With just one week left in the NFL regular season, we can already say that a couple of awards should be in the bag.Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady continue to lead the race for MVP, while Zac Taylor, Mike Vrabel, and Bill Belichick are all sound candidates to be named Coach of the Year.When it comes to rookies, however, things aren't that clear, as we've seen some young players make an immediate impact and look like superstars in the making.Here, we're going to talk about the best four of them.4. Jaylen WaddleEven though he hasn't been in the spotlight, Jaylen Waddle has had a rookie season for the ages.Not only did he break the Miami Dolphins' rookie record for most receptions but he's also on pace to break Anquan Boldin's all-time record of 101.The Alabama product has made an immediate adjustment to the league and has even made Tua Tagovailoa look competent from time to time.He's got the hands, the route-running, and the speed to become a superstar, and not even Miami's pedestrian defense could hold him down.3. Ja'Marr ChaseThe Cincinnati Bengals faced plenty of criticism for using their first-round pick on a wideout instead of an offensive linesman and it only got worst when Ja'Marr Chase struggled with drops in the preseason.Fast-forward to today and the doubters are pretty quiet.Chase has proven to be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent, breaking Justin Jefferson's record for most receiving yards as a rookie (1,429) and becoming a legit threat to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.That connection with Joe Burrow translated perfectly to the NFL and they're going to be one of the funniest duos to watch for years to come.2. Mac JonesMac Jones continues to lead the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year.He helped his team end a 2-game skid by throwing for 227 yards and three touchdowns, leading the offense en route to a 50-point explosion.Jones broke the Patriots' record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (20), a mark established by Jim Plunkett in 1971.The rookie out of Alabama may not be the flashiest, most athletic guy out there but he makes up for it with top-notch IQ and sound decision-making.1. Micah ParsonsAnd last but not least, we find the finest and most special rookie of this impressive class: Micah Parsons.Parsons is having one of the greatest seasons by a defender, and we're not talking just about rookies.Records aside, his ability to dominate both as an interior linebacker and as an EDGE rusher has given the Cowboys a dynamic weapon and a defensive anchor for at least another decade.Already drawing comparisons to Lawrence Taylor, Parsons could join him as the only player to win both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year on the very same season.
With just one week left in the NFL regular season, we can already say that a couple of awards should be in the bag.Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady continue to lead the race for MVP, while Zac Taylor, Mike Vrabel, and Bill Belichick are all sound candidates to be named Coach of the Year.When it comes to rookies, however, things aren't that clear, as we've seen some young players make an immediate impact and look like superstars in the making.Here, we're going to talk about the best four of them.4. Jaylen WaddleEven though he hasn't been in the spotlight, Jaylen Waddle has had a rookie season for the ages.Not only did he break the Miami Dolphins' rookie record for most receptions but he's also on pace to break Anquan Boldin's all-time record of 101.The Alabama product has made an immediate adjustment to the league and has even made Tua Tagovailoa look competent from time to time.He's got the hands, the route-running, and the speed to become a superstar, and not even Miami's pedestrian defense could hold him down.3. Ja'Marr ChaseThe Cincinnati Bengals faced plenty of criticism for using their first-round pick on a wideout instead of an offensive linesman and it only got worst when Ja'Marr Chase struggled with drops in the preseason.Fast-forward to today and the doubters are pretty quiet.Chase has proven to be a once-in-a-lifetime kind of talent, breaking Justin Jefferson's record for most receiving yards as a rookie (1,429) and becoming a legit threat to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.That connection with Joe Burrow translated perfectly to the NFL and they're going to be one of the funniest duos to watch for years to come.2. Mac JonesMac Jones continues to lead the race for Offensive Rookie of the Year.He helped his team end a 2-game skid by throwing for 227 yards and three touchdowns, leading the offense en route to a 50-point explosion.Jones broke the Patriots' record for most passing touchdowns by a rookie (20), a mark established by Jim Plunkett in 1971.The rookie out of Alabama may not be the flashiest, most athletic guy out there but he makes up for it with top-notch IQ and sound decision-making.1. Micah ParsonsAnd last but not least, we find the finest and most special rookie of this impressive class: Micah Parsons.Parsons is having one of the greatest seasons by a defender, and we're not talking just about rookies.Records aside, his ability to dominate both as an interior linebacker and as an EDGE rusher has given the Cowboys a dynamic weapon and a defensive anchor for at least another decade.Already drawing comparisons to Lawrence Taylor, Parsons could join him as the only player to win both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year on the very same season.
