In the opinion of Fan Duel oddsmakers, Miami Dolphins rookies Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips are among the top contenders to win their respective Rookie of the Year awards.
Of the two players, Phillips is being given the better shot at winning the rookie award on the defensive side of the ball. Whether that takes place as an edge rusher or as a linebacker hasn’t been officially nailed down, but Phillips is looking to make an impact the 18th overall pick in this year’ draft.
Waddle’s explosive speed and his past connection to Tua Tagovailoa at the University of Alabama could make for an exciting season that gets the attention of voters.
In each case, there may be situations that work against both Waddle and Phillips, with the depth of talent among new offensive players making it more difficult for Waddle.
In the case of Phillips, his past injury history is something that caused concern among other teams, with the Dolphins keeping their fingers crossed in that area.
One other item that may affect Waddle is the fact that few receivers have won the rookie award on the offensive side. The last to do it was Odell Beckham Jr. when he played for the New York Giants in 2014.
Of course, the players and the Dolphins will likely take a Dolphins playoff berth over winning an individual award during another average season for the team.
Both Waddle and Phillips should start getting their chance to make their case when the Dolphins open up on Sept. 12 against the New England Patriots.
