2017 NFL Year-End Awards

MVP: Tom Brady, quarterback (Patriots)
A late-season injury to Carson Wentz and Russell Wilson's inability to lead the Seahawks to a playoff berth makes TB12 MVP by default. It wasn't even close to an exceptional season by Brady's lofty standards (especially down the stretch), but overcoming some mild adversity to secure another effortless-looking 13 win season, leading the league in passing yards for the first time since 2007 and a handful of early-season gems is enough to give Brady the edge over his closest competitors (Gurley, Brown, Roethlisberger) in this laughably thin field .
Honorable Mentions: Todd Gurley, running back (Rams), Carson Wentz, quarterback (Eagles), Russell Wilson, quarterback (Seahawks)

Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)
Todd Gurley made the crushing disappointment of his 2016 season feel like a distant nightmare with a 2017 campaign that reminded everyone in the league what a destructive force he can be when he has the ball in his hands. The implementation of Sean McVay's dynamic scheme, a greatly improved offensive line that could actually open up rushing lanes for him and his tremendous improvement as a pass-catcher helped the 3rd-year back become the top option (2,093 yards from scrimmage and 19 total TD's) in the Rams suddenly potent offense.

Honorable Mentions: Antonio Brown, wide receiver (Steelers), Le'Veon Bell, running back (Steelers), DeAndre Hopkins, wide receiver (Texans)

Defensive Player of the Year: Calias Campbell, defensive end (Jaguars)
Jacksonville's dramatic improvement as a defense wouldn't have been possible without the contributions of Calias Campbell. The veteran defensive end proved to be worth every cent of the 4 year/$60 mil contract he signed in free agency last March by giving this young defense the hard-nosed identity, edge-rushing prowess and sense of fearlessness it lacked over the past few seasons. It also helped that the 31-year old displayed the consistent level of dominance he became known for during his 9 seasons with the Cardinals by picking up 67 tackles, 3 forced fumbles and a career-high 14.5 sacks in his inaugural season with the Jags.  

Honorable Mentions: Chandler Jones, outside linebacker (Cardinals), Harrison Smith, safety (Vikings), Casey Hayward, cornerback (Chargers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Alvin Kamara, running back (Saints)
During the 1st half of the season, Kareem Hunt seemed like a lock to receive this honor. But Hunt's production tailed off significantly from Weeks 8-13, which opened the door for Alvin Kamara to steal the spotlight from the Chiefs bellcow back as well as the nearly half-dozen other rookie running backs from this spectacular draft class that turned heads with their playmaking ability all season long. Kamara's elusiveness, agility and polished dual-threat capabilities allowed him to pick up a ridiculous 1,554 yards from scrimmage and 13 total TD's on only 201 touches.  

Honorable Mentions: Leonard Fournette, running back (Jaguars), Kareem Hunt, running back (Chiefs), JuJu Smith-Schuster, wide receiver (Steelers)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Marshon Lattimore, cornerback (Saints)
Friendly reminder: Marshon Lattimore slipped to the #11 pick in last year's draft. With 52 tackles, 18 passes defensed, 5 INT and an allowed passer rating of 45.3 during his injury-shortened rookie campaign (13 games), Lattimore has already managed to cement himself as a legit top corner.

Honorable Mentions: Tre'Davious White, cornerback (Bills), Myles Garrett, defensive end (Browns), Marcus Williams, safety (Saints)

Coach of the Year: Sean McVay (Rams)
2017 was a phenomenal year for upstart coaches as 5 of the league's 12 playoff teams were led by coaches in their 1st or 2nd season on the job. Of all these terrific, unexpected turnaround stories, Sean McVay's work with the Rams impressed me the most. The youngest coach in NFL history to-date revitalized this long-suffering franchise in his 1st year on the job by installing an uptempo, unpredictable style of offense that helped Jared Goff turn into the promising young QB the front office thought they were getting when they traded up to select him with the #1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft and establishing a sense of accountability and togetherness in the locker room that was noticeably absent from this group when Jeff Fisher was running the show.

Honorable Mentions: Doug Marrone (Jaguars), Doug Pederson (Eagles), Sean McDermott (Bills)

All-Pro Teams

Quarterback

1st team: Tom Brady (Patriots)

2nd team: Carson Wentz (Eagles)

Running Back

1st team: Todd Gurley (Rams)

2nd team: Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)

Wide Receiver

1st team: Antonio Brown (Steelers), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)

2nd team: Julio Jones (Falcons), Keenan Allen (Chargers)

Tight End

1st team: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)

2nd team: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)

Tackle

1st team: Andrew Whitworth (Rams), David Bakhtiari (Packers)

2nd team: Joe Staley (49ers), Daryl Williams (Panthers)

Center

1st team: Jason Kelce (Eagles)

2nd team: Alex Mack (Falcons)

Guard

1st team: David DeCastro (Steelers), Andrew Norwell (Panthers)

2nd team: Zack Martin (Cowboys), Brandon Brooks (Eagles)

Defensive End

1st team: Calias Campbell (Jaguars), Cameron Jordan (Saints) 

2nd team: DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys), Everson Griffen (Vikings)

Defensive Tackle
1st team: Aaron Donald (Rams), Geno Atkins (Bengals)
2nd team: Fletcher Cox (Eagles), Kawann Short (Panthers)

Outside Linebacker
1st team: Chandler Jones (Cardinals), Von Miller (Broncos)
2nd team: Telvin Smith (Jaguars), Lavonte David (Buccaneers)

Inside Linebacker
1st team: Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), Luke Kuechly (Panthers)
2nd team: Deion Jones (Falcons), C.J. Mosley (Ravens)

