Has there been a better offensive rookie in recent memory? Has there been a better season from a rookie runningback in recent memory? We were spoiled last season by Ezekiel Elliot making an MVP run during his rookie season, but he was running behind maybe the best offensive line combination of all time. Kareem Hunt is making waves on a bad Chiefs offense and carrying the team on his back. Through 5 games, Hunt has over 600 yards on less than 100 carries and 6 touchdowns. He is on pace for 1800 rushing yards, which would obviously shatter any rookie rushing record. Hunt plays a different style of running back then most of our generations greats. He is a combination of Marshawn Lynch and Devonta Freeman.
Runner Up: Deshaun Watson, QB, Houston
I would imagine that the common man has not heard much buzz around Jarrad Davis this season. The fact remains that he is the head of a tremendous defensive turnaround on one of this years best defensive units. Davis is leading all rookies in tackles and all rookie linebackers in tackles for loss, including EDGE linebackers. Davis took over signal calling for the Detroit Lions defense in day one, and no rookie has made more of an impact on a defense than Jarrad Davis.
Runner Up: Tre'Davious White, CB, Buffalo Bills
What a season Kansas City has had so far. Their defensive schemes have consistently smothered their opponents, and their offensive play calling has produced a generational performance from a rookie running back. Reid has found ways to effectively shut out their opponents best playmakers while getting the ball into the hands of their own playmakers. This should be Reid, and it shouldn't be close.
Runner Up: Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams
At the end of last season, Jared Goff's rookie year, there were pundits placing Goff on a list with Ryan Leaf and Jamaracus Russell. Goff has responded with the leagues best QBR and statement wins. He looks like the real deal, and is making the Rams look smart for taking him first. Just goes to show that coaching and development are everything in the NFL.
Runner Up: Todd Gurley, RB, Los Angeles Rams
A third of the way through the season, and Carson Wentz is making a strong case to be this years MVP. Wentz has the Eagles flying high, tied for the most wins in the NFC and maintaining control on the NFC East. Wentz has been a touchdown machine this season, and has been effective at getting all of his weapons involved. Wentz has shown much improved mechanics and other-worldy decision making and he looks like one of the next great quarterbacks of our era.
Runner Up: Kareem Hunt, RB, Kansas City
Through 5 weeks, Thomas has already racked up 2 NFC DPOY awards. On a team that is suddenly devoid of talent on both sides of the ball, Thomas leads a defense that imposes its will on opponents. Quarterbacks know to check the deep ball against Seattle, and recievers know to be weary coming across the middle against Earl Thomas. Much of this depends on if he can stay healthy, but if he can then his stats and turnovers will come to match with the level that he has been playing at.
Runner Up: DeMarcus Lawrence, DE, Dallas
Oh how I wanted to give this award to Carson Wentz so bad... Unfortunately, I see a big jump in play from the Patriots offense forthcoming. Brady's defense is quite horrendous, which forces the offense to put up points to keep them in the game. If the Patriots can garner 10+ wins this season while their defense gives up over 20 points a game, it will be tough to choose anyone else for this spot.
Runner Up: Carson Wentz, QB, Philadelphia
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