New dark horse emerges in NFL Rookie of the Year discussions

There's a long way to go before we get to a point where we're having legitimate discussions on who will be the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. After all, it is still August, and we're still a few weeks away from the first snap of the regular season.

But with a little bit of preseason action wrapped up, there is no doubt that a couple of players have emerged in the rookie class as breakout stars who might not have been previously pegged as candidates in preliminary conversations on the matter. And it appears one player to keep an eye on will be San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling.

Before the preseason got underway, Stribling was reportedly 14th when it came to Vegas oddsmakers' assessment of who was likeliest to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. Now, after an impressive debut in the franchise's preseason opener, he has jumped up to the fifth-best odds.

De'Zhaun Stribling has the 5th best odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year 📈

Just a few weeks ago, Strib had the 14th best odds pic.twitter.com/tqh4QpCxJ2

Stribling put on an incredible performance in his NFL debut, hauling in seven receptions for 63 yards on eight targets. He made several highlight-reel receptions in the effort, including one mid-air reception with an opponent draped over him to defend the pass, and another 30-yard over-the-shoulder grab to advance the chains on third down. And there is still plenty of football left to be played for Stribling to prove he's worthy of being in the discussion.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: New dark horse emerges in NFL Rookie of the Year discussions