The 2024 NFL draft has invigorated the league with young talent. Every team has made upgrades in one way or the other, with some making boneheaded picks who are unlikely to win the NFL Rookie of the Year on either side of the ball. Rather than focusing on the negative, here’s a look at some of the best bets for Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year 2024.
Best Bets for 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year
Offensive Favorite – Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Whether a quarterback’s development is more about nature or nurture, Caleb Williams hit the jackpot. He’s one of the best quarterback prospects we’ve seen in years, and now he has arguably the best landing spot between his weapons and the serious upgrades to the offensive line. He’s set at +210 right now, but if the Bears have a playoff run it will be hard to see a world without Caleb in the awards ceremony.
Offensive Value – Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice can’t stay out of trouble. Travis Kelce is another year older. And now the fastest player in NFL Combine history is paired with the human rocket launcher Patrick Mahomes. Betting doesn’t always have to be hard, but Worthy at +1600 is a solid bet. The long touchdowns are going to be electric, and having a bet on him will make them even more fun.
Long Shot – Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
The OROY award has been split between WR, QB, and RB fairly evenly. If two or more quarterbacks knock it out of the park, a volume wide receiver in a big market could take the cake. McConkey isn’t the flashiest of players, but he can separate well and will be the number one target for Justin Herbert in 2024.
Defensive Favorite – Dallas Turner, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings
Firstly, Turner is a force in the run game. He has sound fundamentals and controls the line of scrimmage well. At his current odds, he is technically the favorite, but there are some players later in the odds shuffle that are better values.
Defensive Value – Cooper DeJean, CB, Philadelphia Eagles
Before the draft, DeJean was considered a first round lock and a stud. Now, he’s at +2500 odds for DROY. He’s a screaming value, both because of his elite ability and the success his team is likely to have which will put him in the spotlight more often. DeJean is one pick six away from running away with this, and his odds don’t reflect that yet.
Long Shot – Braden Fiske, DT, Los Angeles Rams
Prepare for it now. Braden Fiske is going to have a game where he makes two or three tackles in the backfield, and a graphic will pop up saying he’s the first Rams player to do it since Aaron Donald. Say what you will, but that will move people to overvalue his skillset and he could climb the ranks easily with a few effort plays. This would also be the first time a DT won the award since… well you get the idea.
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Main Photo Credit: Syndication: USA TODAY
