Ranking KC Chiefs best bets to win Offensive Rookie of the Year

The Kansas City Chiefs have never had a player win AP’s Offensive Rookie of the Year. Who could make franchise history in 2022?

The Kansas City Chiefs and Offensive Rookie of the Year do not belong in the same sentence, but here we are. The franchise has never had a player win the award, despite drafting some electric offensive talents. Frankly, the modern Chiefs have not relied on first-year skill-position players to contribute to the team.

Sure, wide receiver Tyreek Hill posted respectable numbers, but not enough to lead his draft class peers statistically. If fans count 2018 as quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ rookie year, then he clearly should have won the award. But alas, he only started one game during his true rookie campaign, the 2017 season. Running back Kareem Hunt did not win the award, despite leading the league in rushing yards. That was only the sixth time a rookie won the NFL’s rushing title, but not enough to surpass fellow rookie Alvin Kamara to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.

The 2021 Chiefs relied heavily on rookies, but not at skill positions. Center Creed Humphery and right guard Trey Smith both started every game in their rookie campaigns, an impressive feat. Humphrey was one of the league’s best centers, but skill-position players always have an advantage when it comes to awards, like MVP and Offensive Player of the Year. A lineman has never won Offensive Player of the Year, despite some historic performances.

The Chiefs have one plausible option for Offensive Rookie of the Year, and two very long shots. Who are these players and what is each’s case?

Wide receiver Skyy Moore: +1000

From a small-school prospect to an NFL championship contender, wide receiver Skyy Moore is Kansas City’s best chance at their first Offensive Rookie of the Year. The 54th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, Moore has tantalizing possibilities in the high-octane Chiefs offense.

Moore’s biggest hurdle will be amassing consistent looks in a crowded Chiefs receiving room. At best, Moore begins the season as Kansas City’s fourth-best receiving option. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Mar Chase had to record 128 targets in his 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, a mark Moore will likely not reach. Moore has undeniable talent but lacks the WR1-ability like Chase and other former winners.

Moore can still carve out a specialty role and will need to if he wants a shot during awards season. He is a trendy sleeper pick, for both fantasy and real-world success. There is no clear path for Moore, but he has defied odds continually during his football career.

Running back Isiah Pacheco: +11000

Albeit a long shot, a historic campaign from running back Isiah Pacheco would be extremely fun for fans. The speedy seventh-round selection does not bring every-down back production to Kansas City, but the Chiefs have certainly utilized speed well before.

Pacheco’s highlights from Rutgers are something one expects from a Madden-created player. But, he entered the league as a speed back, nothing more. While he can develop into more, he remains at the bottom of Kansas City’s depth chart. He may be a surprising player left off Kansas City’s initial 53-man roster, there are so many veterans already signed.

If he does see regular-season action, Pacheco could be the Chief’s return man and occasional offensive weapon. For comparison, he could see a Hill-esque role with a reduced workload. Pacheco having any success would be a win for Kansas City though. Winning Offensive Rookie of the Year would be another historic milestone in Kansas City.

Running back/wide receiver Jerrion Ealy: +12500

Surprisingly enough, wide receiver Justyn Ross was missing from Vegas’ odds. In his place was a fellow undrafted rookie offensive weapon, Jerrion Ealy. If Pacheco had a long shot, add another mile onto Ealy’s shot.

The Ole Miss product has solid college tape, but his lack of straight-away speed or impressive size saw him go undrafted. The Cheifs picked him up and immediately started working him as a wide receiver as well. That versatility could serve Ealy well, but he has to make the roster first.

Ealy is no sure thing to make the roster, much less have any offensive impact in 2022. It is worth noting that some bettors think differently though. If Ealy proves fans wrong, that is a win for Kansas City.