NFL Rookie of the Year 2012 Predictions: Cam Newton & Best Offensive Candidates

The NFL offensive rookie of the year award is Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton's to lose, but he will face stiff competition from a talented class of rookie players who performed quite well for their teams this season.

Newton's top competitors for the award could come from the Cincinnati Bengals, who turned out to be one of the real winners of the 2011 NFL draft.

Let's look at the top three candidates for the NFL offensive rookie of the year.

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals took A.J. Green from Georgia with the fourth overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft, and he had a tremendous season for the head coach Marvin Lewis.

Green caught 67 passes from rookie quarterback Andy Dalton and piled up 1,067 receiving yards too. There's no question Green is going to be a great NFL player and has shown the ability to be an All Pro-caliber wide receiver throughout his pro career.

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton led the Cincinnati Bengals to the NFL playoffs this season despite many experts picking the team to finish well out of postseason contention.

Dalton displayed veteran-like composure and poise as a rookie and proved that he will be a winning quarterback for many years.

His stats aren't as good as Newton's, but he led his team to the playoffs in a very competitive division with elite teams such as the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens having tremendous defenses.

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton had one of the best rookie seasons ever by a quarterback, and his 4,051 passing yards set a new rookie record.

Newton also was a major factor in the running game and scored an astounding 14 rushing touchdowns while rushing for 706 yards.

After many people doubted his ability to take his style of play that worked so well at Auburn to the NFL and be effective, Newton proved his critics wrong, time and time again in 2011.

He's the top candidate for the NFL offensive rookie of the year award.

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