The Projected NFL Rookie of the Year Winners for 2017

This 2017 draft was fascinating for so many reasons. Namely how hard it was to pinpoint who might win NFL Rookie of the Year this season.

That’s not necessarily a knock. It’s actually quite a strong class that could features lots of headline talent. Just not many true stars. At least not yet. This makes predicting the winners of those coveted Rookie of the Year honors that much more difficult. Last year the competition was fierce but it became pretty clear that Dak Prescott and Joey Bosa were the runaway favorites. Something says that isn’t going to be the case this year.

With that in mind here is a quick prediction for both the offensive and defensive awards and which draft prospect should be considered the favorite to win it.

Offense:  Leonard Fournette (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

There is no rookie offensive player who stands out more as likely to play and excel right away than Leonard Fournette. The Jacksonville Jaguars clearly took him with the express intent of transforming their offense into one more balanced and physical. They invested heavily in the offensive line and will want to feed Fournette in order to ease the pressure on quarterback Blake Bortles. The hope being that teams will have to pick their poise. Stop him on the ground or deal with those talented receivers through the air. Health permitting, Fournette will be effective.

Defense:  Derek Barnett (DE, Philadelphia Eagles)

This will probably surprise people. Most would expect Myles Garrett to be the obvious choice, or even one of the exciting safeties like Jamal Adams or Malik Hooker. No the defensive Rookie of the Year honors will go to Eagles defensive end Derek Barnett. Why? Circumstances. He goes into a system that is tailor-made for his talents. Jim Schwartz is an excellent coordinator who will know exactly what to do with him. Barnett himself is an experienced and relentless rusher. His 33 sacks at Tennessee proved he could get it done against top competition.