NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Predicting the Top 5 Candidates for 2012
Unlike 2011, there are not boatloads of top offensive talent in the draft, so it is unlikely that a rookie will have the same level of season that Sam Bradford did on the point scoring side of the game.
However, there are some very talented individuals who will make life hard for the selectors of the 2012 Offensive Rookie of the Year.
5. Cam Newton (QB): Auburn
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Although I do not believe that Newton will have a great first year for a quarterback, I do think that whoever drafts him will let him start in his first season. Regardless of whether or not he is a great passer, he will be an explosive runner from the quarterback position, and this will create momentum throughout the season.
Newton is likely to be a hit-and-miss passer, but is bound to have good games where he slices and dices a team. This will be made more likely if the Minnesota Vikings draft him. With explosive weapons like Percy Harvin and Sidney Rice in the passing game, and Adrian Peterson forcing defenses to load the box, he could get one-on-one passing options to receivers like he got at Auburn.
2011 stats: 50 percent completions, 1,600 yards, 10 TDs, 16 INTs, 800 rushing yards, six TDs
4. Titus Young (WR): Boise State
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Young will be one of the best rookie wide receivers, but he will still be a third or fourth-round draft pick. He is not big, and lacks the physical attributes of AJ Green, Julio Jones, Michael Floyd and Jonathan Baldwin, or the explosive play ability of Torrey Smith. However, he runs great routes, has safe hands and is dynamic after the catch.
Young's underrated draft stock will also place him in a far better situation than most wide receivers. Teams like the Detroit Lions, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who already have elite wide receivers will be in the market for a slot receiver such as Young. This will make it easier for him to be successful in his first year.
2011 stats: 55 receptions, 750 yards, five TDs
Mark Ingram (RB): Alabama
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In hindsight, Ingram should have gone pro last year after his amazing Heisman Trophy-winning season. However, he is still the best running back in the draft, with the tools to be dominant in his first season.
Ingram is a small back, yet he runs powerfully, and has enough speed to turn the corner on a slower NFL defense. He is a very good receiver out of the backfield, and can block better than most college backs. His intangibles for a running back are great, such as his nose for the end zone.
The thing most in Ingram's favour is the team he will likely be drafted by. The Miami Dolphins need a new, young running back to replace Ricky Williams and Ronnie Brown. The Dolphins also have one of the best run-blocking offensive lines in the NFL, so if Ingram lands there, he should put together a very strong first NFL season.
2011 stats: 1,050 yards rushing, nine TDs; 350 yards receiving, three TDs
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2. AJ Green (WR): Georgia
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The best offensive player in the draft is only second on the list? You may ask this, and the reason is simply that he will not land in such a favourable situation as another dangerous wideout.
Regardless of which team Green lands with, he will be a dangerous playmaker. He has the size, speed, hops and ball skills that offensive play-callers crave. Although his route running is not terribly polished, he is physically gifted enough to dominate defensive backs.
A good way to think of AJ Green is the next coming of Calvin Johnson. A physical wide receiver who may take a few seasons to really hit his true potential. NFL, watch out!
2011 stats: 900 yards, seven TDs, 50 receptions
1. Jonathan Baldwin (WR): Pitt
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Baldwin could easily end up being the best wide receiver in this draft class; even better than the aforementioned Calvin Johnson version 2.
Jon Baldwin is even more of a physical beast than Green. He stands at 6'5", and weighs about 230 pounds. He also runs a sub-4.40 dash if you believe the rumours. He does have trouble avoiding being jammed at the line by physical corners, and has bad acceleration. His route running also needs polish, but this is expected from rookie wide receivers.
Baldwin could be used two ways in his career. Once his route running improves, teams will use him like a tight end, catching medium-length passes over the middle. However, in his rookie season he will be used as a deep threat with speed, size and reliable hands.
Although less pro-ready than Green, his lower draft status will put him in a team with a better supporting offensive group. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs or the St. Louis Rams will go after him, and both sides have a good quarterback and talented offensive supporting class of running backs.
2011 stats: 1,050 yards, nine TDs, 60 receptions
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.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
