You Can Get DK Metcalf at 28-1 to Win 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year; Is There Value With Baldwin’s Career in Jeopardy?

• Seahawks’ receiver Doug Baldwin’s career might be in jeopardy due to injury
• Seattle drafted hulking D.K. Metcalf and his offensive rookie of the year odds are enticing
• Which first-year player presents the best value to win OROY?

Kyler Murray was drafted first overall by the Arizona Cardinals and unsurprisingly he’s considered the odds-on favorite to win 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year. After that, there’s a host of rookies who could compete to win the crown.

One intriguing option that has fantastic NFL OROY odds is that of Seahawks’ second round pick and internet sensation wide receiver D.K. Metcalf with average odds of +1900. Is he worth wagering on or is there someone else to place more trust in?

2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds

Odds taken May 2, 2019.

Don’t Bank on Metcalf Winning

Metcalf has longer odds than his average at many sportsbooks (manty of which have him listed at +2800), but one site is listing him at much shorter +1200 odds.

Metcalf is superhuman with his absolutely chiseled physique so he’ll enter the NFL with a considerable amount of hype, which could boost his chances to win the award.

A scout convinced DK Metcalf to show up to meet with the Seahawks staff with no shirt, so Pete Carroll "got pissed" and took his off too 😂

(via @Seahawks)pic.twitter.com/tMEjiMO7NG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 27, 2019

The issue with expecting Metcalf to dominate right away is less about him and more about the team philosophy in Seattle, which is to run the ball, run the ball again, and then run some more.

Under the tutelage of head coach Pete Carroll, rookie wideouts have historically not produced numbers anywhere near close enough to win OROY.

Notable Seahawks Rookie Receivers under Pete Carroll

Receivers Struggle to Win Award

D.K. Metcalf is a physical marvel and is well-equipped to jump into a system with an elite quarterback like Russell Wilson and play well. Particularly, if the rumors about Doug Baldwin’s potential retirement are true.

Grab some tissues before you watch this special moment of @dkmetcalf14's draft day call from the @Seahawks. 🤧🤧#HeyRookie pic.twitter.com/uVKKgB3Gwr

— NFL Films (@NFLFilms) May 1, 2019

The issue, however, is that in the last 15 years, only two receivers have taken home the hardware with Odell Beckham Jr. and Percy Harvin accomplishing the feat.

That in itself is enough to sound alarm bells when considering betting on Metcalf, or even any of the other receivers drafted (just two were taken in the first round, Marquise Brown at 25 and N’Keal Harry at 32).

Last 15 OROY Winners

Given that, and given Seattle’s propensity to be a run-first team, it wouldn’t be wise to lay money down on Metcalf, despite the enticing +2800 odds.

Russell Wilson gets a BIG new target

Ole Miss WR DK Metcalf is the newest Seahawk pic.twitter.com/X5rdq4CSpT

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 27, 2019

Best NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Bet

Kyler Murray could be the obvious choice, but there’s not much value there.

For that reason, I’ve selected a player who will benefit greatly from teams keying on star receiver Antonio Brown this year, creating mismatch opportunities and running lanes.

With the recent retirement of Marshawn Lynch not blocking his path to start, I like Josh Jacobs.

Best Bet: Josh Jacobs (+875)