Which first-round picks have the best chance of being named 2012 Rookie of the Year?

It's human nature in sports to focus on topics like "Which team will suck the most this season?" and "Which current athlete is the biggest jerk?", so let's take a second, reverse course and think about the players who have the best chance of being named Rookie of the Year on offense and defense this season. Newly-minted rookies Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are sure to be favorites on the offensive side of the football, and there are literally a plethora of defensive players who could take the honor this season (smart money will be on Luke Kuechly, but Fletcher Cox, Morris Claiborne and Melvin Ingram are all strong candidates).

Now, it's hard to sleep on the big-name rookie QBs, but my gut is telling me that Browns running back Trent Richardson will be the Offensive Rookie of the Year this season. The former Alabama bulldozer will be the total package in Cleveland's backfield, and his presence should even give fellow rookie Brandon Weeden some much-needed breathing room under center (he's going to need it with that Browns receiving corps). Honorable mentions for offensive Rookie of the Year, in my opinion, will be Griffin and Cardinals receiver Michael Floyd.

On defense, I have a hard time imaging any rookie having a bigger impact than Kuechly, who is a lock to jump into the Panthers' linebacker corps and immediately make noise. He's that good. Therefore, he's my pick for Defensive Rookie of the Year this season. Cox is a tempting pick, however, as he'll have a premium opportunity to crack skulls on the Eagles' defensive line.

Let me know your picks for ROY on offense and defense in the comment section below.