NFL Rookie of the Year: Ranking the Candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year

The 2011 draft class is looking like a a very talented one, with soon-to-be star players all across the board.

The top 10 picks have more or less all lived up to their billing, and it is from that vaunted group that most of the candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year have risen.

Read on for a look at five guys who will be in the conversation for the award, or should be. 

5. DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys

Season Stats: 897 YD, 5.5 YPC, 2 TD, 26 REC for 183 YD, 13 games played

After a disappointing end to his season, being placed on IR with severe ankle injuries, this is really an honorable mention for Murray.

Had he stayed healthy, 1,000 rushing yards in his rookie season would have been almost guaranteed, and the 5.5 yards per carry is a good indicator of the big-play running back that he is. It was a lot of fun watching him play: a natural receiver as well as a great, upright runner with enough vision to get up-field fast.

Expectations for next year should probably be tempered, as Murray will likely be splitting carries with Felix Jones, but the Cowboys backfield looks set for the near future.

4. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

Season Stats: 50 REC for 883 YD, 17.7 AVG, 6 TD, 12 games played

I thought at the beginning of the season that Jones would end up higher on this list, but it speaks volumes about the caliber of the other players in the running for the award. That being said, I don't think that we have even begun to realize the potential of Julio Jones.

In addition to being an incredibly athletic receiver, developing quite a rapport with Matt Ryan, Jones has also proven his value in the run game, providing good blocking for the Falcons. Out of all the receivers who were drafted in 2011, I think Jones has the most upside, and it is becoming clear that Atlanta made the right choice by moving up to take him.

3. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals

Season Stats: 63 REC for 1,031 YDS, 16.4 AVG, 7 TD, 14 games played

The skill set of A.J. Green could be compared to Randy Moss throughout his career: deceptive strength and speed, great route running and hands that can make any and every kind of catch. Although I think Julio Jones has more potential at this point, it is obvious that Green is the more polished receiver.

He has shown his value in Cincinnati this season by stretching the field for big plays, and more importantly, helping fellow rookie Andy Dalton develop at quarterback, giving him a marquee receiver to throw to. 

With already stellar numbers in his rookie year, it is not a reach to say that 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns will be well within reach for Green next year as he develops into one of the top wideouts in the NFL.

2. Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals

Season Stats: 58.9%, 3,166 YD, 20 TD, 13 INT, 15 games played

Andy Dalton is probably the biggest steal of the 2011 draft. His value to the Bengals cannot be overstated. A first-round talent, taken by a team thought to be in rebuilding mode, he has kept them competitive and in the playoff race the whole season. 

One of my favorite things about Dalton is the poise with which he has stepped in and led the Bengals this season. While he may not be quite the physical specimen other quarterbacks are, he's accurate, and he is a winner.

I would look for Dalton to keep improving, as Cincinnati has several high draft picks in the next drafts to spend on building around him. 

1. Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers

Season Stats: 60%, 3,893 YD, 20 TD, 16 INT, 674 rushing yards with 14 TD, 15 games played

Coming into the season, there were questions about Newton's intelligence and how well he could adapt to an NFL offense (the infamous Jon Gruden interview), in addition to some character concerns. I, along with many others, thought Newton was overrated and would not warrant a No. 1 pick. But the critics have been proven wrong, as the Heisman Trophy winner has revitalized the Carolina Panthers.

Despite leveling off after a tremendous start to the season, Newton has generally played at a high level, and although the Panthers are not in position for a playoff spot, the team has stayed competitive in most games, largely in part to the play of Cam Newton.

With one more game to be played, 4,000 passing yards and 35-plus TDs are virtually assured for Newton, making the possibility of Cam as Offensive Rookie of the Year a no-brainer.