NFL Rookie of the Year Race: Growing Pack Chases Mariota

Oct 18, 2015; Nashville, TN, USA; Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) calls plays at the line during the first half against the Miami Dolphins at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

Thus far the NFL has seen more than a few rookies step up to the plate and excel in 2015. Not just in terms of stats and numbers but also leadership. It’s making the picture for Rookie of the Year fuzzy in the early going, which is always a great thing. So who are the big fish in the race thus far? Here is a rundown.

Marcus Mariota (QB, Tennessee Titans)

Quarterbacks always have a leg up in any award race and it’s no different for NFL Rookie of the Year. Then again, Marcus Mariota has earned it thus far. He’s taken over a bad team and kept them in some games while displaying all the physical capability that has the Tennessee Titans so excited. He’s averaging 247 yards per game with nine touchdown passes to five interceptions. If he can get even a modest running game to help, he could get even better.

Todd Gurley (RB, St. Louis Rams)

Understand this. Todd Gurley leads all rookie running backs in rushing this season and that is after missing the entire preseason and first two games of the regular season rehabbing from a torn ACL. He has 314 yards, averaging 5.7 per carry. The kid is every bit as advertised and it has to be frightening since he’s only 21-years old and gaining experience with every week.

Amari Cooper (WR, Oakland Raiders)

It seems fitting. He was the first wide receiver taken in the draft and perhaps the most pro-ready. Thus far Amari Cooper has lived up to the billing, becoming the go-to guy for young Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. So far they’ve connected 28 times for 386 yards and two touchdowns. That includes two plays of 40 yards or more. It’s just a taste of how good this tandem can be.

Tyler Lockett (WR, Seattle Seahawks)

The brilliance of Tyler Lockett goes beyond being a mere receiver. He was a very good one in college but the Seattle Seahawks had bigger plans for him. Not only is he fourth among rookie receivers with 217 yards and a touchdown, he’s also become one of the most dangerous return threat in the league. He’s second in kickoff return yards with a touchdown and fifth in punt return yards with a touchdown. There really isn’t much more he can do to prove his value.

Hau’oli Kikaha (OLB, New Orleans Saints)

Several offensive players coming out of the 2015 draft were asked who they felt the best pass rusher in the class was. Scouts and reporters were surprised when the name Hau’oli Kikaha kept coming up. Time has proven them right. The Washington product has emerged as the best of the rookies thus far with four sacks and three forced fumbles. He’s also third in tackles with 34. To think the Saints got him in the second round is becoming harder and harder to believe.

Next: 2016 NFL Draft Sleeper Profile: Alonzo Russell

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