Early OROY Candidates

By: Jake Rajala

There has been a lot of speculation about where the top offensive rookies would land. Well, the draft is over and it’s clear which situations the offensive rookie prospects landed in. With that said, I’m going to untwine the top OROY odds by the best offensive rookies right now.

7. Matthew Golden

Matthew Golden had the most praise at the NFL Draft. Of course, it didn’t hurt that he was taken by the Green Bay Packers, who were hosting the draft. Golden is raw, similar to Xavier Worthy, who ran a 4.21 at the 2024 NFL Combine, and was drafted in the first round by the Kansas City Chiefs. Golden will take it the distance at times next season. The question is: what will his route running and catching skills foretell?

6. Shedeur Sanders

I don’t love the situation that Sanders is in. He doesn’t have Nick Chubb or Amari Cooper. He will also have to pry the reigns to the team from Joe Flacco, who has experience in Kevin Stefanski’s offense. If he does start, he competes in an AFC North division that featured three winning teams last season! In the end, it won’t be easy for the rookie in CLE.

5. Tyler Shough

The odds for Derek Carr starting in 2025 don’t look good. I believe this was a key reason they drafted a QB in round 2! Tyler Shough is in a very golden situation. He gets the reigning Super Bowl Champion, Kellen Moore, calling the shots. He also has Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Rashid Shaheed to utilize. The Saints also drafted an OT in round 1, after selecting Taliese Fuaga in round 1 of the 2024 draft.

4. Jaxson Dart

Jaxson Dart has more upside than Shough. He’s been compared to Bo Nix with his arm strength and ability to make quality throws on the run. It also helps that Jaxson in an explosive offense. He gets to play with Malik Nabers , who is a Top-10 WR. Dart will still take his lumps and bruises, as the Giants ranked 22nd in sacks allowed last season.

3. Cam Ward

Cam Ward isn’t only the first overall pick in the draft, but he’s also in a situation that can put up fireworks. Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Treylon Burks, are a Top-10 WR trio. The Titans also play in an below average NFL division (AFC South). The Titans ranked 26th in sacks allowed last season, so Ward may have to take extra care of the football.

2. Tetairoa McMillan

I love the potential of Teteiroa McMillan. He can be a prominent red zone threat. He has 26 touchdowns in three seasons. He can also shine from the slot and out-wide. I love the schedule and outlook for T-Mac. He gets to play the Saints (who ranked 28th in passing yards allowed), The Buccaneers (30th in passing yards allowed) and the Falcons (24th in passing yards allowed) last season.

1. Ashton Jeanty

Let’s cut to the chase: Ashton Jeanty is the favorite to win OROY. He has been compared to Alvin Kamara and Marshawn Lynch. Jeanty can dominate short yardage and take it the distance. The Raiders may not have a modest OL – as PFSN dubbed their OL as the 23rd best in the league. Nonetheless, he can be a Pro Bowl RB right away.

Three of the past 10 OROY winners were ball-carriers. They were Kamara, Saquon Barkley, and Todd Gurley.