The NFL Mid-Season Rookie of the Year race is on as it has been exciting thus far, with a lot going on this year during a global pandemic. There have been shuffling games around due to COVID-19 cases causing teams to miss games. However, that has not to stop players from having a big season, especially with rookies having to start their careers during a global pandemic.
First Pick of 2020 NFL Draft – Joe Burrow
One player has been having a good season so far after the first eight games of the year, first pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, Joe Burrow. Cincinnati currently sits at 2-5-1, and overall, Burrow has thrown 2,272 yards with 11 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes. He’s playing like the first overall pick, and that’s not as common as one would think.
Another Rookie Quarterback with Huge Impact
Another quarterback that has having a big season is Justin Herbert. The Chargers started the season with Tyrod Taylor, who went down with an injury. Herbert made an immediate impact early on before being named the permanent starter. He has a strong arm while throwing 1,820 yards with 15 touchdowns while completing 67.4% of his passes. Although the Chargers are 2-5, the blame should not be on Herbert while his defense has been blowing 20+ lead in multiple games.
NFL Rookie of the Year Non-Quarterback in race
Clyde Edwards-Helaire has made a significant impact on the Kansas City Chiefs run game. In eight games, Edwards-Helaire has run for 572 yards on 121 attempts while scoring two rushing touchdowns. There were two games where he rushed 138 and 161 yards.
CeeDee Lamb started the season with an immediate impact for the Dallas Cowboys; however, that has changed with injuries to Dak Prescott and Andy Dalton. In eight games, he has 40 catches with 524 yards and two touchdowns. Don’t let the numbers fool you; in the past two games, Lamb has only four yards receiving. He could see a few targets his way; however, it is unlikely that he would have over 100 yards receiving.
NFL Mid-Season Rookie of the Year worth mentioning
Many Rookies are making a huge impact this year but unlikely to win the Rookie of the Year. Those players are Jerry Jeudy (Broncos), Laviska Shenault (Jaguars), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), D’Andre Swift (Lions), Jalen Reagor (Eagles), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), and Michael Pittman Jr (Colts).
One player worth mentioning is unlikely to win top rookie since he made his debut in week eight, Tua Tagovailoa. The Dolphins’ rookie quarterback took over veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick as a starting quarterback. Tagovailoa threw 93 yards with one touchdown on 22 attempts. He will have a long way to being the top rookie.
Who will win ROY at end of the season?
Although it may seem that the NFL Mid-Season Rookie of the Year award will go to either Burrow, Herbert, or Edward Hilaire, These young names are already making an impact on the 2020 season. Who do you think will win the ROY at the end of the year? Is there someone not mentioned that you think could be worth a mention?
