Year Award (currently the Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award) has been around since 2002.
For the main award (the soda related one), only Ndamukong Suh has been named as the Rookie of the Year while playing defense. The Pro Football Writers Association used to only have separate categories for offense and defense, but added a main ROY award in 2012 has been given to Eddie Lacy (running back) and Odell Beckham Jr (wide receiver). The Associated Press only has the split categories.
The Sporting News has a combined award as well, since 1980. They too have rarely given the award to a defensive player, with Suh getting the 2010 award. Prior to that, defensive tackle Santana Dotson of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got it in 1992, Denver Broncos linebacker Mike Croel won it in 1991 and stunningly, Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Richmond Webb snagged it in 1990.
So it’s not impossible but as you can see, improbable.
Another thing to consider is what situation a player lands in. Of course, a rotational player is far more likely to get passed over than a starter. We can argue whether that is right or not, but a non-starter winning the award is, well, a non-starter.
Finally it won’t be just about production, though that certainly plays a large part in things (and is part of what hurts defensemen and linemen). If a player leads a team or has a huge impact in fewer moments, they could win as well.
Next: Jameis Winston, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers