Sep 63 min read

Who Will Take Home the NFL End-of-Season Awards?

Deshaun Watson — © Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

With the NFL season just beginning, it might be premature to discuss the award season without proper game film and stats. However, with the league improving, there are opportunities for players to earn legacy-building hardware.

The NFL Award Winners

NFL Comeback Player of the Year: Nick Chubb, RB, Cleveland Browns

Chubb's 2023 season ended abruptly in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers when he tore his MCL and ACL in his knee. He had been running hard and looking faster despite ending his season early.

The Browns greatly missed him during the season, but he is expected to return and pick up where he left off.

NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year: Cooper DeJean, DB, Philadelphia Eagles

He was a standout at the University of Iowa and was part of a great defensive unit. His performance earned him unanimous All-American honors, with 41 tackles (2 for loss) and 2 interceptions.

However, a leg injury ended his season prematurely and affected his draft stock. Nevertheless, being selected by the Eagles in the second round of the NFL Draft was a steal. Once he fully recovers, he will be a valuable addition to an already outstanding defensive unit.

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year: Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears

The Heisman Trophy -winning quarterback from USC was drafted first overall in the NFL by the Bears, leading to high expectations. He's often compared to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

The Bears have provided him with a talented and experienced offensive team, so as long as he does his job, he should be a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year and lead the team to the playoffs.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Roquan Smith, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Smith and Patrick Queen formed the best LB duo in the league in 2023. However, Queen's departure to join the Steelers in free agency opens up many opportunities to showcase his leadership skills with aspiring stars on the relatively young defense. The Ravens' offense will likely grab plenty of headlines this season, but Smith's command of the defense will speak volumes.

NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Saquon Barkley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Barkley, out of Penn State, was incredible in college. His strength, agility and speed were all outstanding, so it was no surprise that he was a top-5 pick. Being picked by the New York Giants was both a gift and a curse. On the one hand, he was in the biggest market to showcase his talents, but on the other hand, he joined a team in flux. In his six seasons in New York, he battled injuries, coaching changes and inept quarterback play, yet still managed to finish with more than 7,000 yards of total offense.

After a lengthy and ugly contract dispute, he tested free agency and signed with the Eagles, a team with many offensive weapons that struggled last season. Barkley will open up their offense, and his talents will be displayed and appreciated, as he should be the missing piece in a Super Bowl-contending team.

NFL Most Valuable Player: Deshaun Watson, QB, Cleveland Browns

In the early years of his NFL career, Watson established himself as one of the top 3 quarterbacks in the league. He led the Houston Texans to division titles and playoff victories. However, contract disputes with the team, off-the-field allegations and a move to Cleveland hindered his progress.

He has faced challenges such as suspensions and injuries despite signing a lucrative deal with the Browns. Nonetheless, he is expected to make a strong comeback this season, especially with talented players like Chubb, Amari Cooper and Jerry Jeudy supporting him on offense and a formidable defensive unit. The Browns are aiming for a successful playoff run and more.