After looking at the odds to win next season ROY Award, it is obvious that the odds makers at Sportsbook.com feel that more likely than not a running back will be named ROY again. Running backs dominate this award because it is generally believed that this is the easiest position for a first year player to step in and contribute immediately. Quarterbacks and receivers, on the other hand, more often than not need at least a couple years to learn the very complex NFL passing schemes. That being said, there is plenty of good value across the board in this year’s rookie crop at each of the three skilled positions.

Darren McFadden, RB, Oakland (3-1)

Although the Raiders already have an able runner in Justin Fargas, McFadden is just too talented for Oakland to pass up in the Draft. With his 6’2” 215 pound frame to go along with 4.4 speed, the former Razorback is expected to get plenty of carries from day 1.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Steelers (8-1)

Considering most experts had Mendenhall going in the top 15, the Illinois RB was an absolute steal for Pittsburgh at #23. Starter Willie Parker is coming off an injury and had just 2 touchdowns last season after scoring 16 times in 2006 so there is definitely room for the powerful Mendenhall to make an impact with the run happy Steelers.

Devin Thomas, WR, Redskins (20-1)

Thomas was considered the top WR prospect in the Draft and very few could have predicted him slipping out of the 1st Round. The Skins’ starting receivers last season combined for just 1600 yards and only 4 touchdowns so Thomas could become a target early on.

DeSean Jackson, WR/KR, Eagles (20-1)

After Donovan McNabb’s pleads to get a playmaker earlier in the offseason, Eagles management tried and failed to snag numerous stud receivers via free agency and trades. They were pleased that Jackson, also considered a 1st Round talent, fell to them in the 2nd Round. Jackson is a bit on the small side but adds big play ability on the outside. His biggest contributions will as a return man; an aspect of the game which the Eagles were porous last season.

Matt Ryan, QB, Falcons (10-1)

With Ryan’s selection, the Falcons officially closed the door on the Michael Vick era. Joey Harrington and Brian Leftwich weren’t the answer last year so Atlanta was eager to grab the top QB on the board. Most quarterbacks struggle their rookie year and sometimes never see the field, but don’t be shocked if Ryan is given the opportunity to play early on.

Sportsbook.com’s odds to win the 2008 AP Offensive Rookie of the Year:

Darren McFadden 3-1
Jonathan Stewart 6-1
Felix Jones 8-1
Rashard Mendenhall 8-1
Kevin Smith 8-1
Matt Ryan 10-1
Matt Forte 10-1
Devin Thomas 20-1
Joe Flacco 20-1
DeSean Jackson 20-1
James Hardy 20-1
Chad Henne 25-1
Limas Sweed 25-1
Ray Rice 25-1
Jamaal Charles 25-1
Donnie Avery 30-1
Field 7-2