NFL Betting Odds: Could Seahawks Duo Win Rookie of the Year?
It was another productive draft for the Seattle Seahawks, as they bolstered a playoff-caliber roster with several promising rookies, including their pair of first-round picks in Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon and Ohio State receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
While neither Witherspoon or Smith-Njigba, or any of their fellow rookies for that matter, have taken a single snap at the NFL level, we already have betting odds for Defensive and Offensive Rookie of the Year.
However, both of Seattle's first-round rookies currently have the sixth-best odds in their respective award runnings, as Smith-Njigba comes in at +1,200 odds and Witherspoon coming in a bit further behind at +1,000.
Of course, it isn't hard to see why the Seahawks rookie duo don't have the highest odds. Only three cornerbacks have brought home Defensive Rookie of the Year, with Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets last season joining elusive company.
Witherspoon will be lined up across from second-year cornerback Tariq Woolen, which could help his case. The Illinois product may be tested early as a rookie, potentially giving him a chance to make a strong impression on award voters if he shows out.
Offensively, it is much more likely that a running back or quarterback brings home the hardware than a receiver, as they tend to have a larger impact on the offense. Working in Smith-Njigba's favor, though, is the fact that the last two Offensive Rookie of the Year winners were receivers.
What could limit Smith-Njigba is his role in Seattle's offense, as he’ll be third in the receiver pecking order by the dynamic receiver duo of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
Even if neither of the two bring home Rookie of the Year honors, both Witherspoon and Smith-Njigba will be asked to be immediate contributors - with a chance to help Seattle fight for an NFC West crown and get back to the playoffs once again.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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