Three members from LSU’s record setting offense in 2023 are up for AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
They are Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers and Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr.
The other finalists are Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers and Denver quarterback Bo Nix.
It would be an upset if Daniels did not win this award as he’s resurrected the Commanders franchise and has led to Washington to its first conference championship game since 1991.
The winner is judged on what they did in the regular season, however Daniels’ performance during the 17-game regular season warrants him winning this award.
Daniels completed 69% of his passes for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions in the regular season. Daniels also rushed for 891 yards and six touchdowns. That’s the most rushing yards by a rookie in NFL history.
Daniels’ former teammates also put up big rookie seasons. Despite poor quarterback play in New York, Nabers caught 109 passes for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. Nabers 109 receptions are the most for a rookie, surpassing the 107 grabs Steve Smith had when he was a rookie for the Carolina Panthers in 2009.
Because not many people pay attention to the Jaguars, Thomas’ rookie season got overlooked. Thomas caught 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. The 23rd overall pick in the NFL draft is the first rookie in Jaguars history to have more than 1,000 receiving yards.
Former LSU quarterback Joe Burrow is also up for several postseason awards. Burrow, who threw for nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns, is up for AP Most Valuable Player, AP Comeback Player of the Year and AP Offensive Player of the Year.
Former Rummel star Ja’Marr Chase is also a finalist for AP Offensive Player of the Year.
The winners will be announced on February 8th at the Saenger Theater in New Orleans during the televised NFL Honors show.
