2022 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year odds: 49ers quarterback and Mr. Irrelevant Brock Purdy now in the mix at sportsbooks

Most players selected in the seventh round of the NFL Draft don't make a team's roster in their first training camp. A Mr. Irrelevant, the very last player picked, is even less likely to do so. Thus, oddsmakers didn't even have one-time San Francisco 49ers third-string quarterback Brock Purdy, the last pick in the 2022 draft, on their minds when they drew up odds for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, after leading the Niners to three straight wins, Purdy is now a +1100 fifth favorite for the award at Caesars Sportsbook.

Of course, Purdy only got his chance to play in Week 13 against Miami when Jimmy Garoppolo went down early with a season-ending injury. Purdy, who had a terrific career at Iowa State, completed 25 of 37 passes for 210 yards, two touchdowns and a pick in the 33-17 win. He got his first start in Week 14 against the Buccaneers and became the first-ever QB making his first start to beat Tom Brady as the 49ers trashed Tampa Bay 35-7. Purdy was 16-for-21 for 185 yards and two scores.

Caesars oddsmakers didn't post Purdy on the ORORY odds until before Thursday night's 49ers game in Seattle, listing him at +1800. San Francisco prevailed 21-13 to become the first time in the league to clinch a division title, and Purdy was 17-for-26 for 217 yards and two TDs. A bettor in New Jersey placed $1,500 on Brock Purdy to win OROY (+1800) after the 49ers' win, but as noted now those odds are down to +1100.

Purdy has completed 70% of his attempts with four TDs and zero picks in his first two starts, just the third signal-caller since 1950 to hit those marks in his first two. The others were Garoppolo in 2016 with New England and Aaron Rodgers in 2008 with Green Bay.

On just 93 attempts, Purdy has six TD passes, most among all rookie QBs. The lone QB taken in the first round of the 2022 draft was Kenny Pickett by the Steelers, and Pickett has four TD passes in 294 attempts. He's +8000 to win OROY and not expected to play Sunday at Carolina due to a concussion.

No 49ers player has won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, which frankly surprised me when I looked that up. Jets receiver Garrett Wilson remains the +125 favorite, followed by Packers receiver Christian Watson (+300), Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III (+450) and Saints receiver Chris Olave (+500) ahead of Purdy.

The Niners are next in action on Christmas Eve at home vs. Washington. 

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