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N.F.L Rookie Watch (Offensive)

Updated: January 3rd

By: Kyle Howe

It's been one of the greatest classes for rookies we have ever seen in the NFL. Three quarterbacks led their teams to 10 win seasons, and we had two 1,000 yard rushers. It's such a hard decision to make, but see who we feel the award should go to. Click here for the Defensive Rankings.

Andrew Luck Rookie of the year

1. Andrew Luck- QB Indianapolis Colts

As good as RG3, and "Russell Mania" were this year, in the end, there is no doubt Andrew Luck will win Offensive Rookie of the Year. What he and the coaching staff have done with the Colts this season, is nothing short of a miraculous. The Colts finished 11-5, a ridiculous nine win improvement over last season’s two win season. Luck’s stats are not in the same category as the league’s elite quarterbacks, however, what Luck brings to the table cannot be underestimated. He means as much to his team as any other quarterback in the league; his leadership, poise, and desire are uncanny in a rookie quarterback. In Luck’s first playoff game, the Colts head to Baltimore to take on the slumping Ravens in a very winnable game. Sure, RG3 has been great this season, but Andrew Luck has been miraculous. The story of the 2012 Indianapolis Colts seems far fetched for even a Hollywood movie, and without Andrew Luck, it never would have happened.

Rookie Watch RG3

2. Robert Griffin III- QB Washington Redskins

We've been saying it all year, but 99/100 years, RG3 has this award locked up easily. Robert Griffin III has had an incredible season, and has almost single handedly carried his team to their first playoff appearance since 2006. There really is no way to defend this guy. Stack the box, and he throws it over your head. Drop guys back in coverage, and he will hand it off to Alfred Morris, or take it himself. In the Week 17 matchup against the Cowboys, RG3 clearly wasn’t himself due to a knee and upper body injury, but he continued to fight through it, and led the ‘Skins to a ‘W’ and more importantly, a playoff spot. RG3 is going to have his hands full this week when Seattle comes to Washington to take on the ‘Skins in the ‘Wild Card’ matchup between the two rookie quarterbacks. Griffin has established himself as an elite player in the NFL, and he isn't going anywhere.

Alfred Morris Rookie of the Year

3. Alfred Morris- RB Washington Redskins

When we said RG3 “almost single handedly carried his team” Alfred Morris is the reason for the “almost”. Morris has been incredible for the Redskins this year, breaking the Redskins rookie rushing record, and finishing the season as the league’s second leading rusher with 1,613, only behind Adrian Peterson. Without Morris, the Redskins would have had a very difficult time beating the Cowboys due to RG3’s injuries. But riding a 33-carry, 200 yard performance including 3 touchdowns, the Redskins pulled through and won to get into the playoffs. In the days where running backs were the focal point of offenses, there is almost no doubt Morris would have won Rookie of the Year. Though he's been underrated and overshadowed this year, Morris looks to have plenty of staying power, and a legitimate star-power running back in the NFL.
Russell Wilson O.R.O.Y

4. Russell Wilson- QB Seattle Seahawks

This year’s 2013 draft class was definitely ‘The Year of the Quarterback’. With six rookie starters at quarterback, we have never seen a class have more success at the position than this year’s (while some may debate the talents of Weeden and Tannehill, they still started the entire season). Russell Wilson is the most underrated in the class by far. Throwing 26 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions and over 3,100 yards, Wilson has had a spectacular season. Most importantly, Wilson and his team finished the season scorching hot and is headed to the playoffs. In the past four games, the Seahawks have scored 170 points. Wilson and his team are getting hot at the right time, and while he may not win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Wilson is looking at a playoff run as Seattle appears to have all the tools to do so.
Doug Martin R.O.Y

5. Doug Martin- RB Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The season didn't wind down for Tampa the way they had hoped, but it was due to no fault of the "Muscle Hamster". He did his part all year, and ended the Bucs season on a high note with 162 yards and a touchdown, in the season ending victory against Atlanta, Martin’s numbers declined after his two big weeks against the Vikings and Raiders, as it became clear the Bucs relied too much on Martin. Teams started to stack the box and force Josh Freeman to beat them, which turned out to be an excellent game plan. Given a full off-season of rest, hopeful growth from his teammates, and the return of all-pro guard Carl Nicks, Martin should have no trouble getting back on track for next season as expectations are very high for a young Buccaneers team.