Midway through the NFL season a handful of rookies have made their case for postseason awards, but there are three clear front-runners for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
This decade has seen four quarterbacks crowned as Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, only one has won the award since 2013, that being Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott in 2016. Halfway through the 2019 campaign, it appears that could the case.
Kyler Murray
Kyler Murray has the best chance of the rookie quarterbacks to win the award, although it will be a tough climb to beat out players at other positions. When Murray was selected 1st overall in the 2019 Draft, it was apparent the Arizona Cardinals lacked the supporting cast to truly allow Murray to thrive.
As a result, Murray has thrown just under 2000 yards with seven touchdowns and four picks. His lack of production truly stems from his lack of help up front as Murray has been sacked 26 times in eight starts.
In spite of his below-average numbers, Murray has boosted the offensive production in Arizona. The Cardinals currently sit at a respectable 3-4-1 all things considered. On top of the wins, Murray has pulled the Cardinals offense from a last-place ranking to 20th in the NFL.
Adding to his place on this list is the overall sense of excitement in watching him play. While he only has 51 rushing yards, his escapability has created opportunities for his receivers and added to his stat sheet as well. To put up the passing yards and completion percentage (63.7%) he has in the face of constant pressure is a feat in and of itself.
For Murray to pull ahead he’ll not only have to string together a few more wins and also put the ball in the end zone. Murray’s nine total touchdowns is a bit of a let down compared to previous quarterbacks. Baker Mayfield threw 17 touchdowns in his first eight starts while previous Prescott threw 12. Considering Mayfield didn’t win the OROTY award, Murray is severely behind.
Terry McLaurin
Although Washington Redskins receiver Terry McLaurin was the 12th player taken at his position in the 2019 Draft, his production has surpassed his peers.
McLaurin burst onto the scene in Week 1 against a poor Eagles secondary and has been the top weapon in the Redskins offense since. His 28 receptions, 458 yards and five touchdowns lead all rookies. Though McLaurin’s production hasn’t brought the Redskins wins, he’s shown the potential to be the leader out wide for Washington for years to come.
Historically, it’s been difficult for wide receivers to win the award. Only Odell Beckham Jr. (2014) has won ROTY this decade while Percy Harvin (2009) and Anquan Boldin (2003) are the only others this millennium.
Although a lack of victories and history play against McLaurin, the 3rd-round Ohio State product still showcases the skills of a future star at the position. That enough warrants his place among the elite offensive rookies.
Josh Jacobs
At this point of the season, few offensive rookies have shown the impact and production of Josh Jacobs. The Raiders’ running back is on pace for over 1200 yards, which would top past running back ROTY winners Todd Gurley, Eddie Lacy, and Alvin Kamara (who, to be fair, had much more yards from scrimmage with 1,554.)
He currently stands with 620 yards on 124 carries, good for five yards per carry. He ranks sixth in the league in rushing yards, leading rookie backs by nearly 300 yards.
The most important aspect to Jacobs securing Rookie of the Year will be finding the end zone with more consistency. His four touchdowns came in just two games. Though the award is his to lose in the second half of the season, helping his team put points on the board will go a long way in widening the gap between him and McLaurin and Murray.