Cornerback
1st team: Casey Hayward (Chargers), Jalen Ramsey (Jaguars)
2nd team: Xavier Rhodes (Vikings), A.J. Bouye (Jaguars)

Safety
1st team: Harrison Smith (Vikings), Kevin Byard (Titans)
2nd team: Adrian Amos (Bears), Glover Quin (Lions)

Kicker
1st team: Greg Zuerlein (Rams)
2nd team: Robbie Gould (49ers)

Punter
1st team: Johnny Hekker (Rams)
2nd team: Thomas Morstead (Saints)

Return Specialist:
1st team: Pharaoh Cooper (Rams)
2nd team: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)

Special Teamer:
1st team: Budda Baker (Cardinals)
2nd team: Michael Thomas (Dolphins)

Miscellaneous Awards:
Biggest Surprise Teams:
5.Jets
4.Saints
3.Bills
2.Jaguars
1.Rams

Biggest Underachievers:
5.Seahawks
4.Broncos
3.Giants
2.Buccaneers
1.Raiders

Breakout Players:
10.Robby Anderson (Jets)
9.Alex Collins (Ravens)
8.Yannick Ngakoue (Jaguars)
7.Jimmy Garoppolo (49ers)
6.Jared Goff (Rams)
5.Daryl Williams (Panthers)
4.Deion Jones (Falcons)
3.DeMarcus Lawrence (Cowboys)
2.Kevin Byard (Titans)
1.Carson Wentz (Eagles)

Biggest Veteran Underachievers:
10.Leonard Williams (Jets)
9.Vic Beasley (Falcons)
8.Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos)
7.Marcus Peters (Chiefs)
6.Mike Evans (Buccaneers)
5.Marcus Mariota (Titans)
4.Jay Ajayi (Dolphins/Eagles)
3.Jameis Winston (Buccaneers)
2.Amari Cooper (Raiders)
1.Derek Carr (Raiders)

Top Rookies:
10.Reuben Foster (49ers
9,Ryan Ramczyk (Saints)
8.Marcus Williams (Saints)
7.JuJu Smith-Schuster (Steelers)
6.Myles Garrett (Browns)
5.Leonard Fournette (Jaguars)
4.Kareem Hunt (Chiefs)
3.Tre'Davious White (Bills)
2.Marshon Lattimore (Saints)
1.Alvin Kamara (Saints)

Biggest Rookie Underachievers:
10.Taco Charlton (Cowboys)
9.Justin Evans (Buccaneers)
8.Jarrad Davis (Lions)
7.O.J. Howard (Buccaneers)
6.Joe Mixon (Bengals)
5.Corey Davis (Titans)
4.David Njoku (Browns)
3.Haason Reddick (Cardinals)
2.Mike Williams (Chargers)
1.Solomon Thomas (49ers)

2016 NFL Year-End Awards

Primary Awards:
MVP: Matt Ryan, quarterback (Falcons) 
Prior to the start of this season, I thought Matty Ice's days as a top-flight NFL quarterback were over. He promptly proved me wrong by going on to have the best season of his 11-year career. Ryan was the model of efficiency and dominance in one of the most pass-happy offenses in the league, throwing for 4,944 YDS and 38 TD's while completing a ridiculous 69.9% of his passes and only throwing 7 INT's.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Brady (Patriots), Aaron Rodgers (Packers), David Johnson (Cardinals)

Offensive Player of the Year: David Johnson, running back (Cardinals)
David Johnson's 1st full-year as an NFL starter was nothing short of remarkable. The 2nd-year back proved why he's one of the NFL's most lethal young players by leading the league with 2,118 all-purpose yards (1,239 rushing, 879 receiving) behind one of the worst offensive lines in football and keeping the Cardinals offense afloat while Carson Palmer struggled for a majority of the year.
Honorable Mentions: Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
 
Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, defensive end (Raiders)
2016 will go down as the year Khalil Mack evolved from promising young player to full-blown superstar. Mack served as the Christ-like savior that kept this undisciplined and largely talent-deprived Raiders defense from completely falling apart every Sunday. His two-way playmaking abilities (73 tackles, 11 sacks) and knack for forcing fumbles at key moments single-handedly clinched multiple victories for this young squad.
Honorable Mentions: Von Miller (Broncos), Aaron Donald (Rams), Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)
 
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, running back (Cowboys)
For the 3rd time in 4 years, a borderline unstoppable workhorse running back is taking home offensive rookie of the year. Elliott reaffirmed why he was a top-5 overall pick in the draft by serving as the catalyst for the Cowboys offensive resurgence with a league-leading 1,631 rushing yards and 16 total TD's.
Honorable Mentions: Dak Prescott, quaterback (Cowboys), Jordan Howard, running back (Bears), Michael Thomas, wide receiver (Saints)
 
Defensive Rookie of the Year: Joey Bosa, defensive end (Chargers)
Joey Bosa's 2016 season pretty much mirrored what Odell Beckham Jr. did in 2014. After missing the first 4 games of the season with injury, Bosa came in and immediately took the NFL by storm with his dominant play. The Ohio State-bred edge rusher looked like a perennial Pro Bowler as soon as he took the field, picking up 41 tackles, 10.5 sacks (tied for 13th in the league) and 23 QB hurries (tied for 16th in the league) in just 12 games on a Chargers defense that is average at best. If his rookie campaign is any indicator, Bosa is going to be a Von Miller/Khalil Mack/Justin Houston-esque matchup nightmare for opposing offenses in no time at all.  
Honorable Mentions: Jalen Ramsey, cornerback (Jaguars), James Bradberry, cornerback (Panthers), Leonard Floyd, outside linebacker (Bears)
 
