J.J. McCarthy
There are some good longshot options on offensive side of ball
The 2024 NFL Draft will long be remembered for the historic concentration on offensive players. The first 14 players taken in the draft were offensive players, which is an NFL record. That run featured six quarterbacks going in the first 12 picks for the first time ever. In all, 23 of the 32 players taken in the first round were offensive players, easily beating the previous mark of 19 offensive players taken. The eight tackles taken in the first round and the seven receivers selected tied league records.
So, it goes without saying that the field is stacked for the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Using odds provided by our friends at DraftKings Sportsbook, we are going to look at some players who provide strong value to win the award.
Here we go:
WR Marvin Harrison Jr, Arizona Cardinals
The Ohio State product, who was the No. 4 overall pick, has the best odds of any non-quarterback at 7-1. That can be profitable considering Harrison has been considered NFL-ready for two years and receivers have won the award two of the past three seasons. Expect the son of the Pro Football Hall of Famer to produced big as a rookie. If he helps leads the Cardinals to an unexpected playoff berth while racking the big numbers he’s capable of, Harrison can easily win this award.
QB J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
This is the first quarterback drafted that is worth the bet. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders) are not worth the price and Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons) probably won’t play this season. McCarthy, who was drafted at No. 10, is priced at 12-1. That’s good value for a player who did nothing but win at Michigan and he is joining a pretty solid team. Newly-minted receiver Justin Jefferson is motivated and could help McCarthy cash this ticket.
WR Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs
This is how I see this wager: You’re betting on Patrick Mahomes. Getting Mahomes at 18-1 to win is smart money. Try getting anything close to those odds when it comes to Mahomes winning the NFL MVP award or the Chiefs winning the AFC West, AFC championship or the Super Bowl. It’s not happening. So, betting on Mahomes vicariously through the speedy Worthy is worth the risk. If Worthy explodes for some big touchdown plays and has enough gaudy stats and helps the Chiefs win, he will get votes. Here’s betting Mahomes can make that happen.
Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Drake Maye
QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots
This one is screaming at me and it provides the greatest overall value. Maye, the No. 3 overall pick, is priced at 22-1. This one reminds me of C.J. Stroud. He won the 2023 OROY after being priced around 25-1 shortly after being the No. 2 overall pick by the Houston Texans. I believe Maye is either going to be a star or a flameout. By all reports, he is dazzling coaches and teammates at the Patriots’ OTA sessions with his arm talent, his quick grasp of the offense and his leadership. If the North Carolina product can have a strong season and improve the Patriots instantly, this is a great ticket to cash.
WR Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears
The Washington product is priced at 30-1. The bad news is there are a lot of reasons why it makes sense that he is a longshot and will have a tough time winning the award. If Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick, has an award-winning worthy season, that means so likely will Williams and the tie usually goes to the quarterback and high-profile player. Plus, Odunze will have to compete with veteran Bears’ receiver Keenan Allen and DJ Moore for the ball. The good news is Odunze is a great prospect and is one of my favorite players in the draft. He’s capable of sticking out as a rookie. Bettors shouldn’t have great expectations at 30-1, but, at the end of the day, why not?
Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images
Blake Corum
RB Blake Corum, Los Angeles Rams
We all should love this lottery ticket. Corum, a third-round pick from Michigan, is priced at 60-1. Why not drop a few on him being the first running back to win the OROY since Saquon Barkley did it six years ago? Corum is a baller and he should eat in Sean McVay’s offense. Think about Puka Nacau’s big rookie success last year. At 60-1, this one is begging us.
