Media by Associated Press – Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) wearing a patch on his uniform for the 50th anniversary of the Immaculate Reception during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
The NFL Defensive Player of the Year award is always a fun race. Unlike the league MVP, which is usually dominated by quarterbacks, the defensive player of the year can see a variety of different players from different skill sets who have unique skills.
With a field of former winners and up-and-coming young players getting into the mix, next season’s race for the best defensive player should see some twists and turns throughout the year.
TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers, LB, +700
Watt is hoping last season was an aberration. After suffering an injury early in the season, Watt was limited to playing in 10 games and only recorded 5.5 sacks. In the previous season, Watt secured 22.5 sacks in 15 games to take home the honors.
Pittsburgh needs Watt to play and play well to be serious contenders in what should be a competitive AFC North Division. The Steelers had a hard time winning without Watt last season and saw a resurgence in their defense when Watt returned.
Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns, DE, +800
Of all the top contenders to not win Defensive Player of the Year, few players have the resume that Garrett does. Over the past five seasons, Garrett has finished with ten or more sacks in all of those seasons. If he wasn’t suspended in 2019 for hitting Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with Rudolph’s own helmet, Garrett’s sack total may be higher.
What may be holding Garrett back is the Browns’ lack of success as a team. Cleveland has only won playoff game since he’s been there and hasn’t really threatened a Super Bowl run. If the Browns bounce back to have a good season and make a run, Garrett’s continued success could lead him to be rewarded as well.
Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers, DE, +900
Bosa has shown why he was a highly-regarded prospect coming out of college over the past two seasons. Last season, Bosa finished with a league-high 18.5 sacks and was able to grab his first defensive MVP award. What helped Bosa was that he was the anchor of a ruthless 49ers defense.
San Francisco will once again have high hopes of postseason success. Over the past two seasons, the 49ers have been one step short of the Super Bowl. If San Francisco once again flashes signs of being a Super Bowl contender, this could be another award-winning season for Bosa.
Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys, LB, +900
Parsons has been a brilliant playmaker for the Cowboys. During his two seasons in the NFL, Parsons was a durable playmaker. He has started 33 games and produced 26.5 sacks. In addition, Parsons is usually in the middle of forcing turnovers.
Parsons scored a touchdown last season on a fumble return and helped punch three balls loose. Last year, Parsons saw his tackles for a loss decline from 23 the year before to 13. However, Parsons is asked to do a lot for Dallas’ excellent defense.
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