The True Contenders For NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Who will be the 53rd NFL Defensive Player of The Year? The most effective way for a player to win the award is by finishing in the top three in sacks. Four of the last seven winners achieved this, dating back to 2016 when Khalil Mack won the award. This article will provide information on each candidate and explain why they could win the award.
NFL Defensive Player of the Year Contenders
Micah Parsons (+600) Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons is the clear favorite to win, and for good reason. Since Parsons joined the league in 2021, he has been nothing short of dominant, finishing in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting. In the 2023 season, Parsons set a career-high in sacks (14) and led the league in quarterback pressures (102) and quarterback pressure rate (22.4%), all while facing the highest percentage of double teams. If Parsons can replicate these numbers, he is likely to take home his first NFL Defensive Player of the Year Trophy.
Myles Garrett (+700) Cleveland Browns
The most recent award winner was Myles Garrett, who faced the second most double teams and still managed to achieve a 14-sack season, along with four forced fumbles. If the Browns' defense can replicate its 2023 season where it led the league in yards allowed, Garrett has a strong chance to repeat for the first time since 2018 when Aaron Donald achieved this feat.
T.J. Watt (+800) Pittsburgh Steelers
The winner of the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year award is one of the league's top pass rushers. He had an impressive 19-sack season and received the second most first-place votes. If he can stay healthy, he will be a strong contender to win his second Defensive Player of the Year Trophy.
Nick Bosa (+900) San Francisco 49ers
Nick Bosa is being underrated. Despite a disappointing 2023 season by his standards, where he recorded "only" 10.5 sacks, that doesn't tell the whole story. Bosa missed 44 days of last off-season due to contract negotiations but became the league's highest-paid defensive player four days before the regular season. This won't be the case this off-season, as Bosa will be ready for all practices and should come out firing on all cylinders. We are only two seasons removed from Bosa's 2022 campaign, where he amassed 18.5 sacks and received 46 of the 50 first-place votes.
Will Anderson Jr (+2500) Houston Texans
Will Anderson Jr. burst onto the scene, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. He led all rookies in quarterback hits (22) and pressures (64). He also finished third in pass rush win rate, along with facing the fifth most double teams. Now, with Danielle Hunter as a running mate across from him, his life will be made easier. Anderson Jr. could be poised to make history in his sophomore season.
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