Comeback Player of the Year: Jordy Nelson, wide receiver (Packers)
This was the only award that I had a really difficult time picking a winner for. There was an usually high volume of players that bounced back from either a major injury (Jimmy Graham, Cameron Wake) or a god awful season in 2016 (DeMarco Murray, Byron Maxwell). After extensive internal debate, I have to give the nod to Jordy Nelson. A 31-year old receiver picking up over 1,200 yards and leading the league in receiving touchdowns a year after suffering a brutal ACL tear is just unbelievable.
Honorable Mentions: DeMarco Murray (Titans), Jimmy Graham (Seahawks), Cameron Wake (Dolphins)

Coach of the Year: Dan Quinn (Falcons)
Jack Del Rio and Adam Gase were definitely strong contenders for this award after leading their teams to their first playoff berths of the 2010's, but I was ultimately more impressed with what Dan Quinn was able to do in Atlanta this season. Quinn showed a ton of resilience by leading Falcons to an NFC South title (and eventually an NFC championship) with minimal personnel or roster changes from the 2015 team that famously imploded down the stretch-losing 7 of their final 9 games-after starting 5-0. 
Honorable Mentions: Jack Del Rio (Raiders), Adam Gase (Dolphins), Ben McAdoo (Giants)

All-Pro Teams:
Quarterback:
1st team: Matt Ryan (Falcons)
2nd team: Tom Brady (Patriots)

Running Back:
1st team: David Johnson (Cardinals), Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys)
2nd team: DeMarco Murray (Titans), Le'Veon Bell (Steelers)

Wide Receiver:
1st team: Antonio Brown (Steelers), Julio Jones (Falcons)
2nd team: T.Y. Hilton (Colts), Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)

Tight End:
1st team: Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
2nd team: Greg Olsen (Panthers)

Tackle:
1st team: Donald Penn (Raiders), David Bakhtiari (Packers)
2nd team: Andrew Whitworth (Bengals), Tyron Smith (Cowboys)

Center:
1st team: Matt Paradis (Broncos)
2nd team: Alex Mack (Falcons)

Guard:
1st team: Kelechi Osemele (Raiders), Marshal Yanda (Ravens)
2nd team: Zach Martin (Cowboys), Brandon Brooks (Eagles)

Defensive End:
1st team: Khalil Mack (Raiders), Cameron Jordan (Saints)
2nd team: Cameron Wake (Dolphins), Oliver Vernon (Giants)

Defensive Tackle:
1st team: Aaron Donald (Rams), Damon Harrison (Giants)  
2nd team: Calias Campbell (Cardinals), Ndumakong Suh (Dolphins) 

Outside Linebacker:
1st team: Von Miller (Broncos), K.J. Wright (Seahawks)
2nd team: Vic Beasley (Falcons), Lorenzo Alexander (Bills)
 
Inside Linebacker:
1st team: Bobby Wagner (Seahawks), Sean Lee (Cowboys)
2nd team: Dont'a Hightower (Patriots), Zach Brown (Bills)

Cornerback: 
1st team: Aqib Talib (Broncos), Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos)
2nd team: Malcolm Butler (Patriots), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (Giants)

Safety:
1st team: Eric Weddle (Ravens), Landon Collins (Giants)
2nd team: Kam Chancellor (Seahawks), Eric Berry (Chiefs)

Kicker:
1st team: Justin Tucker (Ravens)
2nd team: Matt Bryant (Falcons)

Punter:
1st team: Johnny Hekker (Rams)
2nd team: Pat McAfee (Colts) 

Return Specialist:
1st team: Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)
2nd team: Cordarrelle Patterson (Vikings)

Special Teamer:
1st team: Matthew Slater (Patriots)
2nd team: Dwayne Harris (Giants) 

Miscellaneous Awards:
Top Surprise Teams:
5.Buccaneers
4.Cowboys
3.Lions
2.Dolphins
1.Falcons

Biggest Underachievers:
5.Cardinals
4.Vikings
3.Bengals
2.Broncos
1.Panthers

Breakout Players:
10.Jamison Crowder (Redskins)
9.Trey Flowers (Patriots)
8.Melvin Gordon (Chargers)
7.DeShawn Shead (Seahawks)
6.Zach Brown (Bills)
5.Jay Ajayi (Dolphins)
4.Lorenzo Alexander (Bills)
3.Vic Beasley (Falcons)
2.Matt Paradis (Broncos)
1.Landon Collins (Giants)

Underachieving Veterans:
10.Richard Sherman (Seahawks)
9.Allen Robinson (Jaguars)
8.John Brown (Cardinals)
7.Stephon Gilmore (Bills)
6.Sheldon Richardson (Jets)
5.Cam Newton (Panthers)
4.Doug Martin (Buccaneers)
3.Brock Osweiler (Texans)
2.Todd Gurley (Rams)
1.Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets)

Top Rookies:
10.Carson Wentz (Eagles)
9.Tyreek Hill (Chiefs)
8.Cody Whitehair (Bears)
7.Jalen Ramsey (Jaguars)
6.Jack Conklin (Titans)
5.Michael Thomas (Saints)
4.Jordan Howard (Bears)
3.Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
2.Joey Bosa (Chargers)
1.Ezekiel Elliott (Cowboys) 

Biggest Rookie Letdowns:
10.Jonathan Bullard (Bears)
9.Pharaoh Cooper (Rams)
8.Roberto Aguayo (Buccaneers)
7.Cyrus Jones (Patriots)
6.Shaq Lawson (Bills)
5.Darron Lee (Jets)
4.Germain Ifedi (Seahawks)
3.Laquon Treadwell (Vikings)
2.Jared Goff (Rams) 
1.Myles Jack (Jaguars) 

2015 NFL Year-End Awards+Hall of Fame Predictions+Other Fun NFL Year-End Garbage

The NFL will be handing out their year-end awards and announcing the 2016 Hall of Fame Class Saturday night at the NFL Honors ceremony in San Francisco, California. In the spirit of the season, here are my personal picks for all of the major awards as well as my All-Pro teams, predictions for who will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame and other miscellaneous year-end football lists.

