Normally when you think of who would be in the running for offensive rookie of the year, the first player drafted at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver would figure to be in the discussion. And yet when NBC put out a poll today asking fans who they thought would win the award, the top drafted receiver was not among them.
Whether you agree with the selection or not, Henry Ruggs III was the first wide receiver selected in this year’s draft. The Raiders took him at 12 overall. His selection was not enough for SNF on NBC to include him in their impromptu question to fans as to who they think will win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Included in the graphic for the poll were wide receivers Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb who were selected at No. 15 and No. 17 overall to the Broncos and Cowboys respectively.
Also included instead of Ruggs were four running backs, the top pick of which was Clyde Edwards-Helaire who was chosen with the final pick of the first round. The others — Johnathan Swift, D’Andre Swift, and JK Dobbins were all selected in round two.
That means the only players who were in the poll who were drafted higher than Ruggs were number one overall pick QB Joe Burrow and fifth overall pick QB Tua Tagovailoa.
For what it’s worth, recently Sports Illustrated and Pro Football Focus had Ruggs as the fifth-best candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year. All of which would seem to suggest that even if NBC disagrees, they should have at least had him in the poll so fans could decide.
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