With The First Pick
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Which 1st-round pick has the best chance to win Offensive Rookie of the Year?

By Nicholas McGee

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Kyler Murray Oklahoma reacts after he was picked #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Kyler Murray Oklahoma reacts after he was picked #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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Despite the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft being dominated by defense, there are a number of excellent contenders for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The 2019 NFL Draft, despite having a quarterback go No. 1 overall, was not seen as one filled with premier offensive talent.

Most of the top prospects at the wide receiver and running back positions dropped to the second day, meaning teams were able to get good value for players not considered immediate game-changers but still blessed with significant promise.

It will likely take a special season for a receiver or tailback to stop one of the quarterbacks that were pushed up the board from taking Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Who are the frontrunners for that award? Let’s take a look at the best five candidates.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Kyler Murray Oklahoma reacts after he was picked #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – APRIL 25: Kyler Murray Oklahoma reacts after he was picked #1 overall by the Arizona Cardinals during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Kyler Murray/QB/Cardinals

The Cards’ gamble to take the diminutive Heisman Trophy-winning two-sport star first overall a year after trading up for Josh Rosen was the story of the draft.

But if it pays off and Murray fits into head coach Kliff Kingsbury’s Air Raid system the way many expect, then their decision will be justified and he will be the unquestioned favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Kingsbury’s scheme plays to the strong suit of a quarterback with superb downfield accuracy, while Murray’s running ability gives him an obvious edge in a battle for the award.

Yet so much depends on those around him. If Arizona’s offensive line continues to struggle and a young receiver corps featuring rookies Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler does not hit the ground running, Murray’s odds will diminish.

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