MVP: Cam Newton, quarterback (Panthers)
Old farts and football purists who want the NFL to go back to the days where quarterbacks were exclusively pocket passers will argue that Tom Brady or Carson Palmer deserves this award, but as far I'm concerned, Cam Newton was the best player in the NFL this season by a wide margin. Newton spent 2015 silencing any of the critics who believed that he couldn't be an elite quarterback in this league. While his unique dual-threat skill set (he rushed and passed for a combined total of 4,472 yards and 45 TD) got more attention than ever this season, it was Newton's ability to consistently make plays in key situations (ex: the two 90+ yard fourth quarter TD drives he produced in a comeback victory over the Seahawks in October) and transform an offense full of mostly average skill-position players into one of the most potent units in the NFL that made his 2015 season one for the annals. 
Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Tom Brady (Patriots), Antonio Brown (Steelers)

Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, wide receiver (Steelers)
This was easily the hardest award for me to determine a winner for. There was a number of guys (Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins, Adrian Peterson, Odell Beckham Jr.) who managed to put up eye-popping numbers under difficult circumstances and would be more than deserving recipients for this award. However in this crowded field of contenders, I have to give the edge to Steelers wideout Antonio Brown. Brown was able to overcome playing with three different quarterbacks and facing near-constant double coverage to set career highs in receptions (136) and yards (1,834) for a third straight year. There's no shortage of game-breaking receivers in the NFL right now, but Brown's flawless route running and tendency to make even the best corners look like bumbling morons (the beatdown he put on Broncos slot corner Chris Harris Jr. in Week 16 was unreal) puts him firmly at the top of the pack.
Honorable Mentions: Julio Jones (Falcons), Adrian Peterson (Vikings), DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)

Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald, defensive tackle (Rams)
In 2014, Aaron Donald put together a very impressive season and ended up winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. In 2015, he proved that he's one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. Donald was a virtual unblockable menace in the middle of the defensive line picking up 11 sacks (tied for eight most in the league), 79 QB pressures and 51 run stops on the year. Take note football fans because I firmly believe that we just witnessed the birth of the NFL's next transcendent defensive superstar.
Honorable Mentions: Luke Kuchely (Panthers), Khalil Mack (Raiders), J.J. Watt (Texans)  

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)
It's been a long time since I've seen a rookie running back come in and dominate from the jump the way that  Todd Gurley did in 2015. In just 13 games, Gurley managed to finish in the top five in the league in rushing yards (1,106), touchdowns (10), runs of 20 yards or more (11) and yards per attempt among backs that had 150 carries or more (4.8). Gurley's magnificent 2015 campaign wholeheartedly proves that no matter how much teams in the modern NFL romanticize the passing game, there will be always be a place for bellcow running backs in this league. 
Honorable Mentions: Jameis Winston (Buccaneers), Amari Cooper (Raiders), David Johnson (Cardinals)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Ronald Darby, cornerback (Bills)
It's insane how much being on a mediocre team effects your ability to get into the spotlight. If any cornerback on a title-contending team held A.J. Green, Brandon Marshall and Odell Beckham Jr. to under 40 yards receiving in the same season, you would hear all about it, but since Ronald Darby played for a .500 team with a grossly underperforming defense, his outstanding rookie campaign went largely unnoticed. Darby's instincts, physicality and ability to instantaneously adjust to the speed of the game at the professional level  allowed him to bypass the traditionally steep learning curve for rookie corners and be one of the most consistently dominant players at his position in 2015.
Honorable Mentions: Leonard Williams (Jets), Marcus Peters (Chiefs), Adrian Amos (Bears)

Comeback Player of the Year: Eric Berry, safety (Chiefs)
This pick was a no-brainer. Less than a year after being diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma, Berry returned to the field and put together the most impressive season (61 tackles, 10 passes defensed, 2 INT's) of his storied six-year career. Berry's warrior mentality and determination to return to the field stronger than ever after beating cancer embodies everything the comeback player of the year award is supposed to represent.    
Honorable Mentions: Carson Palmer (Cardinals), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs), Doug Martin (Buccaneers)

Coach of the Year: Mike Zimmer (Vikings)
There's at least a half dozen coaches in the league that helped their team advance to the next level in 2015, but no one brought more positive change to their team than the Vikings' Mike Zimmer. Despite the frustrating inconsistency of their offense and dealing with a slew of key injuries on both sides of the ball, Zimmer was able to lead the Vikings to their first division title since 2009. Zimmer has turned a Vikings squad whose success was solely dictated by the play of Adrian Peterson under previous coach Leslie Frazier into a well-rounded, deep team with the toughness and tenacity to compete with just about any team in the league. If 2015 is any indicator, Zimmer will perennially have the Vikings at the top of the NFL hierarchy for years to come.
Honorable Mentions: Todd Bowles (Jets), Andy Reid (Chiefs), Jay Gruden (Redskins) 

