Community Tailgate: Who Will Win Offensive ROTY?

We’re still a few weeks away from the start of regular-season battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. This summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Last week, one of our Community Tailgate discussions centered around who would win the 2015 NFL MVP award. Today, we’ll shift our focus to an award that might be a little more wide open. As was the case with the MVP, there are two quarterbacks who appear to be the early favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year, but given the growing pains typically experienced by first-year QBs, we probably shouldn’t pencil Marcus Mariota or Jameis Winston in for the award quite yet.

Elsewhere in the first round of the 2015 draft, there are plenty of offensive weapons whose production may be limited in their rookie seasons due to injuries. We might not see Bears WR Kevin White at all this season, while other players – such as Rams RB Todd Gurley, Dolphins WR DeVante Parker, and Ravens WR Breshad Perriman – could see their early-season reps limited as they return from summer injuries. Among first-rounders, Raiders WR Amari Cooper, Chargers RB Melvin Gordon, and Eagles WR Nelson Agholor may be the best bets to come out of the gate strong.

Of course, it’s not just first-round picks who will be relied on to play major roles in their respective teams’ offenses this season. I expect we’ll see plenty of opportunities for players like Jaguars RB T.J. Yeldon, Panthers WR Devin Funchess, Lions RB Ameer Abdullah, Falcons RB Tevin Coleman, and Cardinals RB David Johnson, among others.

What do you think? Do you have a dark horse candidate to make a huge impact as a rookie this year, or will one of the players I mentioned above take home the hardware? Who do you think will be the 2015 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year? We’re looking forward to hearing from you, so be sure to weigh in with your thoughts in the comment section below!

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