PFD 2021 NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookies of the Year

2021 NFL rookie of the year

The 2021 NFL season still has one week remaining, but the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Awards here at Pro Football Draft are already locked up. They’re pretty obvious choices, too.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ja’Marr Chase, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Despite opting out of the 2020 college football season, Chase was the fifth overall pick of the 2021 NFL draft and was reunited with his former college quarterback, Joe Burrow, with the Bengals. It was a pick that drew some scrutiny at the time because of Cincinnati’s need for offensive line help, but boy has Chase paid off in a big way.

Entering Week 18, Chase has recorded 79 catches for 1,429 yards and 13 touchdowns and is fresh off of a rookie record 266 receiving yards in Week 17. He should break Justin Jefferson’s record for receiving yards in a rookie season, too.

Chase has instantly become one of the NFL’s most dangerous playmakers and at just 21 years old, he’s only going to get better.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Micah Parsons, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Parsons was one of my favorite players in the 2021 NFL Draft, ranking fourth overall and the top defensive prospect in the class. Here’s my summary of his outlook from his scouting report:

“Parsons is one of the most exciting players in the 2021 NFL draft who profiles as a defensive cornerstone. He’s a scheme-diverse prospect and a plug-and-play starter who has the ability to become one of the top inside linebackers in the NFL early in his career. He might just be the most impressive non-quarterback in the class. If his background checks out, he’s going to be a star.”

It’s safe to say Parsons has, in fact, become a star. He’s Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded linebacker this season; his pass-rush grade of 93.0 is nearly 13 points higher than the next closest player at his position. He’s totaled 84 tackles and 13 sacks through 16 games and is sparking memories of the great Lawrence Taylor whenever he’s on the field.

Sure, it’s only one season. But Parsons looks every bit like a future Hall of Famer. He’s special.

Bryan Perez

Bryan is the founder of Pro Football Draft. His work has been featured on The Draft Network, NBC Sports and USA Today. Former CFL scout.

Follow him on Twitter: @BryanPerezNFL