Top Rookies to Watch in the Upcoming NFL Season

With the NFL Draft behind us, it's time to look ahead to the upcoming season and predict who will shine as the top rookies. Here are my early wagers for the Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year.

As the NFL Draft has come to a close, it's already time to turn our attention to the upcoming season. One of the most exciting aspects is speculating on which rookies will make a significant impact. While it's difficult to predict success as a rookie, there are some players who already seem poised to shine.

For the Offensive Rookie of the Year, my pick is quarterback Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears. Williams was drafted first overall and finds himself in an incredibly favorable situation. The Bears have made significant upgrades to their offensive line and wide receiver corps, adding players like Darnell Wright, DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and Rome Odzune.

With these talented weapons at his disposal and an experienced play-caller in former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Williams is well-positioned to thrive in his first season. The odds may not be the most lucrative, but I believe Williams is worth backing at +100.

For the Defensive Rookie of the Year, I'm going with pass rusher Bralen Trice of the Atlanta Falcons. Trice was drafted in the third round and has the potential to make an immediate impact for a team in desperate need of edge rushers.

In his college career at Washington, Trice led the nation in pressures in both 2022 and 2023. He also registered 16 sacks in that span and consistently stepped up in big games. In Atlanta, Trice will have the opportunity to start right away and showcase his skills.

While his odds are longer at +5000, I believe Trice is a hidden gem who has the talent and opportunity to make a splash in his rookie season.

In addition to Williams and Trice, there are several other rookies who could make a run at these awards.

* J.J. McCarthy (QB, Minnesota Vikings)

* Marvin Jones Jr. (WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)

* Bijan Robinson (RB, New York Giants)

* Will Levis (DE, Cincinnati Bengals)

* Jayden McGowan (CB, Green Bay Packers)

* Shemar Stewart (S, New Orleans Saints)

While these other players have upside, I believe Williams and Trice offer the best value and have the most favorable situations to succeed as rookies.

The NFL season is just around the corner, and these young players are eager to make their mark. It will be exciting to see which rookies live up to the hype and emerge as the next generation of NFL stars.