Preseason NFL Award Predictions

To go with my preseason projections, I've decided to predict the major NFL awards with a brief case for each winner. Some of these ideas will be original, and others will seem like I am copying people simply because of how easy it is to say that person will win the award. I feel like that's all the description you need. Let's do this.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Here is your first case of an easy pick. There are plenty of rookies I expect to make immediate impacts (hello, Corey Coleman), but none will even come close to the kind of production Elliot will be able to put up. When finding a home Elliot during the draft process, no place was more ideal than Dallas. Featuring the best offensive line in the league and a dominant wide receiver in Dez Bryant, Elliot was a match made in heaven. Now with Tony Romo down and another rookie in at quarterback in Dak Prescott, Elliot looks to be the biggest feature of the offense. While Dak gets acclimated to NFL defenses, it will be very easy to give Elliot the ball and let the man go to work. Elliot can also catch the ball and make plays out of the backfield. With an offensive line that could make lanes for a semi-truck, expect Elliot to get 300+ total touches and see the end zone close to 10-15 times.

Projected stats: 310 carries, 1,250 rushing yards, 9 touchdowns, 35 receptions, 300 receiving yards, 2 touchdowns

Runner Up: Corey Coleman, WR, Cleveland Browns

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Jalen Ramsey, CB, Jacksonville Jaguars

My top ranked player from the 2016 draft class lands with a defense on the rise and a head coach who helped to turn Richard Sherman into the man he is today. Sounds like a perfect place for the former Florida State defensive back. Ramsey’s versatility will take this defense to the next level. Matched with other studs in Tashaun Gipson and Johnathan Cyprien in the secondary, Ramsey looks to have plenty of opportunities to force turnovers and be a lockdown corner from day one. While cornerback is typically a hard position to translate to the NFL, Ramsey has the tools necessary to make a near seamless transition. Don’t be fooled, there will be plenty of bumps in the road, but Ramsey is too talented to overlook as the defensive rookie of the year. Did I mention he is phenomenal against the run? That will surely help his numbers. His impact, however, is what will truly elevate his play to the next level.

Projected stats: 65 tackles, 4 interceptions, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack

Runner up: Robert Nkemdiche, DE, Arizona Cardinals

Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

This essentially came down to a coin flip between Brown and Julio Jones. Ultimately, I find the Steelers offense to be slightly more well-rounded than Atlanta’s and opted to go with Brown. Plus, if you look at Brown’s stats from last season (136 receptions, 1,834 yards, 10 touchdowns) and how much better they could’ve been had Ben Roethlisberger played a full 16 games it is insane. Brown is arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL and in arguably the best offense in the NFL. If Brown and Big Ben stay healthy, there is a legitimate opportunity for Brown to get 2,000 receiving yards and 145+ receptions. He would be the first player ever to do both. That is more than good enough for me to name him the OPOY.

Projected stats: 150 receptions, 1,950 receiving yards, 14 touchdowns

Runner up: Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams

Defensive Player of the Year: Khalil Mack, DE/OLB, Oakland Raiders

I was in the camp that Mack should have won the DPOY last season over JJ Watt/ I am not trying to take away from the greatness of Watt, but I felt that Mack was slightly more dominant. I mean for goodness sakes, the guy had two All-Pros at two different positions last year! That’s about as good as it gets. Regardless, Mack remains in a position to dominate once again and Oakland got some more pass rushers to help alleviate double teaming him. Mack might be the best outside rusher in the NFL and is certainly entering the prime of his career at 25 years old. The sack record could be within Mack’s reach, but 15+ sacks seems more than reasonable. Even if he doesn’t get the sack numbers, Mack does so much more than rush the quarterback. He is Oakland’s most valuable player and he will show that once again this season.

Projected stats: 75 tackles, 16 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery,

Runner up: JJ Watt, DE, Houston Texans

Comeback Player of the Year: Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

Similar to how Eric Berry was a heavy favorite last year for the COPY after his return from cancer, Luck should be considered a heavy favorite this season for the award. Luck was sent to injured reserve last season after just seven games due to a lacerated kidney. Luck, now entering his fifth season, is just 26 years old and will be entering the prime of his career soon. The cabinet is stocked with weapons for him, featuring guys like T.Y. Hilton and break out candidate Donte Moncrief. The chips are in place for Luck to succeed this year, and playing a full 16 games should put him in position to succeed. Flashback to 2014, Luck threw for 4,761 yards and 40 touchdown passes. Should he stay healthy for 16 games, and the Colts are hopeful their offseason additions to the line (including first round pick Ryan Kelly at center) can help the cause, matching that output should be his ceiling. Still, 4,500 yards and 35 touchdowns should be more than enough to win him the award.

Projected stats: 4,500 passing yards, 61% completion, 35 touchdowns, 14 interceptions

Runner up: Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers

Coach of the Year: Gus Bradley, Jacksonville Jaguars

DUVAL! This could be the year it all comes together for the Jaguars, and I am totally on board the hype train (and have been for 2-3 years). A young and talented roster featuring an up-incoming defense and dynamic offense could help this team to finish above .500 and challenge for the AFC South crown. The Jaguars definitely face an uphill battle, as the Texans have improved their offense to match their stout defense. Not the mention the Titans also feature a young and talented team and the Colts have Andrew Luck. Should all the talent come together, and I believe that it will, the jaguars have no excuse not to challenge for a playoff spot. I believe in the Jaguars and a 9-7 season doesn’t seem to be out of the realm of possibilities. That record may not seem impressive, but a top 5 offense and top 15 defense could be enough to get Gus Bradley the well-deserved credit that he is due for.

Most Valuable Player: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay Packers

It is so hard to bet against Rodgers when it comes to any facet of football. Rodgers is far and away the best quarterback in the NFL and possesses all the tools to truly assert himself as the best of the best. Rodgers stats dipped below his previous year’s totals, but bad offensive line play and injuries to Jordy Nelson impacted his performance mightily. Not to mention his receiver struggled without Nelson and dropped as many balls as the caught. This year, the Packers should host an in-shape Eddie Lacy at running back, a healthy Nelson, and an offensive line ready to improve on last year’s performance. And here’s a jaw dropping stat for you: Aaron Rodgers finished below a 100 QBR for the first time in SIX SEASONS. And he still had a 92.7 QBR. He also hasn’t had double digit interceptions since 2010. Those stats are incredible. Rodgers’ consistency and talent will absolutely have him right back in the conversation for MVP (he is only a year removed from his last MVP award) and should guide the Packers to another NFC North title and maybe even a deep playoff run.

Projected stats: 4,600 passing yards, 67% completion, 38 touchdowns, 6 interceptions

Runner up: Carson Palmer, QB, Arizona Cardinals


Richard Bradshaw is available to follow on Twitter @RichieBradz36. Thank you for the read.