Predictions for the 2016 NFL Hall of Class (*indicates a lock): 
Terrell Davis, running back
Alan Fancea, guard
Brett Favre, quarterback*
Kevin Greene, outside linebacker/defensive end
Marvin Harrison, wide receiver
John Lynch, safety
Orlando Pace, tackle*
Ken Stabler, quarterback*

2015 All-Pro Teams:
Quarterback
1st team: Cam Newton (Panthers)
2nd team: Carson Palmer (Cardinals)

Running Back
1st team: Adrian Peterson (Vikings), Doug Martin (Buccaneers)
2nd team: Devonta Freeman (Falcons), Todd Gurley (Rams)

Fullback
1st team: Patrick DiMarco (Falcons)
2nd team: Mike Tolbert (Panthers)

Wide Receiver 
1st team: Julio Jones (Falcons), Antonio Brown (Steelers)
2nd team: DeAndre Hopkins (Texans), Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)

Tight End
1st team: Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)
2nd team: Delanie Walker (Titans)

Tackle
1st team: Joe Thomas (Browns), Tyron Smith (Cowboys)
2nd team: Trent Williams (Redskins), Terron Armstead (Saints)

Guard
1st team: Marshal Yanda (Ravens), Richie Incognito (Bills)
2nd team: Zach Martin (Cowboys), David DeCastro (Steelers)

Center
1st team: Ryan Kalil (Panthers)
2nd team: Weston Richburg (Giants)

Defensive End
1st team: J.J. Watt (Texans), Cameron Jordan (Saints)
2nd team: Michael Bennett (Seahawks), Fletcher Cox (Eagles)

Defensive Tackle
1st team: Aaron Donald (Rams), Kawann Short (Panthers)
2nd team: Linval Joseph (Vikings), Geno Atkins (Bengals)

Inside Linebacker
1st team: Luke Kuechly (Panthers), Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
2nd team: Brandon Marshall (Broncos), NaVorro Bowman (49ers)

Outside Linebacker
1st team: Khalil Mack (Raiders), Von Miller (Broncos)
2nd team: Justin Houston (Chiefs), K.J. Wright (Seahawks)

Cornerback
1st team: Josh Norman (Panthers), Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
2nd team: Darius Slay (Lions), Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos)

Safety
1st team: Eric Berry (Chiefs), Tyrann Mathieu (Cardinals) 
2nd team: Harrison Smith (Vikings), Malcolm Jenkins (Eagles)

Kicker
1st team: Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots)
2nd team: Dan Bailey (Cowboys)

Punter
1st team: Pat McAfee (Colts)
2nd team: Sam Koch (Ravens)

Return Specialists:
1st team: Cordarelle Patterson (Vikings)
2nd team: Tyler Lockett (Seahawks)

Top 10 Best Players by Position:
Quarterback
10.Derek Carr (Raiders)
9.Eli Manning (Giants)
8.Aaron Rodgers (Packers)
7.Drew Brees (Saints)
6.Andy Dalton (Bengals)
5.Ben Roethlisberger (Steelers)
4.Russell Wilson (Seahawks)
3.Tom Brady (Patriots)
2.Carson Palmer (Cardinals)
1.Cam Newton (Panthers)

Running Back
10.David Johnson (Cardinals)
9.Mark Ingram (Saints)
8.Le'Veon Bell (Steelers) 
7.LeSean McCoy (Bills)
6.DeAngelo Williams (Steelers)
5.Jonathan Stewart (Panthers)
4.Devonta Freeman (Falcons)
3.Todd Gurley (Rams)
2.Doug Martin (Buccaneers)
1.Adrian Peterson (Vikings) 

Wide Receiver
10.Steve Smith Sr. (Ravens)
9.Doug Baldwin (Seahawks)
8.Alshon Jeffrey (Bears)
7.Larry Fitzgerald (Cardinals)
6.Brandon Marshall (Jets)
5.Allen Robinson (Jaguars)
4.Odell Beckham Jr. (Giants)
3.DeAndre Hopkins (Texans)
2.Antonio Brown (Steelers)
1.Julio Jones (Falcons) 
    
Tight End
10.Antonio Gates (Chargers)
9.Zach Ertz (Eagles)
8.Jimmy Graham (Seahawks)
7.Travis Kelce (Chiefs)
6.Gary Barnidge (Browns)
5.Greg Olsen (Panthers)
4.Tyler Eifert (Bengals)
3.Jordan Reed (Redskins)
2.Delanie Walker (Titans)
1.Rob Gronkowski (Patriots)


Tackle
10.Donald Penn (Raiders)
9.Jared Veldheer (Cardinals)
8.Joe Staley (49ers)
7.Jason Peters (Eagles)
6.Cordy Glenn (Bills)
5.Andrew Whitworth (Bengals)
4.Terron Armstead (Saints)
3.Trent Williams (Redskins)
2.Tyron Smith (Cowboys)
1.Joe Thomas (Browns)

Guard
10.Jack Mewhort (Colts)
9.Gabe Jackson (Raiders)
8.Josh Sitton (Packers)
7.Mike Iupati (Cardinals)
6.Trai Turner (Panthers)
5.Kevin Zeitler (Bengals)
4.David DeCastro (Steelers)
3.Zach Martin (Cowboys)
2.Richie Incognito (Bills)
1.Marshal Yanda (Ravens)

Center
10.Alex Mack (Browns)
9.Rodney Hudson (Raiders)
8.Stefen Wisnewski (Jaguars)
7.Mike Pouncey (Dolphins)
6.Max Unger (Saints)
5.Eric Wood (Bills)
4.Joe Berger (Vikings)
3.Travis Fredrick (Cowboys)
2.Weston Richburg (Giants)
1.Ryan Kalil (Panthers) 

