2012 NFL Draft: Setting Rookie of the Year Odds for Top Prospects

When most people are talking about the 2011 Rookie of the Year awards, we're thinking about the 2012 version.

It's a common thought before the draft: What will this guy contribute immediately?

Will Andrew Luck dominate from the get go, or will Trent Richardson claim the glory?

At this point, it's still difficult to project the most successful rookies. One of the most important factors in a rookie's numbers is his situation.

Andy Dalton probably wouldn't have produced at such a high level on the St. Louis Rams.

With that said, there are some factors that we can take into account.

Pro-readiness, talent and position are all important things to consider.

There's one award for offense and one for defense.

Which of these top prospects is most likely to take home the prize?

Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

Andrew Luck is certainly an excellent, pro-ready prospect, but it is not yet clear if he will start as a rookie.

Indications are that Luck will be an Indianapolis Colt in 2012; however, Peyton Manning might be in Indy as well.

At this point, though, there is, at best, a 50 percent chance of Luck starting as a rookie. If he does start, Luck has an excellent chance of winning Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Luck has the talent to excel in the NFL, and his intelligence will allow him to easily adapt to the pro game.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 20 percent

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Though Robert Griffin is a great prospect, he is not prepared to dominate in the NFL.

While Griffin has the talent and intelligence to succeed, he needs to improve as a passer.

Unlike Cam Newton, Griffin isn't a great runner. RG3 is certainly fast, but he isn't as elusive or powerful as Newton, and the Baylor star won't rush for 700 yards as a rookie.

Griffin is accurate and smart, but he needs to improve his pocket presence.

Like most rookies, Griffin will have some issues adjusting to the NFL, and he isn't a great passer out of the pocket yet, either.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 10 percent

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Running backs typically don't need to adapt much to the NFL, and this is especially true for Trent Richardson.

Richardson is the best running back prospect since Adrian Peterson five years ago, and he is ready to dominate the NFL.

At 5'11", 225 pounds, Richardson is built like a tank and can run over the strongest of defenders.

Richardson isn't just a power back, though, and he can run around or by defensive backs with ease.

The most important factor for Richardson might be his receiving ability.

The Alabama star is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and won't have to come off the field on third down.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 40 percent

Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Justin Blackmon is ready for the NFL. The Oklahoma State star already runs routes like a pro and can gain yards after the catch.

He will obviously face a learning curve, but he is a refined player.

Don't expect an A.J. Green-type year from Blackmon, though.

Blackmon isn't nearly as talented as either Green or Julio Jones, and he won't produce at an elite level as a rookie.

At just 6'1", Blackmon isn't overly tall and lacks elite speed.

In the NFL, Blackmon will be a solid, steady player, but nothing more.

As a rookie, he won't be that good either.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 5 percent

Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Like many highly drafted linebackers, Luke Kuechly is already playing at an NFL level.

Kuechly racked up tackles like few in history have, and he possesses the instincts, athleticism and size to succeed immediately.

It's somewhat unbelievable how often a linebacker wins Defensive Rookie of the Year.

No matter how dominant a rookie is, if he doesn't play linebacker, he probably won't win.

This certainly helps Kuechly, as does his skill-set.

Kuechly has some of the best instincts in all of football, and his intelligence will help him to avoid the typical rookie struggles.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 30 percent

Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict isn't as refined as Luke Kuechly is, but he is a lot more talented.

The 6'3", 255-pound Burfict is one of the most skilled players in the game. There is nothing on the field that Burfict can't do.

Burfict unleashes incredibly violent hits and can play sideline-to-sideline with ease.

Though coverage isn't his strong suite, Burfict can hang with tight ends and running backs.

However, Burfict has some issues and may not see a ton of playing time at first.

It's possible that Burfict will simply take over the NFL, though, so his Rookie of the Year odds are fairly high.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 35 percent

Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Though his former teammate Patrick Peterson is a more talented player, Morris Claiborne is more ready to start as a rookie.

Claiborne isn't a scrub athletically, though, and he can cover the most physically talented of wide receivers.

Claiborne can act as a shutdown cornerback or make electrifying plays.

The LSU star had six interceptions in 2011 and made some jaw-dropping interceptions and returns.

Because he is a great athlete with the skills to start now, Claiborne is more likely to excel than most young cornerbacks.

Few players have this rare combination, and it excel Claiborne to win some awards.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 10 percent

Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Dre Kirkpatrick isn't as NFL-ready as Morris Claiborne is, but he is just as talented.

At 6'3", 190 pounds, Kirkpatrick has the size and athleticism to dominate.

He didn't intercept many passes in college; however, Kirkpatrick possesses the ball skills to terrify quarterbacks.

It is rare for a cornerback to be so athletic and big, so Kirkpatrick could be a special player in the NFL.

However, Kirkpatrick is not ready for the NFL yet. He hasn't played much in zone coverage and needs to improve running down the sideline.

At best, Kirkpatrick will serve as a nickelback in 2012 while making a few starts.

Rookie of the Year Odds: 5 percent