Mel Kiper Names Surprise Favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
ESPN's Mel Kiper named Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price as his surprise pick for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year despite expected backfield carries being split. Price, coming off a strong college career, impressed Kiper with his yards per carry, big-play ability, and receiving potential. Other top rookies like Jeremiyah Love, Carnell Tate, and Kenyon Sadiq are also in contention, with many expected to see significant playing time and targets.
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By Michael GallagherSports Content CoordinatorShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.The 2026 NFL Rookie of the Year race should shape up to be quite an interesting one.There were several players picked near the top of the draft who could factor into who wins the award — Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Carnell Tate, New Orleans Saints receiver Jordyn Tyson, New York Jets tight end Kenyon Sadiq, Philadelphia Eagles WR Makai Lemon, Cleveland Browns WR KC Concepcion.But ESPN’s Mel Kiper picked a bit of a dark-horse candidate Wednesday during “NFL Draft Daily” when he said Seattle Seahawks running back Jadarian Price was…
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