Defensive End
10.Chandler Jones (Patriots)
9.Derek Wolfe (Broncos)
8.Cliff Avril (Seahawks)
7.Ezekiel Ansah (Lions)
6.Oliver Vernon (Dolphins)
5.Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets)
4.Fletcher Cox (Eagles)
3.Michael Bennett (Seahawks)
2.Cameron Jordan (Saints)
1.J.J. Watt (Texans) 

Defensive Tackle
10.Dan Williams (Raiders)
9.Jurell Casey (Titans)
8.Brandon Williams (Ravens)
7.Damon Harrison (Jets)
6.Mike Daniels (Packers)
5.Ndamukong Suh (Dolphins)
4.Linval Joseph (Vikings)
3.Geno Atkins (Bengals)
2.Kawann Short (Panthers)
1.Aaron Donald (Rams)

Outside Linebacker
10.Thomas Davis (Panthers)
9.Dont'a Hightower (Patriots)
8.DeMarcus Ware (Broncos)
7.Anthony Barr (Vikings)
6.Pernell McPhee (Bears)
5.Tamba Hali (Chiefs)
4.K.J. Wright (Seahawks)
3.Justin Houston (Chiefs)
2.Von Miller (Broncos)
1.Khalil Mack (Raiders)

Inside Linebacker
10.Jordan Hicks (Eagles)
9.Daryl Smith (Ravens)
8.Bobby Wagner (Seahawks)
7.Danny Trevathan (Broncos)
6.Sean Lee (Cowboys)
5.Jerrell Freeman (Colts)
4.NaVorro Bowman (49ers)
3.Brandon Marshall (Broncos)
2.Derrick Johnson (Chiefs)
1.Luke Kuechly (Panthers)


Cornerback
10.Stephon Gilmore (Bills)
9.Jason Verrett (Chargers)
8.Richard Sherman (Seahawks)
7.Adam Jones (Bengals)
6.Jonathan Joseph (Texans)
5.Ronald Darby (Bills)
4.Chris Harris Jr. (Broncos)
3.Darius Slay (Lions)
2.Patrick Peterson (Cardinals)
1.Josh Norman (Panthers)

Safety
10.Kurt Coleman (Panthers)
9.Darian Stewart (Broncos)
8.Devin McCourty (Patriots)
7.Morgan Burnett (Packers)
6.Reshad Jones (Dolphins)
5.Earl Thomas (Seahawks)
4.Malcolm Jenkins (Eagles)
3.Harrison Smith (Vikings)
2.Tyrann Matheiu (Cardinals)
1.Eric Berry (Chiefs)


Kicker
10.Blair Walsh (Vikings)
9.Steven Hasuchka (Seahawks)
8.Josh Brown (Giants)
7.Graham Gano (Panthers)
6.Chris Boswell (Steelers)
5.Brandon McManus (Broncos)
4.Cairo Santos (Chiefs)
3.Justin Tucker (Ravens)
2.Dan Bailey (Cowboys)
1.Stephen Gostkowski (Patriots) 

Punter
10.Marquette King (Raiders)
9.Sam Martin (Lions)
8.Donnie Jones (Eagles)
7.Brett Kern (Titans)
6.Chris Jones (Cowboys)
5.Matt Bosher (Falcons)
4.Dustin Colquitt (Chiefs)
3.Johnny Hekker (Rams)
2.Sam Koch (Ravens)
1.Pat McAfee (Colts)


Miscellaneous Awards
Top 10 Rookies
10.Jordan Hicks, inside linebacker (Eagles) 
9.Marcus Peters, cornerback (Chiefs)
8.Adrian Amos, safety (Bears)
7.Tyler Lockett, wide receiver (Seahawks)
6.David Johnson, running back (Cardinals)

5.Amari Cooper, wide receiver (Raiders)
4.Leonard Williams, defensive end (Jets)
3.Jameis Winston, quarterback (Buccaneers)
2.Ronald Darby, cornerback (Bills)
1.Todd Gurley, running back (Rams)

Top 10 Rookie Disappointments
10.Jalen Collins, cornerback (Falcons)
9.John Miller, guard (Bills) 
8.Dorial Green-Beckham, wide receiver (Titans)
7.Landon Collins, safety (Giants)
6.Cameron Erving, guard (Browns)
5.Ereck Flowers, tackle (Giants) 
4.Devin Funchess, wide receiver (Panthers)
3.Ameer Abdullah, running back (Lions)
2.Nelson Agholor, wide receiver (Eagles)
1.Melvin Gordon, running back (Chargers)

Top 10 Breakout Players
10.Delvin Breaux, cornerback (Saints)
9.Tyrod Taylor, quarterback (Bills)
8.Weston Richburg, center (Giants)
7.Jason Verrett, cornerback (Chargers)
6.Gary Barnidge, tight end (Browns)
5.Anthony Barr, outside linebacker (Vikings)
4.Tyler Eifert, tight end (Bengals)
3.Devonta Freeman, running back (Falcons)
2.Derek Carr, quarterback (Raiders)
1.Allen Robinson, wide receiver (Jaguars)

Top 10 Underperforming Players
10.Randall Cobb, wide receiver (Packers)
9.Ryan Tannehill, quarterback (Dolphins)
8.Andre Johnson, wide receiver (Colts)
7.Antonio Cromartie, cornerback (Jets)
6.Jimmy Smith, cornerback (Ravens)
5.Nick Foles, quarterback (Rams)
4.Byron Maxwell, cornerback (Eagles)
3.DeMarco Murray, running back (Eagles)
2.Jeremy Hill, running back (Bengals)
1.Eddie Lacy, running back (Packers)

5 Biggest Surprise Teams:
1.Redskins
2.Chiefs
3.Jets
4.Raiders 
5.Texans

5 Biggest Underachieving Teams:
1.Colts
2.Dolphins
3.Bills
4.Eagles
5.Rams

2013 NFL Year-End Awards

In the spirit of the Super Bowl and the NFL handing out their year-end awards tomorrow night , here are my picks for the best of the NFL in 2013.

