Final 2023 NFL Rookie of the Year Watch
With this season, the NFL Rookie of the Year award seems to have some debate with it when it comes to the offensive side and what seems to be an undisputed winner on the defensive side.
Throughout the season there were many offensive players who played themselves into the conversation, but then either got hurt or played themselves out of the conversation later on. There are about six players on the offensive side that could be considered with the award. On the defensive side, there are about three in consideration, but if everyone’s being honest here it’s Sauce Gardner’s award.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson, WR, New York Jets
Just take a look at this statline before considering anything else, 83 catches, 1,103 yards and four touchdowns.
Those stats are coming from passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco, Mike White and Chris Streveler which makes those numbers that much more spectacular. Wilson commanded that receiver room as a rookie and was the only consistent piece of a decimated and underperforming offense.
The four time Rookie of the Week, led offensive rookies in those awards.
Honorable Mention: Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks running back took the lead of the backfield after an injury for Rashaad Penny and never looked back.
Walker III totaled 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games this season. He met his expectations being one of the top running backs in that rookie class.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, CB, New York Jets
The number four overall pick panned out to be the best rookie of this entire class absolutely locking every wide receiver he faced down. Sauce had two interceptions and 20 passes defended on the season.
Gardner exceeded every expectation and elevated the Jets defense to be one of the best in the NFL. After not allowing a single touchdown in all of college, it is debatable that Sauce even allowed one this season with there being unreliable stats behind it.
Many even believed that Gardner was the number one corner in all of football season if not he is likely solidified in the top three. Gardner was also voted to his first Pro Bowl as well as being voted into the AP first team as an All-Pro.
Honorable Mention: Tariq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks
Only one stat is needed here, six interceptions, which tied for the lead in the NFL. The former fifth round pick was a pleasant surprise for the Seahawks defense who relies on having a lockdown corner.
Woolen was a major component in the surprising ascension of the Seahawks as a whole, considering most fans believed they would be in the Bryce Young sweepstakes rather than the playoffs where they actually ended up.
Joey David is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, please email jtd5508@psu.edu.
