As the dust settled on the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, fans and analysts alike were buzzing with excitement over the newest crop of talented rookies. But for oddsmakers, there was no time to waste in establishing the early favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
After careful consideration, it was clear that two players stood out above the rest – quarterback Cam Ward and running back Ashton Jeanty. Both were selected in the top 10 picks, with Ward going first overall to the Tennessee Titans and Jeanty being taken at No. 6 by the Las Vegas Raiders.
Ward, a highly touted prospect out of the University of Alabama, was widely expected to be the first overall pick in the draft. With his impressive size, arm strength, and accuracy, he was seen as the perfect fit for the Titans’ offense. And with a strong supporting cast of receivers and a solid offensive line, Ward has all the tools to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
But it was Jeanty who surprised many by being drafted so high. The talented running back out of LSU had a stellar college career, but some experts questioned whether he had the speed and agility to excel at the professional level. However, the Raiders clearly saw something special in Jeanty and were willing to take a chance on him early in the draft.
Now, with both players landing in favorable situations, oddsmakers have pegged them as co-favorites for Offensive Rookie of the Year. And it’s not hard to see why.
Ward will have the luxury of learning from veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who has proven to be a capable starter for the Titans. He’ll also have the benefit of handing the ball off to star running back Derrick Henry, who will take some of the pressure off of the young quarterback. With these weapons at his disposal, Ward has a great chance to make a big impact in his rookie season.
Meanwhile, Jeanty will have the opportunity to learn from one of the best running backs in the league – Josh Jacobs. The two have a similar running style and Jeanty will likely see plenty of playing time as a complementary back to Jacobs. And with the Raiders’ strong offensive line, Jeanty should have plenty of running lanes to showcase his skills.
But while Ward and Jeanty may be the early favorites, they will face stiff competition from other talented rookies. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was selected by the New York Jets at No. 2, is a dynamic playmaker who could make a big impact in the passing game. And quarterback Malik Willis, who was taken at No. 8 by the Carolina Panthers, has the potential to be a game-changing dual-threat quarterback.
Of course, it’s still early and anything can happen in the NFL. Injuries, unexpected breakout performances, and coaching decisions can all play a role in determining the Offensive Rookie of the Year. But for now, all eyes will be on Ward and Jeanty as they look to make their mark in the NFL and live up to the high expectations set for them.
So, who will ultimately win the award? Only time will tell. But one thing is for sure – the 2025 NFL season is shaping up to be an exciting one, with a talented group of rookies ready to make their mark on the league. And with Ward and Jeanty leading the way, the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year is sure to be a thrilling one.
