Similar to the NFL's Most Valuable Player award, the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year award typically goes to a quarterback. At the same time, running backs have been a popular pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year due to the continued rise in their usage.
Since 2010, nine of the 10 Offensive Rookie of the Year winners are either a quarterback or running back. The lone player that wasn't of the quarterback or running back variety to win the award in the last 10 years was Odell Beckham Jr. in 2014.
It has been well-documented that the 2020 NFL Draft class of wide receivers could be one for the ages. Nevertheless, seeing that he was the No. 1 pick in this year's draft, Joe Burrow is the heavy favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Plus, just last year, we saw Kyler Murray win Offensive Rookie of the Year award after being taken with the No. 1 pick by the Arizona Cardinals. While all signs point toward either a quarterback or running back winning the award, let's take a look at a few dark horse candidates to win the award in 2020.
3. Brandon Aiyuk
Current odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year: +3000 (according to Bovada)
After the departure of Emmanuel Sanders in free agency, the San Francisco took Brandon Aiyuk with the No. 25 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Last season, the 49ers witnessed Deebo Samuel carve out a prominent as a rookie at the wide receiver position.
Even though Samuel will probably be the No. 1 option at wide receiver for San Francisco, Aiyuk should make an immediate impact in 2020. In his final season at Arizona State, Aiyuk caught 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.
Given his ability to create with the ball in his hands, Kyle Shanahan could utilize Aiyuk in a multitude of ways in 2020. With +3000 odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, Aiyuk is a name to watch next season.
2. Justin Jefferson
Current odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year: +2800 (according to Bovada)
Early in free agency, the Minnesota Vikings turned some heads when they traded Stefon Diggs to the Buffalo Bills for a boatload of draft picks. Among the picks they acquired, the Vikings were able to get Buffalo's first-round selection at No. 22.
With that selection, Minnesota elected to draft Justin Jefferson out of LSU. While Burrow put together a historic season in 2019 at LSU, Jefferson also contributed 111 receptions, 1,540 yards, and 18 touchdowns in his last collegiate season.
In his five seasons with the Vikings, Diggs averaged 73 receptions, 924 yards, and six touchdowns per season. Considering that Jefferson has the best chance of replacing that production, he could be an under-the-radar candidate to win the award.
1. Michael Pittman Jr.
Current odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year: +4500 (according to Bovada)
Around a year ago, the Indianapolis Colts were taken aback when Andrew Luck decided to retire from the NFL. Following an inconsistent season from Jacoby Brissett, the Colts chose to upgrade at quarterback by signing veteran Philip Rivers.
With Rivers under center, that gives a massive boost to all of the wide receivers in Indianapolis — including rookie Michael Pittman Jr. To improve at wide receiver alongside T.Y. Hilton and Parris Campbell, the Colts took Pittman with the No. 34 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Coming out of his final year at USC, Pittman recorded 101 receptions for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2019. Without a doubt, with Rivers manning the offense, the Colts are going to be putting the ball in the air more than they did a season ago.
Taking that into consideration, Pittman should have plenty of opportunities to thrive as a rookie in 2020.
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