With the NFL season officially kicking off on Thursday, September 4, fans will see nearly 250 to 300 new players making their debut. Out of this wave of fresh talent, only one will rise above the rest to claim the prestigious Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Before any regular-season games kick off, five rookies have already separated themselves from the pack. Each brings elite talent, opportunity, and the potential to make an immediate impact—making them early favorites to win the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Top Five Candidates for Offensive Rookie of the Year
5. Emeka Egbuka (Wide Receiver) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the NFL Draft (19th overall). A polished pass-catcher, Egbuka brings sharp route running, reliable hands, high football IQ, and impressive versatility. He has the skill set to line up all over the field and make an immediate impact in Tampa Bay’s offense.
Egbuka finds himself in an ideal situation in Tampa Bay, learning under proven veterans like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. He also benefits from the steady presence of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who has already offered glowing praise for the rookie wideout. Mayfield told reporters,
“It is fun to have a guy like that who is that intelligent and does not act like a rookie, his head is not spinning, and who is able to do it and handle it the right way, and it raises the standard for everyone else”
With his talent, mentorship, and early chemistry with Mayfield, Egbuka will make an early splash for the Buccaneers.
4. Tetairoa McMillan (Wide Receiver) – Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan was selected by the Carolina Panthers with the eighth pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. A high-upside prospect, McMillan combines rare athleticism for his size with elite ball skills and outstanding contested-catch ability. Throughout the draft process, he was the type of player who made scouts salivate over his potential. Now, with his rookie season on the horizon, McMillan is ready to bring that talent to Carolina and make an immediate impact.
McMillan enters a wide receiver room in Carolina that lacks proven talent, with most options either untested or past their prime. That opens the door for him to step in as a featured target from day one. He’ll also benefit from pairing with promising young quarterback Bryce Young, who has struggled to find a true number one option in his first two seasons. With McMillan’s skill set and Young’s need for a reliable go-to weapon, the duo has the potential to elevate each other’s game and reshape the Panthers’ offense.
Combining his sky-high ceiling with the opportunity in Carolina, Tetairoa McMillan will make a serious push for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
3. Matthew Golden (Wide Receiver) – Green Bay Packers
Matthew Golden was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round (23rd overall). One of the most exciting prospects in the draft, Golden is an exciting and speedy receiver with serious potential as a deep threat. Besides his speed, he has nice body control, smooth route running, and excellent hands. Combining all these traits makes Golden a great addition to Green Bay.
In the past couple of seasons, the Packers have lacked a true number one option for their quarterback, Jordan Love. So, they decided to gamble on the idea of Matthew Golden being that guy for them. Fortunately enough, Matthew Golden is the perfect man for the job. His new quarterback even said,
“I think MG is the perfect guy to go have a breakout year. The things he’s done during OTAs and training camp, just continuing to get better every day. The splash plays he makes has got me very excited to see what he’s going to be about during the season. He’s going to be a guy we try to get the ball to as much as possible”
With the excitement Golden brings in every game he plays in, and the trust his quarterback has in him. Matthew Golden is in the perfect situation to be a top candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
2. Cam Ward (Quarterback) – Tennessee Titans
Cam Ward was selected by the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick in the draft. Widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect, Ward brings a powerful arm and the rare ability to extend plays with his legs. He pairs his physical tools with poise in the pocket and a sharp football IQ, making him a natural leader under center. With his combination of talent and mental toughness, Ward has all the makings to become Tennessee’s franchise quarterback—and he’ll get the chance to prove it right away.
Cam Ward put the University of Miami back in the spotlight after years of mediocrity for the Hurricanes. Now, he has the chance to do the same for the Tennessee Titans this upcoming season. But why trust him? It comes down to his mentality—one that makes him poised to thrive as an NFL quarterback. Ward said this in an interview during last training camp,
“Work out, stay in the playbook and throw the f— out of the ball.”
“Phone on DND. Wake up. Watch film,”
“I talk to five people a day besides my teammates. Talk to my parents and my dog. That’s really it. I just be chilling. Go home and I don’t really do too much. Eat and then go to sleep.”
Cam Ward has the physical and mental tools to explode this upcoming season and establish himself as the Tennessee Titans quarterback of the future.
1. Ashton Jeanty (Running back) – Las Vegas Raiders
Ashton Jeanty was drafted by the Las Vegas Raiders in the first round (6th overall). The best offensive player in the draft showcases explosive speed, home run ability, effectiveness in the receiving game, and reliable pass protection. By securing Jeanty, the Raiders set themselves up for years to come—and there should be no doubt he’ll prove it to the NFL this season
Last season, Jeanty carried Boise State on his back, leading the Broncos all the way to the College Football Playoff. Now, Jeanty steps into the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders, carrying similar expectations on his shoulders. The question now: can he truly live up to those expectations? Not only does he possess every tool he needs, but he’s also being coached by an all-time great. Pete Carroll has a history of developing elite running backs, like Marshawn Lynch. Now, he has a talent with even greater potential in Ashton Jeanty. This upcoming season, Carroll will unlock Jeanty’s full ability, turning him into the running back his potential promises.
Ashton Jeanty has the potential not only to claim Offensive Rookie of the Year but also to emerge as one of the top running backs in the entire league this season.
The post Top Five Offensive Rookie of the Year Candidates appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.