Packers: Christian Watson not a finalist for Offensive Rookie of the Year

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson had a dominant second half to his rookie season.

In the final eight games, Watson made 31 receptions for 523 yards and seven touchdowns, and also rushed for another touchdown.

Watson was in and out of the lineup due to injury earlier in the season but, once healthy, he showed what he can do.

Despite his excellent first year for the Packers, Watson isn’t a finalist for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

The NFL has announced the three finalists for the award this year: San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III, and New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

While all three deserve to be finalists, Watson can feel a little unlucky he isn’t included.

Purdy has thrown for 1,374 yards, 13 touchdowns, and four interceptions, but he has only made five starts for the 49ers.

The other two absolutely deserve to be finalists.

Walker was outstanding for the Seahawks this season, rushing 228 times for 1,050 yards and nine touchdowns. He averaged 4.6 yards per attempt.

Wilson also had an excellent year for the Jets, catching 83 passes for 1,103 yards and four touchdowns. He put up great numbers despite all of the uncertainty at quarterback for the Jets.

Imagine how well he could do if the Jets’ quarterback were, let’s say, Aaron Rodgers next season.

While Watson likely wouldn’t have won the award over Walker or Wilson, he can feel a little unlucky he isn’t a finalist. He was the Packers’ top wide receiver in the second half of the season, and he was putting up some of the best numbers in the league during that time.

Big things are ahead for the wide receiver the Packers traded up to get early in the second round of last year’s NFL Draft.