MVP: Tom Brady (Patriots)
Peyton Manning had all the statistical accolades and is a shoo-in for the NFL's MVP award, but no player was more valuable to their team in 2013 than Tom Brady. Brady led the Patriots to a 12-4 record and an AFC Championship game bid with the least-talented supporting cast he's ever had in his career. Brady's numbers weren't anything to write home about, but without his leadership and impact on a game, the Patriots wouldn't have even come close to getting a playoff bid and for me, that's more than enough to name him the most valuable player in the league for 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Peyton Manning (Broncos), Jammal Charles (Chiefs), LeSean McCoy (Eagles), Drew Brees (Saints)

Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning (Broncos)
The Player of the Year category is where stats mean more than they do in the MVP race and no one was more statistically impressive in 2013 than Peyton Manning. Manning was lights-out all season long throwing for 5,477 yards while also breaking the single-season passing touchdown mark (55) and tying the single-game mark(7). At 37 years old, Manning continues to be a marvel and solidify his case as being the best quarterback to ever play the game. 
Honorable Mentions: Jammal Charles (Chiefs), LeSean McCoy (Eagles), Drew Brees (Saints), Josh Gordon (Browns)

Defensive Player of the Year: Robert Mathis (Colts)
Speaking of ageless marvels, Manning's former teammate Robert Mathis had the best year of his career at age 32. Mathis disrupted quarterbacks at an alarming rate this year picking up 19.5 sacks and forcing 8 fumbles. Mathis provided an otherwise above-average Colts defense with a dominant presence that can take over a game single-handedly. 
Honorable Mentions: Robert Quinn (Rams), Luke Kuechly (Panthers), NaVorro Bowman (49ers), Richard Sherman (Seahawks)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Eddie Lacy (Packers)
Packers running back Eddie Lacy silenced all his preseason critics by going onto have an almost 1,200 yard/11 TD season and give the Packers their first legitimate rushing threat in years. In a rookie class that lacked talent at the skill positions, Lacy was a major expectation and easily the best offensive rookie of 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Keenan Allen (Chargers), Giovani Bernard (Bengals) D.J. Fluker (Chargers), Larry Warford (Lions)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Sheldon Richardson (Jets)
This was a really tough call as Bills inside linebacker Kiko Alonso also had a huge impact in his rookie year, I just had to go with Jets defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson over him by a slight margin. Richardson was the driving force behind the Jets much-improved rushing defense and his well-rounded game also made him a pass-rushing threat (3.5 sacks on the year) and gave him the versatility to be used on offense as a blocker coming out of the backfield (he managed to score 2 TD's as well). Not since Gerald McCoy have I seen a defensive tackle be as disruptive on the line as Richardson.
Honorable Mentions: Kiko Alonso (Bills), Kenny Vaccaro (Saints), Tyrann Mathieu (Cardinals), Eric Reid (49ers)

Comback Player of the Year: Brent Grimes (Dolphins)
Brent Grimes bounced back from a torn Achilles in 2012 to have one of the best years of his career this season with 60 tackles, 4 INT's, 16 passes defensed and the first defensive touchdown of his career. Grimes certainly will be getting paid this offseason in free agency after his All-Pro caliber season in 2013.
Honorable Mentions: Fred Jackson (Bills), Darrelle Revis (Buccanners), Ryan Matthews (Chargers), Terrell Thomas (Giants)

Coach of the Year: Mike McCoy (Chargers)
This was the single most difficult award for me to chose since there were so many incredible turnarounds in the NFL this season thanks to great coaching jobs from the likes of Ron Rivera with the Panthers, Chip Kelly with the Eagles and seemingly countless others. Amidst all these stories of redemption, nothing impressed me more than what Mike McCoy was able to do with the Chargers. The Chargers looked doomed going into 2013 with an aging roster and a lot of flaws at the skill positions. McCoy comes in and reenergizes the team fixing their offensive line problems, getting running back Ryan Matthews to produce for the first time in his career and leading Phillip Rivers to the most unexpectedly dominant season of any player in the league this season. How McCoy was able to make this much of an impact in a single season is truly remarkable. McCoy is an offensive mastermind and he seems to have this organization headed rapidly in the right direction.   
Honorable Mentions: Ron Rivera (Panthers), Chip Kelly (Eagles), Andy Reid (Chiefs), Bruce Arians (Cardinals)

All-Pro Team
Quarterback 1st team: Peyton Manning (Broncos)
2nd team: Drew Brees (Saints), Tom Brady (Patriots)

Running Back 1st team: Jammal Charles (Chiefs), LeSean McCoy (Eagles)
2nd team: Adrian Peterson (Vikings), Matt Forte (Bears), Alfred Morris (Redskins)

Fullback 1st team: Mike Tolbert (Panthers)
2nd team: Marcel Reece (Raiders)

Wide Receiver 1st Team: Josh Gordon (Browns), Calvin Johnson (Lions)
2nd team: A.J. Green (Bengals), Antonio Brown (Steelers), Demaryius Thomas (Broncos)

