Top 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year candidates: Ashton Jeanty and Abdul Carter start as ROTY favorites

Last season, Jayden Daniels emerged as the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, and Jared Verse won Defensive Rookie of the Year. Two players, both quarterbacks, were drafted ahead of when the Washington Commanders selected Daniels third. As for Verse, there were three defenders selected ahead of him, but the Los Angeles Rams found great value at No. 19.

Who will emerge as the 2025 NFL Rookie of the Year winners? Let’s take a look at the early candidates to win.

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2024 NFL Rookie of the Year candidates (offense)

1. Ashton Jeanty, RB, Las Vegas Raiders

As the projected starting running back in a Pete Carroll offense, Ashton Jeanty could put up big numbers in the NFL, just as he did at Boise State. Plus, as a rusher who can produce as a pass-catcher, the sky is the limit for a player who could flirt with 1,500 yards from scrimmage plus score double-digit touchdowns.

2. Cam Ward, QB, Tennessee Titans

Cam Ward is the biggest boom or bust prospect of the rookie class. Like we saw from Jayden Daniels last year, Ward has the potential to be a star thanks to his natural ability to make plays with his arm or his feet. But do the Titans have enough weapons to help him thrive?

3. Travis Hunter, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

How much will he play on offense? He won’t get more targets than Brian Thomas in Jacksonville. Or will Travis Hunter be a better candidate to win Defensive Rookie of the Year? For now, he’s in play for both awards.

4. Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Carolina Panthers

How many targets can Tetairoa McMillan steal as Bryce Young’s newest weapon? That’s the question for the eighth overall pick, who will be competing with Xavier Legette and Adam Thielen. Yet, being that he was selected so high, McMillan could be a big factor as a rookie.

5. Omarion Hampton, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

While he’ll be competing with Najee Harris for touches in the backfield, he’ll still be a featured back in Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Plus, Harris was only signed to a one-year deal, whereas Hampton is the future at the position so he’s likely to get as many opportunities as he can handle.

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Honorable mention