Everything You Need to Know about Rookie of the Year Award

Published 10:36 am Monday, November 27, 2023

Football
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Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon scooped the Midseason Defensive Rookie of the Year award in November after a stellar start to life in the NFL.

The youngster was picked out by ESPN for recognition following a series of impressive displays which saw him become only the fourth Seahawks defender to win the accolade in franchise history.

This article will delve deeper into the NFL’s rookie award, how followers of the game can get involved and also assess Witherspoon’s talents which saw him catch the eye.

What is a Rookie?

In terms of America’s National Football League, a rookie is any player in their first-ever season. This means they have not signed for an NFL side previously and are experiencing their maiden campaign on the big stage.

This means many rookies are young, often in their early twenties and on occasion even just 19 years old. There is no NFL mandate though it is considered players must be out of high school for three years before they can enter the NFL draft. Therefore, it is often the case that rookies have excelled at the college football level before making the step up.

How to Back the Rookie of the Year

NFL followers can back players to win the Rookie of the Year award via sportsbooks and online gambling platforms. By visiting gamblingsites.com, bettors can compare and assess different operators before checking out the various odds on the favorites at virtually any point of the season.

Platforms like gamblingsites.com may offer different opportunities based on a number of factors including form, team results and performance. For that reason, it is imperative you conduct thorough research in order to make a sound and informed decision when placing a wager on the rookie of the year.

Research is key when it comes to building your knowledge of rookies. New to the scene, it’s important to watch their displays so that you can make smart choices when it comes to picking your star man come the season’s end.

Following his November triumph, Witherspoon will be a major part of the conversation. However, the Seahawks cornerback will face serious competition for the remainder of the campaign.

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has impressed at the start of the NFL season, Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson is recording positive performances while Tuli Tuipulotu, linebacker for the Los Angeles Chargers, has also shined since joining.

It will be interesting to see how these young stars continue to play after an excellent start to life in the NFL.

Can Devon Witherspoon Kick on?

Witherspoon was number five overall as Seattle made a total of ten selections during April’s draft which made him the most selected Illinois Fighting Illini player since 1996. Not bad for someone who recently played college football.

The cornerback’s potential is huge and his stats show a player who has settled in well to the demands of NFL action. In seven games, Witherspoon has made 39 combined tackles, nine passes defensed, an interception returned for a score and two sacks.

A versatile player for the Seattle Seahawks, Witherspoon’s play shows a maturity that belies his years and bodes well for the future. Starting outside, he moved into the slot, which is a switch not many rookies make so early in their career and so it shows the belief his coaches have in him.

He has been an ever-present in the line-up since missing the opener against the Los Angeles Rams through injury. With more game time will come even greater consistency and Witherspoon is expected to be a key player for the remainder of the NFL season and beyond.

Summing Up

Witherspoon is a standout talent and is deserving of his midseason award. Many fans are likely to back him to scoop the main prize at the end of the campaign. Should he land the gong, it will be a massive return for the Seattle Seahawks who look to have landed a real gem.

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