2017 NFL Awards Predictions: Rookies of the Year

With the 2017 season just around the corner, theScore's team of football editors casts their votes for each of the league's major awards.

NFL Awards Predictions

• Rookies of the Year
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Offensive Player of the Year
• Coach of the Year
• Most Valuable Player

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Leonard Fournette, RB, Jaguars

Fournette was born to play in the NFL. He established early in his college career he was too powerful for his collegiate competition, and he'll find himself at home in the pro ranks. He may not threaten the rookie rushing record like Ezekiel Elliott did a year ago, but he'll prove the best of a top-heavy crop of rookies. - Michael McClymont

Christian McCaffrey, RB, Panthers

The next LaDainian Tomlinson. You heard it here first. - Alex Chippin

Dalvin Cook, RB, Vikings

Minnesota got lucky having Cook fall to them without possessing a first-round pick, and again have been pleasantly surprised with the Florida State product's ability as a receiver and a pass blocker. With a stout defense and a new-look offensive line, the Vikings are set up to make Cook the central piece of their offense. - Mitch Sanderson

DeShone Kizer, QB, Browns

Nothing captures the league's attention like a rookie quarterback exceeding expectations. Sure, Kizer doesn't have the same level of talent around him that Dak Prescott did, but if he even leads the perennially woeful Browns to five or six wins in impressive fashion, it'll be hard not to get swept up in his storyline. - Jack Browne

As the only rookie quarterback expected to begin the season as his team's starter, Offensive Rookie of the Year is Kizer's award to lose. The Browns revamped their offensive line, have a pair of good running backs in Isaiah Crowell and Duke Johnson Jr., and a talented receiving corps. - Esten McLaren

Kareem Hunt, RB, Chiefs

Hunt is thrust into a starting role after Spencer Ware suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury in the preseason. Prior to Ware's injury, Hunt was making a strong case for increased reps and his dynamic ability as both a runner and pass-catcher will add another layer to the Chiefs' offense, transitioning seamlessly to the pro game. - Arun Srinivasan

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Myles Garrett, DE, Browns

Garrett has the rare combination of speed, size, power, and vision to make an immediate impact at the professional level. Don't be surprised if Garrett is vying for Pro Bowl honors at the end of the year. - Srinivasan

Malik Hooker, S, Colts

The Colts' defense will again be bad in 2017, and while this means Indy will be involved (and likely lose) a lot of shootouts, it'll also give their playmaking first-round safety a chance to shine with some eye-popping plays. - Browne

Adoree' Jackson, CB, Titans

Expect the college superstar to secure a starting job in the secondary early and supplant Eric Weems as the team's primary returner. In a head-to-head bout of hybrids with Jabrill Peppers, Jackson's status as the X-factor for a playoff contender is the deciding factor. - McClymont

T.J. Watt, LB, Steelers

Watt will already have national attention thanks to his bloodline and his family name and playing for the team favored to win the AFC North. The Steelers ranked 16th in pass yards allowed per game last season. Some added quarterback pressure via Watt could help return the Steel Curtain to the glory days. - McLaren

Reuben Foster, LB, 49ers

Foster immediately enters the 49ers' starting lineup as a three-down linebacker and will have plenty of opportunities to rack up tackles, as San Francisco's defense is likely to spend a lot of time on the field. - Chippin

The 31st overall pick's power and tenacity as a hitter will make him a fan favorite across the league. He will also be sure to rack up tons of tackles that will give him the eye-popping stats necessary to win the award. - Sanderson