When it comes to finding immediate impact players in the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints struck gold in 2017. According to oddsmakers at SportsBetting.ag, Saints rookies Alvin Kamara and Marshon Lattimore are runaway favorites to take home the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year awards.
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While the Saints playoff run ended in spectacular (or disastrous, depending on your fandom) fashion, New Orleans has plenty of bright, young talent to look forward to returning next season.
That starts with the 67th pick in the 2017 draft — arguably the biggest gem of the entire draft — Alvin Kamara. The third-rounder played 16 games this year, rushing for 728 yards and 8 touchdowns on 120 carries (6.1 yards per attempt) and catching 81 passes for 826 yards and 5 touchdowns (10.2 yards per reception). He also returned 11 kicks for 347 yards (31.5 yards per return) including a 106-yard touchdown.
He's a Pro Bowler, and the odds-on favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. He's currently -650 to win the award according to SportsBetting.ag, with his competition — the field — plus-450.
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On the defensive side, the Saints also have the runaway favorite in 11th overall pick Marshon Lattimore. The cornerback, also a Pro Bowler, is -2500 to win Defensive Rookie of the Year, with his opposition — the field — plus-1200, per SportsBetting.ag's odds.
Lattimore started 13 games for New Orleans and totaled 43 tackles with 5 interceptions (1 touchdown), 18 passes defended and a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
The duo are two of the brightest young stars in the league, and living proof that the Saints put together one of the best draft classes across the league in the 2017 NFL Draft.
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