5 NFL players that are Offensive Rookie of the Year favorites in 2018

GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 30: Saquon Barkley (26) of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs for a gain in the Fiesta Bowl game between the Washington Huskies and the Penn State Nittany Lions on December 30, 2017 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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Since 1967, the Associated Press has awarded the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Who are the favorites to take home the honor in 2018?

Unlike the Most Valuable Player Award, the Offensive Rookie of the Year has not always gone to quarterbacks. In fact, the position with the most is running back, with 64.7 percent of the award-winners going to running backs.

The 2018 class should be no different. The class was stacked at the top with quarterbacks and had some decent wide receivers, but the deepest talent pool on offense was running back. In fact, some had Penn State running back Saquon Barkley as the highest-rated offensive player in the class.

Let’s take a look at the guys who have the best chance to make enough of an impact to garner the attention for this award.

5. Michael Gallup, WR, Dallas Cowboys

Most of this list will comprise first-round selections, but Gallup will be a rare mid-round pick that could make an impact in 2018.

The Dallas Cowboys are in need of wide receiver help, and although Gallup is a raw player, he has the talent to make an impact on the Cowboys right away due to their limitations at the position.

In order for the Cowboys to succeed, Ezekiel Elliott will have to be the bell cow on offense that he was in 2016. That said, a wide receiver will have to step up too. Gallup is a receiver who can create separation the way Dez Bryant used to and has enough speed to beat guys deep.

He’s also a guy who won’t go down without a fight. Gallup will fight for extra yards and use the size and strength advantage he has against corners in that regard. Gallup has the ability to be a 1,000-yard receiver as a rookie, and if he does that, and the Cowboys make a run at the playoffs, he will garner some attention, especially in Dallas.