2010 NFL Predictions: Rookie of the Year Odds for 2010 Season

A great facet of the NFL draft every year is the overflowing optimism from each fanbase about their the new rookies.

Honestly, what diehard doesn't think their squad's first round pick won't be the leagues next marquee name?

Unfortunately for most of us, only a select few excel in their freshmen year in the NFL.

From the group of super-rooks' we get an offensive and defensive rookie of the year every season, a distinction that sometimes leads to superstar status in the big leagues.

I'm not exactly a "betting man", but I know a good amount of you are, so if you were to bet on this season's rookies of the year, I've got the odds for ya...

Offensive Odds: Mardy Gilyard: 12 to 1

Andy Lyons/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 27: Mardy Gilyard #1 of the Cincinnati Bearcats is picturedl during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Nippert Stadium on November 27, 2009 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Mardy Gilyard was quite the playmaker during his time as a Cincinnati Bearcat.

The human sparkplug, Gilyard generates big plays anytime his gloves touched the ball - on punt returns, kick returns, reverses, handoffs, intermediate routes, drag patterns, and deep balls.

He's not going to the greatest situation of all time in St. Louis, but Sam Bradford will have to throw to somebody outside of Donnie Avery, and Gilyards versatility plays right into what Steve Spagnuolo plans to do with a rebuilding offense. Call him the poor man's Percy Harvin?

With that, he's only a 12 to 1 shot because I don't plan on the Rams scoring very many touchdowns, a requirement for taking home the Rookie of the Year.

Offensive Odds: C.J. Spiller: 9 to 1

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TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 28: Running back C. J. Spiller #28 of the Clemson Tigers rushes upfield against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the 2009 ACC Football Championship Game December 5, 2009 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Al Mess

Put CJ Spiller on any other NFL team, and you could basically hand him the ROY trophy.

Unfortunately, talent has seemed to go to die in Buffalo throughout the past decade. Ask Lee Evans.

Looking on the bright side, Spiller should be featured in the Bills offense, and even if the abysmal offensive line can't hold up, he'll excel in the screen game.

He makes this list on his athleticism and play-making ability alone.

With a chance to return kicks and punts, something he did better than anyone at the college ranks, Spiller's got a chance, albeit a slight one, to bring that trophy to the City of Buffalo.

Offensive Odds: Jahvid Best 7 To 1

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BERKELEY, CA - NOVEMBER 7: Jahvid Best #4 of the California Golden Bears looks on against the Oregon State Beavers at California Memorial Stadium on November 7, 2009 in Berkeley, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

We've seen in the past that running backs can easily transition from college to the pro game. Because of that, it only makes sense for this year's three first round backs to be among the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year.

Before the 2009-2010 season, it was nearly impossible to find a scout, analyst or fan out there who didn't have Jahvid Best as the nation's premier running back.

Following a few awkward tumbles that resulted in injuries, question marks arose about Best's durability.

If your asking me, Best's injury days are behind him and he along with Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson could formulate the next "big three" - all with exceptional skill sets for their positions.

Offensive Odds: Ryan Matthews: 5 to 1

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PASADENA, CA - SEPTEMBER 27: Ryan Matthews #21 of the Frenso State Bulldogs runs with the ball during the game against the UCLA Bruins on September 27, 2008 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

All indications from San Diego's training camp this summer have been that they landed a stud with the 12th overall pick in this April's draft in Ryan Matthews.

With the LT era officially over, many Chargers' fans are anticipating the former Fresno State standout to continue his ground dominance playing his home games on the Golden Coast.

He's got the ideal size, 6'0'' 220, to become the next bruising feature back, and will sneak up on you with his agility and escapability.

The Chargers have been loaded with talent for half a decade and they add to their stacked lineup with Ryan Matthews.

Phillip Rivers is a happy camper.

Offensive Favorite: Dez Bryant: 3 to 1

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

STILLWATER, OK - SEPTEMBER 5: Runningback Brandon Boykin #2 of the Georgia Bulldogs dives for the ball for the ball as Dez Bryant #1 of the Oklahoma State Cowboys cannot make the pass during the third quarter of the game at Boone Pickens Stadium on Septe

As if you didn't see this coming.

