Myles Garrett Leads Edge Rusher Nominees for Defensive Player of the Year
Browns defensive end Myles Garrett is set to claim the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award after establishing a new record for sacks in a season. With his impressive tally, Garrett leads the list of edge rusher nominees for this prestigious honor.
Myles Garrett and the Competitive Field of Edge Rushers
The NFL has announced the five finalists for the Defensive Player of the Year, all of whom are edge rushers. Joining Garrett on this elite list are:
- Will Anderson (Houston)
- Nik Bonitto (Denver)
- Aidan Hutchinson (Detroit)
- Micah Parsons (Green Bay)
Garrett has recorded an astounding 23 sacks this season. Below is a breakdown of sack totals for the other finalists:
| Player | Sacks |
|---|---|
| Myles Garrett | 23 |
| Aidan Hutchinson | 14.5 |
| Nik Bonitto | 14 |
| Micah Parsons | 12.5 |
| Will Anderson | 12 |
Historical Context of the Award
The previous holder of the award is cornerback Patrick Surtain II, marking a rare win for a secondary player. It is predominantly pass rushers who receive this accolade, raising questions about the voting process. Many feel the panel might prioritize fame over overall defensive prowess.
Voter Trends and Rankings
This year’s voting panel for the Defensive Player of the Year also selects the All-Pro team. Interestingly, Aidan Hutchinson and Nik Bonitto were ranked sixth and seventh among pass rushers, respectively. This discrepancy hints at potential biases within the voting system.
As the NFL Honors ceremony approaches, it appears almost certain that Myles Garrett will take home the trophy. This conclusion also clarifies that players in other defensive positions, such as interior defensive linemen and linebackers, face challenges in receiving this recognition.
