NFL Rookie of the Year 2011 Results: Offensive & Defensive Winners and Recap

Some of the football's best young players will be highlighted tonight as the NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards will be handed out.

Cam Newton dominated headlines this season with his spectacular play, but he's certainly not the only youngster deserving of recognition.

Let's take a look at the candidates who can take home some hardware tonight.

Leading Candidates For OROY

Cam Newton, QB, Carolina Panthers

Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Resumes

Newton produced the best statistical season for a rookie quarterback in NFL history. The dual-threat QB dazzled fans by throwing for 4,051 yards and 21 touchdowns. Perhaps more impressively, he also finished second in the league with 14 rushing touchdowns.

On the downside, Newton threw 17 interceptions and his Panthers finished with a losing record (6-10). Still, he is the overwhelming favorite tonight.

Dalton is the only other offensive rookie with a legitimate chance at winning. The big redhead racked up 3,398 passing yards and 20 touchdowns on the season. He could have locked up the award with a strong performance in Cincinnati's playoff game, but his three interceptions were less than ideal.

Green also had a great season for the Bengals, but he has virtually no shot tonight. The explosive receiver caught 65 passes for 1,057 yards and seven touchdowns.

Unfortunately, those numbers won't be enough to sway voters away from Newton or Dalton. 

Leading Candidates for DROY

Von Miller, LB, Denver Broncos

Aldon Smith, LB, San Francisco 49ers

Patrick Peterson, CB, Arizona Cardinals

Resumes

Tim Tebow got all the media love in Denver, but Miller was the true catalyst behind the Broncos' surprising season. He recorded 64 tackles, forced two fumbles and finished ninth in the league with 11.5 sacks.

He was an absolute monster during Denver's five-game winning streak in the middle of the season. It was no coincidence that when he broke his thumb, the Broncos play dropped off significantly.

As good as Miller was, Smith is the favorite tonight. He had 14 sacks on the season (fifth in the NFL), while anchoring the league's best defense. He also gets props for helping lead his team all the way to the NFC Championship Game.

Peterson is a strong candidate as well. He lived up to his billing as a shutdown corner, racking up 64 tackles, 13 pass deflections and two interceptions in his rookie campaign. He also gets major points for his impact in the return game. He led the league with four punt return touchdowns.

Green's Prediction

Offensively, it's got to be Newton. I'm a big Dalton fan, and his team's success certainly should be taken into recognition. However, he had a much better team around him. Newton broke records with a lackluster supporting cast.

He also made more highlight plays, which sticks in the minds of voters.

On the defensive side, I'm going with Smith. The 49ers defense was dominant all year, in large part thanks to Smith's pass-rushing ability. If Miller had stayed healthy through the end of the season, he likely would have taken home the award.

Unfortunately, injuries are a part of the game and voters aren't fond of what-could-have-been arguments.

I also wouldn't be shocked to see Peterson's name called. He'll get plenty of love for his special teams ability.

Results

No surprise in the offensive race, as Newton took home the hardware after receiving 47 of 50 votes. Andy Dalton was awarded the other three.

On the defensive side, there was a bit of a surprise, as Miller was crowned DROY. He received 39 votes, while Smith got the other 11.