Oddsmakers released a rundown of odds for NFL Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year recently and our man Aldon Smith was the only 49ers draft pick to make an appearance. I've posted the full odds after the jump, but Smith comes in at 12/1 to win the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Better awards go to favorite Von Miller (11/2), Patrick Peterson (6/1), Marcell Dareus (15/2), Nick Fairley (15/2), and Rahim Moore (10/1). Jimmy Smith is also sitting at 12/1.
It's hard to tell where exactly Aldon Smith will end up in the 49ers outside lineback rotation. He's done a lot of good work in the preseason, but even still he might start in a basic pass rush role before adding more time in a more every-down outside linebacker role. At the same time, a strong performance tonight against the Texans could get him that much closer to the starting lineup. That might be enough to squeeze out a Rookie of the Year type of performance.
Among the 49ers offensive rookies, I'd argue Kendall Hunter has the "best" shot at winning the award. He's a long-shot, but if I had to pick one offensive player, it would probably be Hunter. He still is sitting as the third string running back and I do remain an Anthony Dixon fan. It would likely require Hunter leap-frogging Dixon and then Gore either getting hurt or getting traded, but crazier things have happened. I don't think Hunter will get enough carries to win offensive rookie of the year, but who know what will happen this year.
Odds to win the 2011 NFL AP Defensive Rookie of the Year
Von Miller 11/2
Patrick Peterson 6/1
Marcel Dareus 15/2
Nick Fairley 15/2
Rahim Moore 10/1
Aldon Smith 12/1
Jimmy Smith 12/1
Bruce Carter 15/1
Adrian Clayborn 16/1
Cameron Jordan 16/1
JJ Watt 16/1
Robert Quinn 16/1
Ryan Kerrigan 16/1
Cameron Heyward 18/1
Casey Matthews 18/1
Da'Quan Bowers 18/1
Aaron Williams 20/1
Corey Liuget 20/1
Muhammad Wilkerson 20/1
Jabaal Sheard 25/1
Phil Taylor 25/1
Odds to win the 2011 NFL AP Offensive Rookie of the Year
Julio Jones 5/1
Cam Newton 11/2
Mark Ingram 11/2
A.J. Green 7/1
Daniel Thomas 8/1
Andy Dalton 15/1
Christian Ponder 15/1
Jake Locker 15/1
Shane Vereen 16/1
Stevan Ridley 16/1
Titus Young 16/1
Torrey Smith 18/1
Jonathan Baldwin 20/1
Randall Cobb 20/1
Blaine Gabbert 22/1
Kyle Rudolph 25/1
Leonard Hankerson 25/1