Just like true freshman can have a big impact on the college game, we have seen more and more rookies come into the NFL and have an impact right away, especially at some of the skill positions. And coming into 2012, we already knew that there were going to be some high profile rookies coming in, particularly at the quarterback position.
The top-two picks in the draft were Andrew Luck to the Colts, and Robert Griffin III to the Redskins. The thing about these two rookies though is that they were coming in to start right away, there would be no sitting on the bench and learning.
Through five weeks of the 2012 NFL season, we have certainly seen the talent of some of the top rookies in the league so far, including Luck and Griffin.
Oddsmakers have seen fit to install Offensive Rookie Of the Year betting lines as they stand now, with the two quarterbacks at the top of the list.
Both Luck and Griffin are set at 5/4 on Bovada Sportsbook.
But it’s not just down to Luck and Griffin, because there are some other rookies trying to set themselves apart at the best rookie on offense in 2012.
And for Washington, there are a pair of rookies. We have Griffin, but then the Redskins also have running back Alfred Morris. Morris already has nearly 500 yards rushing to go along with four touchdowns, averaging nearly five yards per carry.
Other running backs are in on the party too, including the No.3 overall pick in Cleveland running back Trent Richardson. Richardson has 303 yards rushing and four touchdowns, getting just under four yards per carry.
Who would have thought a kicker would make this list? That would be Greg Zuerlein of the St. Louis Rams. This is truly a great story, as Zuerlein was drafted in the Sixth round out of Missouri Western, as Division II program. But in his brief stint in the NFL so far, Zuerlein has kicked some booming field goals, including ones of 56, 58, and 60 yards!
So will one of these talented rookies win the Offensive Rookie Of The Year?
It’s too soon to tell, but all of these players are certainly making a big impact on their teams through the first half of their rookie seasons.