The 2025 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (OROY) race seems poised for a surprise, as only two quarterbacks were picked in the first round, and neither came with the usual first-round hype. Historically, five of the last nine OROY winners have been quarterbacks, but it’s common for the award to go to another position, especially given recent decade trends where only Dak Prescott and Alvin Kamara won it outside the top 10 picks. Past winners include notable exceptions with running backs like Kamara and Eddie Lacy, and receiver Anquan Boldin, highlighting that non-quarterbacks can and do win the award.
Denver took a different approach by selecting a running back in the second round, Isaiah Harvey, who boasts great speed and agility despite his smaller stature. His clear path to a significant workload, given Denver’s roster, makes his +2200 odds highly enticing. Meanwhile, Jaxon Hunter of the Jaguars remains a bit of a wildcard because his role remains uncertain, but his exceptional receiving skills and versatility make him a candidate worth watching.
Treveyeon Henderson of the Patriots, a versatile back with a strong college record, benefits from a promising situation in New England where the offensive line and playmakers could create ample opportunities for him. Tennessee’s Malik Ward, a QB known for his dynamic playing style but with some potential limitations, faces an uphill battle due to the Titans’ roster situation, which doesn’t scream OROY favorite.
Carolina’s Macmillan, despite a rough start to his career, is expected to have plenty of targets and excels in positioning and catching, making him a considerable candidate. Ashton Jeanti of the Raiders impresses with his balance and running stats and should thrive under Chip Kelly’s offensive scheme. Other value picks include Greg Rome, a ‘lock’ for the Chargers given their scheme, and first-round QB who’s potential is tied to whether he can boost the Giants’ offense mid-season.
Lastly, the Bears’ tight end Loveland offers an intriguing value considering the target opportunities and the system he’s in, though competition for passes is high. Jaguars’ Tuten, another running back with explosive potential, could emerge as a key playmaker despite stiff competition.
Fan Take: This deeper dive into the 2025 Offensive Rookie of the Year candidates demonstrates that talent can emerge from unexpected rounds and positions, signaling a shift in how rookies impact their teams. For NFL fans, this means a more exciting and unpredictable season ahead, with fresh faces potentially redefining the league’s offensive playmakers.
