Entering training camp, there are endless questions about how the NFL season will play out. Are the Browns as good as we think? Will Kyler Murray come out the gates as a quality starter? Will Tom Brady finally age? Can Patrick Mahomes replicate his historic season last year? These questions don’t even scratch the surface of questions that will be answered this season. Among these questions is the question I’m here to predict: Who will win each of the NFL awards?
Comeback Player of the Year
Prediction: Jimmy Garropolo
While I do predict Jimmy G to win CPOY, I also predict that Jimmy Garrapolo will prove that he is severely overrated due to success in a small sample size. He will win this award because, like most years, there is little competition.
Yes, there are some defensive candidates like Earl Thomas and offensive firepowers like Le’Veon Bell, however, Jimmy Garropolo is perfectly set up to win this award. Despite my opinion, Garrapolo has shown that he can win games with a sub-par supporting cast as he went 6-2 as a starter for the 49ers, including a 5-0 2017 regular season. Last season, however, Garropolo showed his flaws when he threw for an average of 143.6 ypg, 1.67 TDpg, and 1 INTpg over a 3 game span where he was 1-2.
Other contenders: Earl Thomas, Le’Veon Bell, Deion Jones
Offensive Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Kyler Murray
After the Cardinals confirmed Murray’s place in the starting lineup, it seemed like a no-brainer that Murray will win OROY. His unprecedented speed and cannon-like arm make him one of the most versatile QB’s in the league.
His game is a near mirror image of Russell Wilson’s game, however, Murray has a stronger arm and less experience. His supporting cast, while one of the worst in the league, is going to help boost Murray’s chances at the award because David Johnson’s incredible talent (catching and running) will open up the field for deep throws.
Kyler Murray also showed his ability to win football games at Oklahoma where his team ended with a 12-2 record. Overall, his ability to lead and his multi-dimensional talent should lead Murray to great success.
Other Contenders: DK Metcalf, Dwayne Haskins, and Josh Jacobs
Defensive Rookie of the Year
Prediction: Nick Bosa
Brother of dominant DE Joey Bosa, Nick Bosa has an incredible mix of size and speed that makes him a lethal pass-rusher. His draft stock was so high that he quit playing Ohio State football to focus on the NFL.
His finesse and precise movements allow him to accelerate past the defender and make a beeline to the QB. His sack count should be unbelievable for a rookie and he should immediately bolster the 49ers defense.
His teammates on the D-line (Dee Ford, Solomon Thomas, DeForest Buckner, and Arik Armstead) should relieve the extra attention O-lines will inevitably send his way. Overall, Bosa should prove to be as talented if not more talented then his brother in the 2019 regular season.
Other Contenders: Ed Oliver, Quinnen Williams, and Brian Burns
Defensive Player of the Year
Prediction: Khalil Mack
In his second season as a Chicago Bear, I predict that Khalil Mack will prove why he received the 6 year, $141 million extension. Mack is in the middle of his prime at age 28 and his already impressive numbers should increase.
Last year, Mack was in contention for DPOY with an astounding 12.5 sacks. Ultimately, Khalil fell short of the award because of Aaron Donald’s crazy season where he recorded 20.5 sacks.
The Bears secondary is stellar which should give Mack more time to reach the Quarterback. The overall performance of the Bears defense should also increase Mack’s potential to win the award.
Other contenders: Luke Kuechly, Aaron Donald, and Myles Garrett.
Offensive Player of the Year/MVP
Prediction: Baker Mayfield
Coming off of a great rookie season when Mayfield put up an impressive 3725 yards and 27 TD’s, I anticipate improvement similar to Patrick Mahomes’ jump last year. To add upon his skill, Mayfield now has one of the best receivers in the league in Odell Beckham Jr. on top of Jarvis Landry, Kareem Hunt, Nick Chubb, and David Njoku.
His supporting cast will open up the field and give Mayfield numerous options in the pocket. Mayfield has also shown a determination to win, unlike many other quarterbacks. In fact, he led the Browns from an 0-16 season to a 7-8-1 season where the playoffs weren’t a reach.
His controversial personality will give him plenty of media time which, unfortunately, may play into his odds of winning MVP and OPOY.
Other Contenders: Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees, and Aaron Rodgers.
Coach of the Year
Prediction: Freddy Kitchens
The Browns will hold all the headlines this year due to their eventful offseason. The acquisitions of OBJ, Kareem Hunt, and Olivier Vernon have created an enormous amount of hype surrounding their roster.
Kitchens showed that he can help coach a team from 0-16 to 7-8-1 last season as a first-year coach. Although his role was limited to offensive coordinator, Kitchens helped develop running back Nick Chubb and quarterback Baker Mayfield in pursuit of a 5-3 stretch after Kitchens was promoted.
His lack of head coach experience is one of the only arguments against this prediction, however, his roster is exceptional and his leadership has seemed great thus far.
Other Contenders: Sean McVay, Andy Ried, and Ron Rivera.
