NFL 2010 Rookie of the Year Preview

At the start of the NFL season, it is always good to become familiar with the frontrunners for the Pepsi Rookie of the Year Award.

Last year’s winner was Vikings receiver-kick returner Percy Harvin. This came after being nomintaed seven times for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week award, which he won twice. Who will be able to stockpile as many votes this year?

2010 NFL Rookie Of the Year Predictions

Dallas Cowbys WR Dez Bryant is on the right path to secure the award if he can get his mind in the right place and focus on his work week in-week out. He’ found himself on a stable team with a promising season ahead. If he can meet expectations, he could make it impossible for voters to look away.

Detroit Lions RB Jahvid Davis has joined the club after an explosive career with the University of California Golden Bears. He earned the record for most rushing yards in a single game at 311, and shares the NFL combined-best 40-yard-dash time at 4.35 seconds. He holds the Golden Bears’ record for most all purpose yards in a single season (2008) with 2,247 total yards. If he can remain uninjured, his effectiveness will should be felt by opponents all around the NFL. Though the Lions will likely struggle for a winning season, Best could be the one behind any momentum that builds.

Another Detroit Lion in contention is DT Ndamukong Suh. His size and strength in the position are causing waves around the league, with many coaches already planning the double team. It is tough for defensive players to impress the voting panel with their stats, but judging on potential game impact, Suh wil be noticed.

Kansas City Chiefs S Eric Berry the logical defensive challenger for the trophy. His immense strength is comparable to Suh’s and he has the brains and instincts to routinely throw quarterbacks for a loop. His experience at Tennessee was beneficial, as he  learned and played many different roles. That versatility will help him go a long way in the NFL and should be noticeable in his rookie season.

Back to offence, San Diego Chargers RB Ryan Matthews has a huge job in replacing his boyhood idol LaDanian Tomlinson, but if the odds are any indication, he is a favourite and should be able to handle the pressure. He describes joining the Charges in this position as ‘a dream come true’, so morale will not be an issue and he’ll be chomping at the bits come September 13.

St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford has the skills to win the award but doesn’t quite have the firepower in front of him to help him on the way. He has nobody to throw to. He’ll be an eye-opener on the field but, presumably, he won’t be able to do enough on his own to lock down the award.

Buffalo Bills RB C.J. Spiller is in the opposite situation to Bradford. He can run, but has no quarterback. He’ll certainly have plenty of opportunities to run the ball this season, but if his team doesn’t reach an admirable level of success he just might not be considered.

Regardless of personal statistics and/or success, the major criterion for Rookie of the Year is that the player helps his team win games and contributes significantly to the overall success of the season. How smooth and quickly a rookie falls into his place on the squad is just as important as the numbers he racks up. It could take most of the season, but as long as it gets done, there’ll be an argument for Pepsi Rookie of the Year.

Voting begins 9.14.10