Early Candidates for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

This year's NFL draft was loaded with highly coveted offensive prospects, including Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin, Trent Richardson, and Justin Blackmon. However, that does not mean those players will live up to the hype in their rookie years and post great numbers. For instance, Andrew Luck will simply lack the playmakers and offensive line to have a great season. While many think, and I agree, that Luck will be a top five QB in the NFL and has Hall of Fame potential, it will take him a year or two to thrive in the NFL because the talent on his team is so far behind his talent. So who will be in the running for Offensive Rookie of the Year? Well, lets find out.

Candidate 1 - Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins (Rd 1, Pick 2)

• Griffin was picked number 2 overall in April and will have massive expectations this year with the Redskins. He also will have a variety of weapons that Andrew Luck simply does not have. Griffin has Santana Moss, Chris Cooley, Pierre Garcon, Fred Davis, and a big play threat in Leonard Hankerson to go along with a group of talented running backs that includes Tim Hightower, Roy Helu, and Evan Royster. Add in Griffin's running ability and likelyhood of running often and he is the preseason favorite to be the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Candidate 2 - Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns (Rd 1, Pick 3)

• Richardson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the third pick in the draft. The Browns are usually an awful offensive team but that is typically because of their quarterback and receiving core. The Browns have an awesome offensive line that includes Joe Thomas and Alex Mack. Richardson will likely see close to thirty carries a game as the Browns try and ease rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden into the NFL. Richardson could very well put up 1,000 yards and 10TDs or more and could end up being a run away OROY.

Candidate 3 - Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears (Rd 2, Pick 45)

• Alshon Jeffery is a massive target that will benefit from playing across from Brandon Marshall. Jay Cutler has a huge arm and will be able to get Jeffery the ball downfield. The Bears also will have Matt Forte to keep the defenses honest and allow Jeffery and Marshall to roam free down the field. If Jeffery stays in shape and Cutler stays healthy, Jeffery could put up over 1,000 yards this year.

Candidate 4 - Michael Floyd, WR, Arizona Cardinals (Rd 1, Pick 13)

• Floyd, who was the most physically talented WR in the draft, was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals and will play across from Larry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will demand double teams on every single play and that will allow Floyd, who has massive amounts of talent, to attack opposing team's number 2 or 3 corners in single coverage. If the Cardinals quarterback situation were better, Floyd would by my first pick for offensive rookie of the year.

Candidate 5 - Ryan Broyles, WR, Detroit Lions (Rd 2, Pick 54)

• Ryan Broyles, who fell in the draft because of an injury in his senior year at Oklahoma, is probably one of the top slot WRs in the NFL before ever playing a snap. He is one of the best route runners I have ever seen coming out of college and he has incredible hands. If he is fully recovered from his injury, I could see him putting up a 70 reception and 1000 yard season.

Candidate 6 - Mohamed Sanu, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (Rd 3, Pick 83)

• Mohamed Sanu is a big receiver who can do it all. While he does not have breakaway speed, he does have all the other abilities needed in the NFL. He is strong, a great blocker, and can catch almost any pass. Last year, he broke Larry Fitzgerald's Big East record for receptions in a year. With Andy Dalton delivering him the ball and A.J. Green demanding double teams, Mohamed will roam free and possibly reach 70 receptions.

Just Missed - Andrew Luck, Doug Martin, David Wilson