2019 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year sleepers

Devin Singletary, RB, Buffalo Bills

A touchdown monster at Florida Atlantic, third-round pick Devin Singletary has the potential to be the most impactful running back in the 2019 NFL Draft. Despite a few obstacles for Singletary to overcome, he has proven his ability to be a three-down workhorse running back and is now on a team that could use just that.

Despite his incredible production throughout his college career (4,287 yards and 66 touchdowns in four years), size and combine testing caused Singletary to fall a little in this year’s draft. But the Buffalo Bills tabbed him in the third round and the rookie could get a shot to prove himself as a feature back.

Singletary is far from lonely in the Buffalo running back room, which may prevent him from reaching his Offensive Rookie of the Year potential. The Bills still roster LeSean McCoy and brought in both Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon as free agents this offseason. McCoy’s contract is one that the Bills would love to be rid of and they are clearly looking at many different options to fill that potential void.

Singletary could certainly impress the coaches enough to get a crack at the job if they do decide to move on from McCoy. They could also go with the 36-year-old Gore or receiving specialist Yeldon.

In an offense run by Josh Allen, who impressed with his legs as a rookie last season, the Bills could benefit from a true three-down, workhorse back to take the pressure off Allen. Singletary could be that guy if given the chance but will have to battle his way onto the field if he wants to make a splash as a rookie.

Preston Williams, WR, Miami Dolphins

One of the biggest stories of camp has been an undrafted receiver out of Colorado State, Preston Williams. Williams has made incredible catch after incredible catch in practice and backed it up with an outstanding preseason debut.

Against the Falcons in week one of the preseason, Williams led all receivers with 97 yards on four catches and five targets. Williams looks to have been the steal of the offseason, showing capabilities of being a true number one receiver on the outside.

As a junior, Williams had an incredible season racking up 96 receptions for 1,345 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on his way to first-team All-Mountain West honors.

At 6-foot-4, Williams can win any jump ball and has shown the speed on the field to run by cornerbacks everywhere. He tested poorly at his pro day and has had his fair share of off-the-field issues, causing the talented player to go undrafted. But if he has truly gotten his act and his game together, Williams appears to be a steal.

Although currently mired behind four other Dolphins receivers on the depth chart, Williams is proving that he not only belongs on the team’s roster but on the field come game day.

Miami has invested a lot in the wide receiver position in recent years with little success to show for it. If a talent like Williams fell into their lap and proves that he is worthy of playing time, they should not be hesitant to throw him out there and see what he can do against top-tier NFL competition.

Honorable Mentions

Beyond the top 10 candidates mentioned above, there are a few other players on the offensive side of the ball that could make immediate impacts for their new ball clubs. Although they may not be likely to contend for Offensive Rookie of the Year, these players could be in the mix for the All-Rookie team.

In addition to a few more skill position players who could see the field early and prove to be valuable weapons for their offense, this list includes linemen who are slated to start for their squads as rookies:

• Dalton Risner, OL, Denver Broncos
• Erik McCoy, C, New Orleans Saints
• Diontae Johnson, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cody Ford, OL, Buffalo Bills
• Irv Smith Jr., TE, Minnesota Vikings
• Michael Deiter, OG, Miami Dolphins
• Foster Moreau, TE, Oakland Raiders
• Dawson Knox, TE, Buffalo Bills