Odds to Win 2021 NFL Rookie of the Year

With the dust finally settled on the 2020 NFL Draft, it is already time to take a look at which one of the recent draftees will be able to take home some hardware after their first season: the 2021 NFL Rookie of the Year. There are several high-profile college players looking to take home the award this season, so let’s take a look at who oddsmakers believe have the best chances to win ROY in 2021:

#1) Joe Burrow (+250 odds)

There isn’t much shock that Joe Burrow is the odds-on favorite to with Rookie of the Year. Everyone knows Burrows story of being a backup at Ohio State for three years before transferring and becoming the household name that was taken first overall by the Bengals in the latest draft. This was all done while putting up maybe the greatest college football season over, with Burrow winning the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship after quarterbacking one of the greatest offenses in history. Cincinnati departed with longtime starter Andy Dalton, so Burrow will have full reign of the Bengals offense from day one. Even if he struggles to win, as many rookie quarterbacks do when entering the NFL, history has shown that quarterbacks taken in the top of the draft who are able to have success stand a good chance to win ROY.

#2) Clyde Edwards-Helaire (+500 odds)

Following Burrow is his former teammate, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who had an outstanding season in 2019. Edwards-Helaire proved to be a dual-threat back by rushing for over 1400 yards and adding almost 500 receiving yards while also handling returning duties for the Tigers, which made first-team and second-team All-SEC at running back and all-purpose, respectively. Now, he will now get to play with Patrick Mahomes and the already explosive Chiefs offense. With so much talent around him and incredible quarterback, he will be able to post solid numbers given the opportunity.

#3) Jonathan Taylor (+900 odds)

Coming in with the third best odds to win ROY is Wisconsin product Jonathan Taylor, who was taken by the Indianapolis Colts in the second round. In his time in Wisconsin, Taylor collected numerous awards and cemented himself into the Big Ten and college football history books. He is a two time unanimous first-team All-American, two time Doak Walker award for the best running back in college football, and three time consensus first team All-Big Ten. Now, Taylor will running behind one of the best lines in football on team looking to make post season run. If he is able to prove himself and get the majority of carries in Indy, he could make a run for Rookie of the Year.

#4) Tua Tagovailoa (+1000)

Outside of Burrow, Tua was the biggest storyline of the NFL Draft and the biggest question mark. After winning a National Title with Alabama in 2018-19, Tua was having another strong season before having it cut short due to injury. The injury loomed into his draft stock, but that didn’t stop the Dolphins from taking him fourth overall. He is the future in Miami and probably sooner rather than later, so if he is healthy and they feel like they can be QB1, Tua has a solid shot (with great odds) to win ROY.

#5) Cam Akers (+1200)

Finally, Cam Akers comes in fifth with +1200 odds to take home ROY. Akers had a great career at Florida State that was capped off with a great junior season despite the Seminoles mediocrity, where he ran for over 1,100 yards and 14 touchdowns. Now, Akers is filling Todd Gurley’s shoes for the Rams. Like Taylor, Akers will be in a good situation in L.A. where he should get ample opportunity, so he will have his fair shot at NFL Rookie of the Year as well.