By: Will Aimette

Offensive Rookie of the Year

Player: Tetairoa McMillan

This race was one of the closest in the NFL, at least until Week 11. Between Tyler Warren and Emeka Egbuka, McMillan certainly had a lot of competition. But in Week 11, McMillan had 130 yards and two touchdowns, starting a tear he would continue on for the rest of the season. For me, the main difference between him and other rookies is their target share. Tight end Tyler Warren is only the second option on the Colts; Michael Pittman Jr. remains the heavy favorite to catch a pass. Same goes for wide receiver Emeka Egbuka on the Bucs, he is their third favorite target, and dropped all the way to the fourth target when Mike Evans returned. McMillan, however, was Bryce Young’s clear favorite target, as he was the only rookie to accumulate 1,000 yards.

Defensive Rookie of the year

Player: Carson Schwesinger

Carson Schwesinger was clearly the best rookie, and it was apparent since week one. He posted 156 tackles over the season, good enough for sixth in the NFL for that stat. I also don’t see any other candidates that could compete with him; Abdul Carter had a mediocre season, and James Pearce Jr didn't quite make as big of an impression. I don’t think this race will be close and Schwesinger should win this one nearly unanimously.

Most valuable player

Player: Matthew Stafford

I don’t believe Stafford should win this award by any means, yet I am almost certain he will. Between him and Drake Maye, I think Drake Maye was more “valuable” to his team. And that's what the MVP is, right? Not anymore. The MVP award has become a stat race. Put Drake Maye on the Rams, with Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. He’ll be just as good, if not better. If you put Stafford on the Patriots, I’m not even sure they’ll make the playoffs. Now there is the argument that Drake Maye had easier opponents, which is valid, but it’s really more of a personal preference on which QB you prefer. I think the voters will prefer the slightly better stats, which will result in Matthew Stafford winning MVP.

Offensive Player of the year

player: Jaxson Smith-Njigba

I would be perfectly fine with this award going to four different players; Jaxson Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Christian McCaffery, or Bijan Robinson. The reason I give JSN the edge is mostly because of what he’s done for his team. Sam Darnold isn’t a top ten quarterback by any standard. But he takes shots down the field, and JSN can make him so good, as he catches those shots. He is their entire offense; without him means the defense focuses on Kenneth Walker, and then their offense is bare. Not to mention he had nearly 1,800 yards, the most in the NFL.

Defensive Player of the Year

Player: Myles garrett

Myles Garret had one of the most successful defensive seasons of all time. Possibly the most successful. He set the sacks record at 23, the most in NFL history. I can’t see anyone stealing this award from him, as this vote should be unanimous. The fact that he isn’t considered in MVP voting is just ridiculous.

Comeback player of the year

Player: Christian McCaffery

Christian McCaffery is another guy who should clearly win his award. After tearing his ACL, he trained for over six months in the offseason to be ready for this season, and he didn’t disappoint. He had almost 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving, and is up for consideration for MVP. Need I say more?

NFL Award predictions