Is the Competition for Defensive Player of the Year Stronger than ever?

By Djack

Photo Via Texas Monthly

As most of you know, JJ Watt, basically owns the defensive player of the year award. He's won the award 3 out of the last 4 years. Since year one, he has clearly proven that he's going to be in the running for the award every year he plays. With that being said, he's got to remain healthy if he wants to do that. He's already off to bad start in that department, I doubt he will actually miss the first game, but he's coming off multiple surgeries from his body basically being torn apart last season. All props to him, this guy played with torn muscles and ligaments all throughout his body for the majority of last season and still found a way dominated every offensive line put in front of him. Keep in mind the wear and tear of playing through that, it's going to affect him in the long run. With all that being said he's obviously still the clear cut favorite to win the award. That doesn't mean there isn't going to be several other people coming for JJ's throne. Here's who they are...


​

Aaron Donald

Photo Via Fox Sports

I'd honestly be genuinely scared to see this guy lineup across from me. God bless those O-line men's souls that have to block this behemoth. My guess is there won't be much blocking since you can't really block a juggernaut like him. He doesn't get all the coverage that some of these others guys do since he plays for the shitty Rams. Their in LA now so that might start to change and I expect big things from Donald in his third season in the league. I see this Rams D-line being one of the best in the league, Donald will be the most important factor behind it, and he will be in the discussion of this debate all year long. 

Tyrann Mathieu

Photo Via Nola.com

If you don't know the honey badger, you don't know football. He was the leagues biggest defensive playmaker last year before his season was derailed by an ACL tear. Now, if you know Tyrann Mathieu, you know this injury will not affect his future play. Mathieu just has a knack for creating havoc for offenses and has the ability to change the momentum of a ball game in a split second. He's a turnover creating machine and will definitely be coming for that throne. Muk is convinced Mathieu will capture the elusive award this year.

Von Miller

Photo Via USA today

How could we not mention the reigning Super Bowl MVP. Anyone that watched this year's Super Bowl doesn't need an explanation to as why he might win it. We all know what he can do if he can stay healthy or out of trouble all year, but that seems to be a struggle for my man Miller lite. If he can stay on the field for 16 games though... I'm nervous about Michael Strahan losing the single season sack record. It'll be nearly impossible to deny him the award if he does that.

Luke Kuechly

Photo Via Panthers.com

The commander in chief of one of the most elite defenses in the league is always a threat to win. Luke Kuechly, is the only player to win one of these awards besides JJ of course. So he's already proven he can get the job done. My guess is, Luke ain't too happy about that Super Bowl loss, I expect his play this season to reflect that.

Khalil Mack

Photo Via Raiders.com

This guy is your winner. Khalil Mack, will dethrone JJ Watt, and become every little kids new icon. He was All Pro at two different positions last year,  I didn't even know that was possible. This guy is so good at both positions that they were like, actually take home two trophies.  This year he'll will be taking home those two and a third one that says, Defensive Player of the Year. This is one bad bad man, every quarterback he faces will be living in a nightmare that on that given Sunday. I think Mack might be a long shot with all these other great candidates, but i believe his play will do the convincing.