MVP: Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson has been one of the most consistent starting quarterbacks in the NFL since his MVP season in 2019. Lamar is one of the most electrifying players in the NFL, as he is a good passer, along with being one of the best rushing quarterbacks ever. Last season in 12 games played Jackson had 2,242 passing yards and 17 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 62.3%. On the ground, Jackson had 764 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 6.8 yards per carry. Jackson has much better weapons from last season, as the Ravens signed Odell Beckham Jr. in free agency, and drafted Zay Flowers at pick 22. Along with adding two wide receivers, the Ravens still have Mark Andrews who is one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Lamar should be back to his MVP form from 2019 this season, and yet again become a top player in the NFL. Because Jackson has all of the talent and the best weapons he has ever had in his career, he should be a huge MVP contender.
OPOY: Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey is one of the best and most versatile players in the NFL, which makes him an incredible weapon. McCaffrey is one of the best pure running backs in the NFL, but he is also one of the best pass-catching running backs in the NFL. Last season, Christian McCaffrey had 1,139 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, while averaging 4.7 yards per carry, along with having 85 receptions, 741 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns. McCaffrey runs behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, as the 49ers offensive line is led by Trent Williams, who is the best offensive lineman in the NFL. McCaffrey also has George Kittle blocking for him, who is one of the most successful blocking tight ends. McCaffrey has a very reliable quarterback in Brock Purdy, who consistently makes accurate throws which allows McCaffrey to gain yards after the catch. McCaffrey is extremely well-rounded, which makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. McCaffrey is bound to have a massive season in the 49ers offense, which could catapult him to winning his first-ever Offensive Player of the Yard Award.
DPOY: Myles Garrett, DE, Cleveland Browns
Myles Garrett is a beast off the edge, making him a quarterback's worst nightmare. Garrett has an array of pass-rushing moves that allow him to easily pressure the quarterback. Last season Garrett had 60 tackles, 16 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. Garrett is also an athletic freak since he possesses great speed, strength, and size, as he is 6 foot 4 inches, and 272 pounds. Last season Garrett finished 5th in Defensive Player of the Year award voting last season, but this season is his season to finally get over the hump and win his first Defensive Player of the Year Award.
OROY: Bijan Robinson, RB, Texas
Bijan Robinson was the 8th pick in the 2023 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, which makes him the highest-drafted drafted running-back since the Giants selected Saquon Barkley in 2018. The 2022 Unanimous All-American and Doak Walker Award winner was a force to be reckoned with, on the ground, at Texas. Last season Robinson had 1,580 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns, while averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Bijan is also a threat out to catch passes out of the backfield, as he had 314 receiving yards, 19 receptions and 2 touchdowns. Getting drafted out to the Falcons was a perfect scenario for Robinson, as he will immediately get time to shine to the Falcons offense. The Falcons head coach Authur Smith, loves to use running backs in a creative way, thus allowing Bijan to flourish in the Authur Smith led Falcons offense. Robinson will make the most of the opportunities given to him by the Falcons, since he has so much talent, which makes him a massive contender to win Offensive Rookie of the Year.
DROY: Will Anderson Jr., DE, Houston Texans
After an incredible 3 seasons at Alabama, winning the: Bronko Nagurski Trophy in 2021 and 2022, Chuck Bednarik Award in 2022, Lott Trophy in 2022, SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 and 2022, and being a Unanimous All-American in 2021 and 2022, he would be selected by the Houston Texans at pick 3 in the 2023 NFL Draft. Last season Anderson had 51 tackles, 10 sacks, and a pick-six. Anderson will immediately have a big role for the Texans, as the Texans defensive line was subpar last year. Anderson will be able to show his standout pass-rushing ability, which will propel him high in the Defensive Rookie of the Year candidacy.
CPOY: Damar Hamlin, S, Buffalo Bills
Last season Damar Hamlin suffered a gruesome injury, which put him into cardiac arrest. Hamlin recovered from this injury quicker than anybody thought. Hamlin is expected to play at some point during this NFL season. Hamlin’s determination to get back on the football, and put a Buffalo Bills jersey on is inspirational, thus making him the undoubted Comeback Player of the Year.
COY: Dan Campbell, Detroit Lions
This season will be Dan Campbell's 3rd season as the Lions head coach, and under Campbell the Lions have improved massively. In Campbell’s 1st season with the Lions, in 2021, the Lions finished with a 3-13-1 record. The Lions jumped to having a 9-8 record in Campbell’s 2nd year and being one win away from a playoff berth. Campbell has a very special coaching style, in which he is the most motivating coach in the NFL. The Lions roster is the best it has been since Campbell was hired as coach, so the Lions should improve on their 9-8 record from last season. With the combination of a great roster behind him, which should perform like a high-caliber team, and a phenomenal coaching philosophy, Dan Campbell should be a huge contender for the Coach of the Year award.