2016 NFL Awards Predictions: Rookies of the Year
With the 2016 season just around the corner, theScore's team of NFL editors cast their votes for each of the league's major awards.
NFL Awards Predictions
- Rookies of the Year
- Most Valuable Player
- Defensive Player of the Year
- Offensive Player of the Year
- Coach of the Year
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Cowboys
Running behind one of the NFL's premier offensive lines, Elliott couldn't have been placed in a more favorable situation. The former Ohio State standout will be counted upon to provide the offense with balance sorely needed after DeMarco Murray wasn't retained in 2014. - Arun Srinivasan
No other rookie is in the running to possibly be the league's most productive player at their position. - Mitch Sanderson
Elliott enters the NFL as fully formed as any rookie runner in recent years. He'll play all three downs and immediately be a feature piece in an offense that should move the ball with ease. - David P. Woods
Sterling Shepard, WR, Giants
It's still uncertain how effective Victor Cruz will be in his return, meaning second-rounder Shepard will be pressed into action early. With Odell Beckham Jr. drawing coverage, Shepard is well-placed to crack 1,000 yards and 70 catches. - Jack Browne
There are a handful of rookie wide receivers who will earn prominent roles with their teams, but Sterling Shepard may have landed in the best position. Eli Manning will chuck it around the field and Shepard will reap the benefits, giving the Giants two of the last three offensive rookies of the year. - Michael McClymont
Corey Coleman, WR, Browns
Coleman isn't getting much attention because he landed with the Browns, but let's not forget how much of a game changer he was at Baylor. Look for Cleveland to make the most of RG3's ability to push the ball downfield, and there are few corners who can keep up with Coleman at the second level. - Dan Wilkins
Michael Thomas, WR, Saints
Thomas has done all the right things since arriving in New Orleans. His hard work and strong performances will quickly make him a favorite target for Drew Brees. - Justin Boone
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jaguars
The fifth overall pick will endure some rookie hardships, but his aggressive style will force enough turnovers to capture the adulation of voters. - Woods
Myles Jack, LB, Jaguars
Sacks, interceptions, and tackles are the keys to winning this award and Jack could lead his team in all three categories this season. - Sanderson
Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Cardinals
The Cardinals' defense is stacked with talent, but Nkemdiche is the type of athletic freak that can still stand out from the group. Fellow defensive lineman Aaron Donald and Sheldon Richardson have taken home the award in recent seasons, and Nkemdiche should be able put up similar sack and tackle numbers in Arizona's aggressive defense. - Browne
Sitting tight at their spot late in the first round, the Cardinals had the good fortune of having a top-10 talent fall right into their lap. Nkemdiche may be the final piece to an elite defense. - Wilkins
Nkemdiche will be afforded every opportunity to succeed on a Cardinals defense that should be among the NFL's best units in 2016. Boasting raw speed, power, athleticism and pass-rushing instincts, Nkemdiche may end up being a star instantaneously. - Srinivasan
DeForest Buckner, DE, 49ers
The 49ers will be bad this year, like, really bad, but on a rebuilding defense, someone will have to soak up the stats. Enter DeForest Buckner. The No. 7 pick will start right away, and get a head start in the Defensive Rookie of the Year race. - McClymont
Joey Bosa, DE, Chargers
The contract standoff will come to an end, and when it does, Bosa will remind the world why he was the first defensive player off the board in this year's draft. - Boone