2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: Regular Season Award Favorites

2014 NFL Picks and Predictions: Regular Season Award Favorites: The 2014 NFL regular season is officially in the books, and before the playoffs begin and teams begin the quest for a Super Bowl title, it is time to take a quick look at the players that I believe will ultimately walk away with the top individual honors in the league. Although there are some awards that seem like no-brainers, there are also a couple that are very much in doubt, including the 2014 NFL MVP Award.

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

This is one of the toughest MVP calls in recent memory, and although J.J. Watt and DeMarco Murray are just a couple of the other players that could make strong cases, I expect Rodgers to ultimately snag the honor. He finished second in the NFL in quarterback rating and yards per pass attempt and third in passing touchdowns. He also led the Packers to a 12-4 record and a first-round bye. His three-touchdown performance on an injured leg in the season finale to clinch the division likely sealed the deal.

Defensive Player of the Year: J.J. Watt, Defensive End, Houston Texans

Considering he put himself in the conversation for MVP honors, it should be no surprise that Watt is the easy choice for Defensive Player of the Year. He finished second in the NFL with 17.5 sacks, and he also defensed 10 passes, blocked a kick, forced five fumbles, recovered three fumbles and returned an interception 80 yards for a score. Watt’s production becomes even more ridiculous when you factor in that he plays in a 3-4 scheme and faces double teams on every snap. He is an unstoppable force on defense.

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Odell Beckham Jr., Wide Receiver, New York Giants

Beckham capped an impressive rookie season with 12 catches for 185 yards and a score, and in the process, he set an NFL record for the most receiving yards by a player in the first 12 games of their career. He finished the year with 1,305 yards and 12 scores to go along with several highlight-reel catches. He should win this award in a landslide.

Defensive Rookie of the Year: C.J. Mosley, Inside Linebacker, Baltimore Ravens

He more than lived up to his reputation as an NFL-ready product this season. His 126 tackles were good enough to rank seventh in the entire league, and Mosley also flashed excellent versatility for an inside linebacker. He logged 3.0 sacks, two interceptions and eight passes defensed, showcasing his ability to drop back in coverage and be a playmaker behind the line of scrimmage. Mosley is the total package at the inside linebacker position, and should win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.

Comeback Player of the Year: Rob Gronkowski, Tight End, New England Patriots

Between his back, his arm and his knee, “Gronk” has certainly been banged up the last couple of years, but he bounced back in a big way in 2014. He finished the year with 82 catches for 1,124 yards and 12 scores despite playing limited snaps for the first four games of the season. He also played in 15 games compared to just 18 games combined in the previous two seasons, and he basically doubled his production from his previous two campaigns. The fact that his return to full strength coincided with New England’s run to the top of the AFC should cement his status as Comeback Player of the Year.