2024 NFL Rookie of the Year Race, The 2024 NFL season brings one of the most talented rookie classes in recent memory, featuring franchise quarterbacks, game-changing receivers, and defensive stalwarts ready to make an immediate impact. The Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards will be fiercely contested, with several first-year players positioned to transform their teams’ fortunes.
In this comprehensive 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year preview, we analyze:
✔ Top 5 favorites for OROY and DROY
✔ 3 longshot candidates with sneaky potential
✔ Historical voting trends that predict winners
✔ How team situations impact rookie success
✔ Fantasy football implications for top rookies
Whether you’re a sports bettor, dynasty manager, or NFL draft enthusiast, these rookie storylines will define the upcoming season.
Top 5 Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
1. Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears (-150)
Why He’s the Favorite:
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Immediate starting opportunity
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Elite weapons (D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze)
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Dual-threat ability boosts statistical profile
Concerns:
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Bears’ offensive line questions
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High expectations could work against him
Latest Bears analysis: NFL Newsz
2. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Arizona Cardinals (+300)
Best Non-QB Bet:
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Projected 130+ targets as WR1
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Kyler Murray’s deep-ball accuracy
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NFL-ready route running
3. Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders (+500)
Sleeper QB Pick:
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Kliff Kingsbury’s QB-friendly system
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Terry McLaurin/Jahan Dotson weapons
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Rushing upside (1,000+ yards at LSU)
Top 5 Defensive Rookie of the Year Candidates
1. Dallas Turner, EDGE, Minnesota Vikings (+200)
Prime Situation:
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Brian Flores’ blitz-heavy scheme
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Danielle Hunter’s departure opens snaps
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10+ sack potential
2. Laiatu Latu, EDGE, Indianapolis Colts (+350)
Most Pro-Ready:
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NFL-caliber pass rush moves already
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AFC South has shaky offensive lines
Colts updates: NFL Newsz
3. Quinyon Mitchell, CB, Philadelphia Eagles (+600)
Ball Hawk Potential:
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6 INTs, 27 PBUs at Toledo
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Plays in NFC East with pass-happy opponents
3 Longshot Rookies to Watch (20-1 or Higher)
1. Jonathon Brooks, RB, Carolina Panthers (25-1 OROY)
Path to Relevance:
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Only healthy RB with NFL skillset
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Bryce Young check-down safety valve
2. Braden Fiske, DT, Los Angeles Rams (40-1 DROY)
Aaron Donald’s Shadow:
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Will face single teams constantly
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Elite athleticism for interior rusher
3. Malachi Corley, WR, New York Jets (50-1 OROY)
YAC Monster:
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19.3 YAC/reception in college
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Rodgers loves slot receivers
Historical Voting Trends
OROY Patterns:
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QBs have won 7 of last 10 awards
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1,300+ receiving yards typically required for WRs
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Last RB winner: Saquon Barkley (2018)
DROY Patterns:
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Pass rushers win 60% of awards
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10+ sacks virtually guarantees victory
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Only 2 CB winners since 2010
2024 Prediction: QB wins OROY, EDGE takes DROY 2024 NFL Rookie of the Year Race
Team Situations That Boost Rookies
| Candidate | Advantage | Concern |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | Weapons galore | O-line issues |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | Target vacuum | Kyler’s health |
| Dallas Turner | Scheme fit | Raw technique |
Fantasy Football Implications
Best Rookie Values
✅ Jonathon Brooks (ADP RB28)
✅ Jayden Daniels (ADP QB15)
Potential Overdrafts
❌ Caleb Williams (ADP QB8 – too rich)
❌ Brock Bowers (ADP TE8 – rookie TE history)
Read More: 2024 NFL Breakout Candidates: 10 Players Primed for Stardom This Season
Contract Incentives to Watch
| Player | Performance Bonus | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Williams | Pro Bowl | $2M |
| Dallas Turner | 10 sacks | $1.5M |
| Marvin Harrison Jr. | 1,000 yards | $750K |
Final Predictions: Who Takes Home the Hardware?
OROY: Caleb Williams edges Marvin Harrison Jr. thanks to QB bias and highlight plays
DROY: Dallas Turner benefits from Flores’ scheme to post 12+ sacks
For bettors, Jayden Daniels at +500 offers tremendous value given his rushing upside and offensive system. On defense, Laiatu Latu at +350 could be the steal if he stays healthy.
For daily rookie updates: NFL Newsz
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