With training camp approaching, only four players have better odds to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year than Green Bay Packers receiver Christian Watson.
According to Tipico Sportsbook, Watson – the 34th overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft – is +900 to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, giving him the fifth-best odds to win the award. He trails only Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (+500), Atlanta Falcons receiver Drake London (+700), Tennessee Titans receiver Treylon Burks (+70) and New York Jets running back Breece Hall (+750).
Watson is the Packers’ highest draft pick at wide receiver since 2002, and he’s entering a promising situation in which he could be an instant contributor for a dynamic offense led by four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.
If everything clicks, Watson could be a big-play creator as both a vertical threat and on manufactured touches during his rookie season in Green Bay. The Packers must replace Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s deep speed within the offense, and Watson is the best combination of size and speed on the roster. At North Dakota State, Watson got the football in a variety of ways, including on jet sweeps, end-arounds, designed handoffs from the backfield, screens and kickoff returns. Coach Matt LaFleur should find creative ways of getting him the ball, even if Watson’s route running and mastery of the offense needs work early in his career.
Brandon Carwile of Packers Wire recently highlighted how Watson could make an instant impact during his first season.
A wide receiver has only won the award twice since 2010, but Cincinnati Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase did win it just last year. The award is generally dominated by quarterbacks and running backs. However, a relatively weak rookie class at quarterback and running back could make it easier for a pass-catcher like Watson to capture the award in 2022.
Chase caught 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns during a sublime rookie season in 2021. Odell Beckham Jr., the winner in 2012, caught 91 passes for 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Can Watson put up big enough numbers during his rookie season to have a chance in 2022?
