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theScore's NFL Awards Roundtable: Offensive Rookie of the Year

Dilip Vishwanat / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The NFL Honors will be handed out on Feb. 6, but theScore's NFL Editors are making a case for the players who they feel deserve to take home the hardware this season.

theScore's NFL Awards

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Todd Gurley, RB, Rams
229 carries, 1,106 rushing yards, 10 TDs
21 receptions, 188 receiving yards

No offensive rookie made as much of an immediate impact as Gurley did this season. He finished as the NFL's third-leading rusher, was the first rookie since at least 1932 to rush for 125 yards or more in four straight games, and earned himself a trip to the Pro Bowl. What makes those accomplishments even more impressive is that he was coming off a torn ACL and didn't play until Week 3. - Caitlyn Holroyd

Gurley didn't play a full season, but his run of top production was enough to cement his status as the season's top newcomer. Despite fewer carries than most starters, Gurley ranked in the top five in missed tackles forced - and despite one of the worst offensive lines in football, he ranked in the top 10 in yards per carry. - David P. Woods

Not only was Gurley the best rookie this season, he may have been the best running back in football for a stretch. The 21-year-old showed a rare explosiveness and an ability to make plays behind an inconsistent offensive line, two traits that will secure his spot among the game's elite moving forward. - Justin Boone

Jameis Winston, QB, Buccaneers
4,042 passing yards, 22 TDs, 15 INTs
54 carries, 213 rushing yards, 6 TDs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense took a significant step in the right direction this year, due in large part to Winston's instant impact. Finishing his debut season with over 4,000 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, as well as another six scores on the ground, the No. 1 overall pick should be the runaway winner for Offensive Rookie of the Year. Tampa Bay finally has a franchise-caliber quarterback, and it would be no surprise to see the club emerge as a perennial contender as a result. - Dan Wilkins

Winston lived up to every bit of hype surrounding his rookie season after he was selected first overall in 2015. In the latter half of the season, Winston threw for 12 touchdowns against eight interceptions, while developing a strong rapport with Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson. Although he wasn't known for his rushing ability, Winston also punched in six rushing touchdowns, punctuating a strong running game led by All-Pro running back Doug Martin. The new face of the Buccaneers franchise, Winston ought to add Offensive Rookie of the Year to his extensive trophy case. - Arun Srinivasan

Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders
72 receptions, 1,070 yards, 6 TDs

The Alabama product managed a restrained 1,070 yards and six touchdowns over the season. Cooper developed an immediate rapport with Derek Carr, which is half the battle for a rookie pass-catcher. No other rookie dominated defenses as thoroughly as Cooper in 2015, a scary prospect for AFC defenses going forward. - Joe Thomson

Tyler Lockett, WR, Seahawks
68 receptions, 664 yards, 6 TDs
1,231 total return yards, 2 return TDs

In a year with several strong candidates, but no standout star, the award should go to the guy who produced all over the field, all season long. Wide receiver Lockett was the only rookie to be named first-team All Pro, recognized for his outstanding work on special teams. He showed off his electrifying speed with two returns for touchdowns, and was no slouch on offense either, catching 68 balls for 664 yards and six touchdowns. In a battle with a group of first-round picks for OROY, the third-round pick deserves the award. - Jack Browne

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