10 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates Not Named Cam Newton

No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Newton seems like a lock for every major rookie honour on the offensive side of the ball.

The Carolina Panthers signal caller has overwhelmed pro defenses with the accuracy of his passing and the speed and power of his scrambling.

But several other rookies are staking legitimate claims for recognition of their first-year efforts on offense. Naturally, youngsters at the skill positions have garnered the most attention.

But there are also rookies occupying the less glamorous positions on offense, who are starting to receive attention for their unheralded, but efficient performances.

Newton may be the choice of most, but here are 10 other deserving candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

10. Bruce Miller, FB, San Francisco 49ers

There were probably more than a few eyebrows raised when the San Francisco 49ers announced their plan to convert the first of their three seventh-round picks into a fullback.

But former defensive lineman Bruce Miller has shocked the doubters and is quietly emerging into one of the most consistent at his position, in just his first season.

The 6'1" 248 pound former Central Florida product has been a punishing blocker all season. His brute force at the point of contact has provided the basis for the smash-mouth rushing attack the 49ers have used to pound the opposition.

But Miller has also surprised many with his effective receiving skills. He has six receptions for 70 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown catch against the Washington Redskins.

Miller has posted an impressive 11.7 yards per reception average. Not bad for a player who lined up on the other side of the ball in college.

Playing in the league's most unfashionable position means that Miller is unlikely to receive the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. But his quick transformation still demands respect.

9. Stefen Wisniewski, OL, Oakland Raiders

Stefen Wisniewski has slotted seamlessly into the Oakland Raiders powerful offensive line. The nephew of former silver and black great Steve Wisniewski, Stefan has taken over as the Raiders starting center.

The ex-Penn State standout has proven to be an effective anchor for Oakland's front five. The 6'3", 315-pounder is intelligent and resourceful.

Wisniewski also possesses the strength and tenacity that has helped to ensure that power running is still the backbone of the Raiders offense.

Similar to Miller, Wisniewski will likely miss out on the award due to where he plays. But it's hard not to be impressed with how quickly the young lineman has established himself as a leader.

8. Greg Little, WR, Cleveland Browns

Greg Little has steadily begun to emerge as a productive receiver on a struggling Cleveland Browns offense. The former North Carolina prodigy is beginning to show signs of his tremendous potential.

Little is second amongst rookie receivers with 37 receptions and is fast becoming Colt McCoy's prime target. Blessed with good size at 6'2" and 220 pounds, Little has struggled at times to grasp the nuances of Cleveland's West Coast scheme.

He could be held back come award time by that fact that most of his receptions have been of the short-range variety. This is reflected by his 10.2 yards per catch mark.

But the Browns' sluggish offense is partly to blame for this. Little recently demonstrated an ability for the big play, snagging a spectacular 52-yard catch against the St. Louis Rams.

If the Browns can find more ways to get Little open, he could make a stronger case for Offensive Rookie of the Year, once the season ends.

7. Mark Ingram, RB, New Orleans Saints

Mark Ingram may not have performed as spectacularly as many were expecting in the New Orleans Saints offense. But the former Crimson Tide star has been steady and has posted solid numbers all season.

Ingram has occasionally found it difficult to handle the multiple responsibilities of the Saints' varied and complex offense.

But he leads all rookie running backs with three rushing touchdowns. Ingram has demonstrated the potential to be a workhorse and to provide the Saints with the kind of balance any team would crave.

Ingram would need some more highlight-reel plays and regular starts to improve his standing in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year.

6. Torrey Smith, WR, Baltimore Ravens

Local Maryland product Torrey Smith leads all rookies in yards per reception average. The Baltimore Ravens speedster averages 18.5 yards a catch and is already a legitimate vertical threat in his rookie year.

What holds Smith back is the overall inconsistency of the Ravens offense. Smith has contributed to the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of the unit with some untimely drops and penalties.

More discipline and concentration from Smith should lead to plenty of spectacular, downfield connections with strong-armed passer Joe Flacco.

5. Doug Baldwin, WR, Seattle Seahawks

Doug Baldwin is one of the surprise stories of the 2011 NFL season. The ex-Stanford prodigy walked onto the Seattle Seahawks roster as a rookie free agent.

Baldwin emerged in the preseason, thanks to some electrifying kick returns. Once the real action started, Baldwin quickly proved that he was more than just a returner.

He has quietly become one of the Seahawks' most effective pass catchers. Baldwin is blessed with jaw-dropping speed, but he is also an intelligent open-field runner.

The 23-year-old needs to refine his route running and recognition and must receive more support from the rest of the Seattle offense.

4. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

A.J. Green has not disappointed, after being the first wide receiver taken in this year's draft. Green leads all rookie pass catchers in both receptions and yards.

His sure hands and big-play capability have contributed to the fast start of the Cincinnati Bengals. Green's rapport with Andy Dalton has eased the pressure on the first-year signal caller and made Dalton's job easier.

Green disappointed some by sitting out key moments of the Bengals' crucial showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

But the 6'4", 207-pound flanker has still quickly managed to establish himself as a player to watch in the coming years.

3. Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Although he's been helped by the emergence of Green and the presence of an underrated offensive line, Andy Dalton deserves huge praise for his rookie performances with the Bengals.

Stepping in as a Day 1 starter at quarterback on a team many expected to struggle was a tall order for the second-round selection.

But the former Texas Christian passer has exceeded expectations and led Cincinnati to an impressive 6-3 start.

The best attribute Dalton has shown has been his efficiency. By the narrowest of margins, he owns the best completion percentage amongst rookie quarterbacks.

Dalton has also protected the ball well, throwing only nine interceptions, compared with 14 touchdowns. Given the struggles of the Bengals running game, Dalton has often had to carry the offense.

If he continues at this pace and the Bengals make the postseason, it could be next to impossible to overlook Dalton as Offensive Rookie of the Year.

2. Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons

Considering he was the end result of a rather large trade on draft day, Julio Jones had a lot to live up to entering his rookie season.

After a slow start, the ex-Alabama flanker has begun to justify the Atlanta Falcons' tremendous faith in him. Jones has notched just shy of 500 receiving yards and is fast becoming a feared weapon for the Falcons offense.

Tall and powerful, the 22-year-old is dynamic in the air and once he gets the ball in his hands, opposition defenders have a tough time bringing Jones down.

He has certainly benefited from a strong supporting cast and the tutelage of an excellent coaching staff.

These factors along with his daunting physical attributes, could yield monster numbers for Jones come the end of his rookie year.

1. DeMarco Murray, RB, Dallas Cowboys

It's painful for a Redskins fan to admit, but Dallas Cowboys rookie runner DeMarco Murray is making a strong case for Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration.

Murray beat out Jones for top spot on this list, because as the sixth overall pick, Jones was expected to have an immediate impact.

Murray was picked up in the third round by the Cowboys. The concerns surrounding the ex-Oklahoma starlet were the number of hits and injuries he had sustained at the collegiate level.

But the 6'0", 227-pounder has recently emerged to dispel any doubts, with some amazing efforts. Murray has racked up 674 rushing yards, at an eye-popping 6.7 yards per carry average.

He shot to prominence with a stunning 253-yard effort against the St. Louis Rams, which included a breathtaking 91-yard scoring scamper.

A powerful and determined runner, Murray also possesses quick decision-making and nifty change-of-direction moves.

If the third-rounder exceeds 1,000 yards and bulldozes his way into the playoffs, Murray could receive major, league-wide accolades.

Newton may have the lion's share of the rookie awards sewn up in the minds of most. But these 10 first year's are doing their best to force a close race.