How Notable NFL Rookies Fared at OTAs
First Look at Rookies Impacts Betting
Many NFL fans overlook OTAs, as they are voluntary and many star players do not participate. However, this is when teams begin to officially practice, giving us first looks at rookies trying to make a name for themselves and solidify a meaningful role on the roster. Some rookies stand out, while others look miles away from contributing. This should impact your NFL picks for Rookie of the Year (ROTY) awards.
We did the research for you, discovering which rookies impressed at OTAs and who disappointed. Check out how notable rookies fared and how it could impact NFL predictions.
BET ON THE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AWARDS
Quarterbacks Leave Lasting Impressions
Rookie quarterbacks will always draw the most attention. The sportsbook’s top five favorites for Offensive ROTY include three signal-callers – Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson. All three impressed at OTAs.
Young’s IQ stood out as he took most of the first-team reps at OTAs. Stroud turned heads after completing six of eight passes with a touchdown in a two-minute drive drill. Richardson has already flashed his high potential, pushing Gardner Minshew for the starting gig. The first three QBs off of the board are living up to expectations.
Bryce Young threading the needle 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/B9G7X3VhzS
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) June 15, 2023
Stetson Bennett is another quarterback that has impressed early. He was drafted earlier than most NFL expert picks predicted. He seems worth the fourth-round pick thus far, as coach Sean McVay stated, “I think he’s taking it a day at a time, but I’ve been really pleased with him.”
The Houston Texans’ edge rusher Will Anderson Jr., Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs are more high picks generating buzz. Coach DeMeco Ryans said Anderson has been who the Houston Texans thought they were drafting. DK Metcalf praised Smith-Njigba, “He’s come in and treated it like he’s a vet already,” said Metcalf. Gibbs’ versatility and route-running have also turned heads.
Most of the favorites for ROTY awards are fitting the billing thus far.
Early Sleepers for Hardware
Top rookie performers from OTAs could give us a jump on sleepers for ROTY. First-rounders edge rusher Nolan Smith (+1400) and cornerback Emmanuel Forbes (+1200) are outside the top six favorites to win Defensive ROTY. Both players have stood out, especially Forbes, who held up against wide receiver Terry McLaurin in several matchups. Forbes could enter the 2023 season as the Washington Commanders’ top cornerback.
Several players drafted in the later rounds have also drawn praise. Running backs Devon Achane and Tyjae Spears are worth keeping an eye on. According to NFL odds week 1, Achane is +3300 and Spears is +2800 to win Offensive ROTY. The Miami Dolphins do not have a clear No. 1 running back, and Achane’s speed and pass-catching were turning heads.
Cam Smith and De’Von Achane👍
Lost count of Achane’s explosives: runs and pass (one off a great Saubert block, another deep ball from Tua).
Smith’s first rep was a beautiful match and drive back down the stem for the PBU. His length pops. He also had a nice press W against 17.
— Travis Wingfield (@WingfieldNFL) May 23, 2023
Take A Look At These Other Two NFL Week 1 Special Articles
It also seems Spear could be the perfect compliment for Derrick Henry with his receiving ability.
So far, it looks like the Texans crushed it in the 2023 NFL Draft. Third-round wide receiver Tank Dell was shining during OTAs. Ryans said he was consistently open. NFL lines week 1 do not have Dell as an option for Offensive ROTY. However, that could quickly change if he continues to excel.
For Defensive ROTY, Denver Broncos’ linebacker Drew Sanders and the San Francisco 49ers’ safety Ji’Ayir Brown are players to keep tabs on. Sanders is priced at +2200 to win the award, while Brown is not yet listed. Sanders’ athleticism and versatility were drawing rave reviews. Scouts questioned Sanders’ pass coverage; that has been emphatically silenced.
Drew Sanders has been excellent in pass coverage during rookie minicamp. Had a pick six in 7 on 7. Had a pass break up during team. Has been great covering the flats too.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) May 13, 2023
Brown totaled four interceptions within a few days of practice.
Not All Sunshine and Rainbows
Of course, not every rookie has thrived. Some have been on the receiving end of criticism. New York Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt was mostly getting third-team reps. Dan Duggan of The Athletic also reported it will be an “uphill climb” for Hyatt. The third-round wideout was drawing some attention on betting markets at +2800 for Offensive ROTY. This seems like a risky bet following OTAs. New England Patriots Kayshon Boutte was another receiver that underwhelmed. He was drafted in the sixth round, which some labeled as a steal.
Quarterback Will Levis sliding to the second round was one of the biggest stories of the 2023 NFL Draft. He got off to a rough start in OTAs. Newly retired defensive lineman J.J. Watt voiced his frustration with the critiques, “Rookie has rough practice in his first week of OTAs.’ Yeah, that’s called being a rookie. It’s called first week of OTAs. I had rough practices every single year in my 12 years. I’ve had rough games. I’ve had multiple rough games. S**t’s hard. It’s the National Football League,” said the future Hall of Famer.
Levis proved Watt’s point afterward, as his accuracy improved.
Will Levis showing OFF his accuracy 😳
Levis reportedly “showed improvement” throughout Titans off-season practices.
Titans QB’s coach Charles London said he was “pleased” with what Levis has showed.
However, Levis and Malik Willis are still battling for the QB2 spot, with… pic.twitter.com/CYQ01QVoTh
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 16, 2023
Ultimately, OTAs were only our first glimpse of rookies. Plenty of time goes into developing first-year players. For now, these could be the rookies to back or fade in online gambling.
Get ready for the kickoff of the NFL season with the latest NFL week 1 Vegas odds! Explore the exciting NFL matchups and bet on your favorite teams at BetUS.
