Sportsnaut
Every year after the NFL Draft concludes, analysts start putting together a very early list of Rookie of the Year candidates. Yet, once the games actually start, we realize that these early predictions are often a misrepresentation of what’s set to come. Now that Week 4 is here, it’s time to take a new look at NFL Rookie of the Year candidates, for offense and defense.
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He doesn’t rank in the top 25 of receiving yards like fellow rookies Tetairoa McMillan and Tyler Warren do. However, Emeka Egbuka isn’t far behind with his 14 receptions for 181 yards and three touchdowns. While his production could dip a bit once Chris Godwin returns to the lineup, Egbuka is the early favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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Tyler Warren isn’t just in the top 25 in receiving yards, he leads all NFL tight ends with 193 receiving yards through three games. Amazingly, he wasn’t even the first tight end selected in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but you won’t find Colston Loveland on this list.
No wonder why the Carolina Panthers didn’t hesitate to select a first-round receiver despite adding Xavier Legette in the first round last year. Tetairoa McMillan is the real deal, already producing as a top-15 receiver to the tune of 216 yards on just 14 receptions. And some thought he would be too slow for the big leagues…
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He’s played one fewer game than his peers, but Quinshon Judkins still ranks 21st in rushing yards with 155 through two appearances. It looks like the Cleveland Browns won’t miss a beat after moving on from Nick Chubb, and Judkins may even vie for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award.
Expected to be a strong contender to win OROTY honors, Ashton Jeanty hasn’t had the breakout game many expected. He has flashed talent, showing some burst in between the tackles, but a porous Raiders offensive line hasn’t helped either. Still, he’s facing some stiff competition from his peers, with even running backs like Cam Skattebo and Omarion Hampton in line for increased opportunities in the coming weeks.
Honorable mention
Still hunting for his first sack, Abdul Carter has yet to make a big mark in the NFL as a rookie. However,...
