The NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year Award causes discussions to be had among fans and analysts alike throughout the offseason. Some people pick rookie players that were drafted high and have the easiest path to winning the award. Not many people expected Justin Herbert to emerge as the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 as he put together a historic campaign last season following a medical mishap to Tyrod Taylor. If there is one quarterback I’ll take a flier on to win the award this season, it is Trey Lance of the San Francisco 49ers.
You need everything to work in your favor to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in the NFL. The incoming talent always seems to get better each season, so being able to separate yourself from the other rookies is easier said than done.
Despite the likes of Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, Zach Wilson, Najee Harris, and Mac Jones, here is why I believe Lance will win the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2021.
What Makes 49ers’ Trey Lance An Obvious Choice To Win?
Situation, situation, and situation. Yes, Lance is going to begin his rookie season as the backup to Jimmy Garoppolo. The 49ers have millions of reasons — strictly money-related — why they should start Garoppolo to begin the 2021 campaign. Kyle Shanahan is confident that the veteran signal-caller can have success in San Francisco’s offense as long as he remains healthy.
All that being said, Shanahan should know that the ceiling of his offense could take off to new heights once Lance replaces Garoppolo. The possibilities with Lance under center are endless with the 49ers having one of the most potent rushing attacks in the NFL. Seeing that Shanahan is a smart man, I don’t believe it will be long before Lance becomes the starter in San Francisco. We got a glimpse of the exciting plays we could see once Lance is inserted into the starting offense.
Even before he starts, Lance is likely going to be used in some fashion, allowing him to at least produce stats until he is named the starter. But once he’s named the starter, there’s no telling what his numbers could be, especially with his ability to contribute on the ground.
While Lawrence, Fields, Wilson, and Jones are expected to all start games this season, Trey Lance is in the best position to succeed, making him my favorite choice to win Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021.