Dez Bryant's stacked frame makes you believe he's an ideal fit as a chain-moving possession guy. Take a look at his world-class speed and college highlight reel and you'll understand his limitless promise as professional.

He's playing in his home state, on the Cowboys, a team primed to play the Super Bowl at home, with a Pro-Bowl quarterback.

Sure, Miles Austin begins as the go-to guy in Big D, but he along with White and Roy Williams create quite the matchup problem for opposing secondaries.

Bryant's big play capabilities and swagger match perfectly with everything Dallas Cowboys.

Defensive Odds: Jerry Hughes: 11 to 1

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GLENDALE, AZ - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Kellen Moore #11 of the Boise State Broncos passes the ball in the first half as he is hit by Jerry Hughes #98 of the TCU Horned Frogs during the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl at the Universtity of Phoenix Stadium on January

For years now, TCU has become a respected program that sends talented and technically sound athletes to the NFL.

Jerry Hughes is the next Horned Frog to make a difference on Sunday.

Some college coaches thought TCU's defense could have held their own in the Big 12 last season because of guys like Huges and Daryl Washington.

Hughes is another player who'll be welcomed in Indianapolis, and can learn from the pass rushing demon Dwight Freeney and the underrated Robert Mathis.

The Colts are one of the few teams (Patriots included) that seemingly never make a draft blunder.

Hughes could be special.

Defensive Odds: Eric Berry: 9 to 1

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ATLANTA - DECEMBER 31: Safety Eric Berry #14 of the Tennessee Volunteers takes a breather during the Chick-Fil-A Bowl against the Virginia Tech Hokies at the Georgia Dome on December 31, 2009 in Atlanta, Georgia. The Hokies beat the Volunteers 37-14. (

Eric Berry exemplifies the type of rookie who steps foot on NFL turf with lofty expectations.

Some are calling him the best safety prospect since Ronnie Lott, which is saying something.

Berry's combination of size and speed is unseen at his position, plus he's unafraid to unload the crushing hit and has Ed Reed-esque ball-hawking instincts.

He's instantly the leader of a secondary that was constantly abused in 2009, so Mr. Berry, the spotlight will be on you from Day One.

Defensive Odds: Ndamukong Suh: 8 to 1

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SAN DIEGO - DECEMBER 30: Ndamukong Suh #93 of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers looks on during a break in game action in the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl against University of Arizona Wildcats on December 30, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, Cal

No need to refresh your page, there are two Detroit Lions on this rundown - and with good reason. 

Suh enters a beleagured Lions defense and immediately becomes one of it's best players.

The way he totally controlled games at Nebraska from the nose makes it impossible for me to leave him off this list.

He's as dominating a force as you'll come across, has God-like strength and instincts, and carries the work ethic of a fourth teamer vying for a final roster spot.

Look out.

Defensive Odds: Sergio Kindle: 6 to 1

Does Kndle help Baltimore reload their aging defense?

When he was drafted to the defensive factory that is the Baltimore Ravens, Sergio Kindle was a shoe-in for the Defensive Rookie of the Year.

After his freak head injury, I'll have to relegate him to the second position.

He's a smaller version of Brian Orakpo, and should feast on quarterbacks from his OLB/DE hybrid spot.

Though some Texas Longhorns have faltered at the pro ranks, Kindle for DROY is a safe bet.

Defensive Favorite: Brandon Graham: 3 to 1

Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

ANN ARBOR, MI - NOVEMBER 21: Brandon Graham #55 of the Michigan Wolverines moves off the line of scrimmage during the game against the Ohio State Buckeyes on November 21, 2009 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Ohio State won the game 21-10. (Ph

Graham's the favorite for DROY and to me, he's a exquisite fit into the Eagles defense.

He's neither the biggest, tallest, quickest, or most athletic defensive end you'll come across, but watching him fight tirelessly on atrocious Michigan defenses his entire career, shows a lot about this guy's makeup.

The 13th overall pick in this year's draft goes all out, all game, no matter the score - and we know the Eagles have no issue drawing up eccentric packages that seemingly always get the quarterback hurried.

Love Graham's tenacity on the field, truly a throwback player.