SuperBook News (2007-07-27)
Lion's rookie wide receiver Calvin Johnson stands 6'5", weighs 235 pounds
and runs the 40 in 4.4. With numbers like these, it isn't surprising that
the #2 pick in April's draft is Superbook.com's 5-2 favorite to win the
Offensive Rookie of the Year Award for the upcoming season. The Lions made
Johnson the fourth wide receiver they selected in the first round in the
last five years. As everyone already knows, two of those receivers; Charles
Rogers and Mike Williams have been total flops paving the way for Johnson
being a "no brainer" at #2. If Johnson comes anywhere close to living up to
the hype, he will form a formidable WR duo alongside 2004 first round pick
Roy Williams. Veteran journeyman Jon Kitna is coming off a respectable year
where he was fourth in the NFL in passing yardage (4208) and 21 TD's so both
could easily get plenty of touches.
Expected to be on the heels of Johnson is running back Adrian Peterson of
the Minnesota Vikings, currently paying off at 4-1. Like Johnson, Peterson
possesses freakish skills but he will be sharing the ball with Chester
Taylor who was ninth in the NFL last year in rushing. No matter how
impressive Taylor was last season, Peterson is way too talented to stay on
the sidelines, especially considering the Vikings ranked 23rd in yardage and
26th in points scored last season.
The other frontrunners at Superbook.com are first overall pick JaMarcus
Russell of the Raiders and running back Marshawn Lynch in Buffalo, both
checking in at 6-1. Russell could be a very risky bet considering there is
a good chance he could sit on the sidelines this season, especially
considering he isn't signed yet. Lynch, on the other hand, should get the
ball day 1 with the departure of Willis McGahee.
With the onslaught of wide receivers selected in the 1st round, there are
plenty of route runners that have generous odds. One thing to consider
though: only one WR has won the ROY in the last eight years (Anquan Boldin
'03). After further analysis, this award has traditionally been dominated
by running backs. Of the 40 Offensive ROY's dating back to 1967, 30 of the
award winners were running backs. With info like that, Lynch and Peterson
look like extremely safe bets.
Be sure to log on now to Superbook.com. With the first preseason game just
over a week away, it is never too soon to check out all the NFL futures
offered at Superbook.com
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
Adrian Peterson 4-1
Anthony Gonzalez 15-1
Brady Quinn 10-1
Brandon Jackson 25-1
Brian Leonard 25-1
Calvin Johnson 5-2
Craig Davis 12-1
Dwayne Bowe 10-1
Dwayne Jarrett 12-1
Greg Olsen 18-1
JaMarcus Russell 6-1
Marshawn Lynch 6-1
Robert Meachum 20-1
Sidney Rice 18-1
Steve Smith 15-1
Ted Ginn Jr. 15-1