Opening 2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds: Kyler Murray Listed as Heavy Favorite
- Kyler Murray was the first pick in the 2019 NFL Draft
- The Arizona Cardinals drafted three receivers in their draft to surround Murray with talent
- Running backs usually have an easier transition to the NFL than quarterbacks
Now that the NFL Draft is in the rear view mirror, the 2019 Offensive Rookie of the Year odds have been posted. Kyler Murray, being the top pick in the draft, is favored to win the award, but is he the best bet?
2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Odds
Player | 2019 NFL OROY Odds |
---|---|
Kyler Murray | +250 |
Dwayne Haskins | +700 |
Josh Jacobs | +900 |
Marquise Brown | +1000 |
Mecole Hardman | +1000 |
Drew Lock | +1200 |
TJ Hockenson | +1200 |
Deebo Samuel | +1600 |
N’Keal Harry | +1600 |
Daniel Jones | +1800 |
AJ Brown | +2000 |
DK Metcalf | +2000 |
Miles Sanders | +2000 |
Noah Fant | +2000 |
Parris Campbell | +2000 |
JJ Arcega-Whiteside | +2500 |
Darrell Henderson | +2800 |
Damien Harris | +3300 |
Irv Smith Jr. | +3300 |
Will Grier | +5000 |
Odds taken 04/30/19.
Can Murray Succeed?
Kyler Murray is obviously going to get the keys to the car right away. And what you have to like is that the Cardinals put a lot of emphasis on getting him some weapons. Remember, they already had David Johnson, and Larry Fitzgerald is back for a season. The Cards then added receivers Andy Isabella, Hakeem Butler, and KeeSean Johnson in the draft.
The Cardinals are going employ the Texas Tech-style of offense where Kliff Kingsbury gets his best weapons on the field and spreads out the opponent with four and five-wide receiver sets. That means plenty of passing yards for Murray. Will he have a few interceptions in there? Sure. Will he pass for 4,000 yards if he’s remotely worth his salt as the no. 1 pick in the draft? Yes.
Kyler Murray:
43-0 at Allen.
3X State Champ.
2X TXHSFB POTY.
2X National POTY.
Two-Sport All-American.
Heisman Trophy Selection.
First Round MLB Draft Pick.
First Overall NFL Draft Pick.Forever a Texas HS Legend. pic.twitter.com/dMBWojJbDo
— Football Central™ (@TheFBCentral) April 28, 2019
My main concern with Murray is the offensive line. This unit was embarrassed last year and is the main reason why Josh Rosen is no longer on the team. Murray is mobile but that can only help so much. I think he has a good year but the offensive line keeps him from the Rookie of the Year Award.
Hardman a Sleeper
Hardman may be one of the underrated bets to win the Rookie of the Year Award because he was drafted in the second-round, but you have to take into account his environment. To start, Tyreek Hill might be released, so that could leave Hardman as the top receiver on the offense. Yes, there’s Sammy Watkins, but he underwhelmed last year.
1. Parris Campbell – Colts
2. Mecole Hardman – Chiefs
3. Marquise Brown – Ravens@JameyEisenberg ranks his top rookie wide receivers heading into next fantasy football season. pic.twitter.com/rsoTx5i8NB— Fantasy Football Today (@FFToday) April 30, 2019
If the Chief do, in fact, move on from Hill, that could leave Hardman in a very juicy role. Hill had 1,479 receiving yards in an offense that compiled the third-most passing yards in the NFL (4,955). Watkins had just 519 yards and three touchdowns. Hardman could be counted on quite a bit this season and good numbers could lead to OROY honors.
Jacobs is the Bet
The reality is that running backs have the easiest transition from college to the NFL, so that’s why I have Jacobs ahead of Murray and Hardman by a hair. Jacobs will also be in a great situation. The Oakland Raiders signed tackle Trent Brown to a lucrative contract and should be better from internal growth as Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker are now entering their second year.
Alabama RB Josh Jacobs Went From Being HOMELESS To The NFL! New Raiders Back Gonna Be A MONSTER ? @iAM_JoshJacobs @sohoodie Full Vid: https://t.co/LfwLRcvNnM pic.twitter.com/ToTO1CRPB8
— Overtime (@overtime) April 26, 2019
The Raiders should have a competent passing game too as they added Antonio Brown and Tyrell Williams, who will be the focal point of most opposing defenses. Add in that the Raiders have a terrible defense and they should be in a lot of shootouts. That paves the wave for Jacobs to put up some fantastic numbers.
Pick: Josh Jacobs (+900)