Tight End 1st team: Jimmy Graham (Saints)
2nd team: Vernon Davis (49ers), Julius Thomas (Broncos)

Tackle 1st team: Joe Thomas (Browns), Jason Peters (Eagles)
2nd team: Tyron Smith (Cowboys), Nate Solder (Patriots)

Guard 1st team: Louis Vazquez (Broncos), Evan Mathis (Eagles)
2nd team: Matt Slauson (Bears), Geoff Schwartz (Chiefs)

Center 1st team: Ryan Kalil (Panthers)
2nd team: Manny Ramirez (Broncos)

Defensive End 1st team: Robert Quinn (Rams), J.J. Watt (Texans)
2nd team: Greg Hardy (Panthers), Mario Williams (Bills)

Defensive Tackle 1st team: Gerald McCoy (Buccaneers), Ndamukong Suh (Lions)
2nd team: Jurrell Casey (Titans), Muhammad Wilkerson (Jets)

Outside Linebacker 1st team: Robert Mathis (Colts), Lavonte David (Buccaneers)
2nd team: Thomas Davis (Panthers), Tamba Hali (Chiefs)

Inside Linebacker 1st team: Luke Kuechly (Panthers), NaVorro Bowman (49ers)
2nd team: Vontaze Burfict (Bengals), Karlos Dansby (Cardinals)

Cornerback 1st team: Richard Sherman (Seahawks), Joe Haden (Browns)
2nd team: Patrick Peterson (Cardinals), Altraun Verner (Titans), Brent Grimes (Dolphins)

Safety 1st team: Earl Thomas (Seahawks), Antrell Rolle (Giants)
2nd team: Eric Berry (Chiefs), Kam Chancellor (Seahawks), Devin McCourty (Patriots)

Kicker 1st team: Justin Tucker (Ravens)
2nd team: Matt Prater (Broncos)

Punter 1st team: Johnny Hekker (Rams)
2nd team: Jon Ryan (Seahawks)

Kick/Punt Returner 1st team: Cordarelle Patterson (Vikings)
2nd team: Dexter McCluster (Chiefs) 

2012 NFL Year-End Awards

The NFL is going to announce the winners for their year-end awards next week after the Super Bowl, but I figured I would beat them of it by unveiling my picks for the year-end awards now. Feel free to comment and/or discuss my picks, I value any input.

MVP: Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings.
I don't think this pick could be any more obvious. Peterson was an absolute monster this season coming back from a torn ACL at the end of the 2011 to carry an otherwise weak Vikings to the playoffs and finish just shy of breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record. Peterson overcame adversity and defined most valuable player to a T this season.
Honorable Mentions: Peyton Manning (Denver Broncos), Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons)

Offensive Player of the Year: Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos
What Peyton Manning did for the Broncos in 2012 was absolutely amazing. Manning completely revitalized the Broncos offense and made them one of the most effective in the league as well as leading them on a 9-game win streak to close out the regular season. Manning's season was even more impressive given that he was coming off a neck injury that sidelined him for the entire 2011 season. Leave it to an all-time great like Manning to have one of the best seasons of his career at age 36 on a new team coming off a major injury.
Honorable Mentions: Tom Brady (New England Patriots), Matt Ryan (Atlanta Falcons), Calvin Johnson (Detroit Lions)

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J Watt, Houston Texans
There was a lot of dominant defensive performers this year, but no one wreaked as much as havoc as Texans defensive end J.J Watt. In only his second year in the league, Watt led the league in sacks with 20.5 as well as deflecting 16 passes at the line of scrimmage. Watt's scary pass-rushing ability off the edge and his completeness as a player gives him the edge over guys like Aldon Smith and Von Miller in my book.
Honorable Mentions: Aldon Smith (San Fransisco 49ers), Von Miller (Denver Broncos), Justin Smith (San Fransisco 49ers)

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Robert Griffin III,Washington Redskins
2012 had a plethora of rookies that made an instant impact on the offensive side of the ball, but Robert Griffin III gets the slight edge over the rest of the heap. RG3 stormed onto the scene with explosive playmaking ability in the rushing and passing game. He didn't make many mistakes either with only 5 INT's on the season and he gave a previously lifeless Redskins offense the boost they needed to contend in the league. RG3 was the standout in a rookie class that was loaded to the brim with standouts.
Honorable Mentions: Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks), Alfred Morris (Washington Redskins), Doug Martin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Unlike the offensive Rookie of the Year award which is hotly contested, the Defensive Rookie of the Year winner is a pretty clear choice. Luke Kuechly was a monster all year for the Panthers. He led the league in tackles and his presence alone vastly improved the Panthers defense. Kuechly got overshadowed by his offensive counterparts, but that doesn't make Kuechly's rookie season any less impressive.
Honorable Mentions: Chandler Jones (New England Patriots), Melvin Ingram (San Diego Chargers), Vontaze Burfict (Cincinnati Bengals)

Coach of the Year: Chuck Pagano/Bruce Arians, Indianapolis Colts
No team faced more adversity this season than the Colts, but their excellent coaching got them through it. With an inexperienced roster and the loss of first-year head coach Chuck Pagano for most of the season after being diagnosed with leukemia, the Colts made an improbable run to the playoffs. Offensive coordinator Bruce Arians stepped in gracefully and led the Colts to a 9-3 record in Pagano's absence. The brilliant coaching from both them helped this young team deify the odds and make a remarkable turnaround from 2-14 in 2011 to 11-5 in 2012.
Honorable Mentions: Mike Shanahan (Washington Redskins), Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks), John Fox (Denver Broncos)