The Offensive Rookie of the Year conversation has been quite exciting this year. Although only 2 quarterbacks have won it in the past 7 seasons, this season will definitely add another OROY quarterback. It’s been dominated by the 2 quarterbacks: Justin Herbert & Joe Burrow.
Let’s get into who are the top OROY candidates this season so far and how they can win it…
Justin Herbert, Chargers (QB)
Justin Herbert has been more than what the Chargers have anticipated being this early in his career. At Oregon, Herbert was considered a quiet quarterback that didn’t necessarily have the leadership intangibles but had all the talent. He has a great arm and has been showcasing it so far in the NFL. Herbert has thrown for 2,146 passing yards, 17 TDs, and only 5 interceptions in 7 games so far this year. Those are impressive numbers for any quarterback, but factoring in that he’s a rookie… insane.
Herbert looks like the top candidate so far as he’s played really well. Although his team hasn’t played that well, he’s still producing and putting up numbers. Herbert has great weapons around him like Keenan Allen, Hunter Henry, Mike Williams, and Austin Ekeler. They have a solid offensive line which I would consider middle of the pack to protect Herbert and let him play to his best ability.
Joe Burrow, Bengals (QB)
Although Herbert has put up great numbers so far, Burrow is the quarterback that’s impressed me the most. Burrow is arguably the worst offensive line in the game, being sacked the 2nd most in the league right now. Burrow has played pretty well throwing for 2,272 yards, 11 TDs, and only 5 interceptions. Joe Burrow has kept the Bengals in every single game they’ve played (except the Ravens game).
If you look at the box scores for every single game of the Bengals, they should be 6-2 or 7-1 right now if it wasn’t for one play that cost them in the end. Burrow is getting only better and has been proving that the Bengals made the perfect choice to draft him at #1 overall. He has brought leadership and a swagger to a Bengals team that desperately needed it for sure.
Burrow might not win OROY due to his numbers, but once he gets an o-line… this man will take over the league soon.
Justin Jefferson, Vikings (WR)
Justin Jefferson has been really good for the Vikings already. After being drafted #22 overall by the Vikings in the 2020 draft, he’s definitely played way above expectations. He was expected to take over after Stefon Diggs had been traded and definitely hasn’t disappointed ever since. He’s been the best rookie receiver in the league and has been a valuable asset for the Vikings offense.
I don’t think he will get the OROY due to the dominance by the two quarterbacks above, but he still deserves recognition for sure.
Honorable Mentions:
Ceedee Lamb, WR
Tee Higgins, WR
Clyde Edwards-Hilaire, RB
