With the 2022 NFL season less than a week away, predictions regarding division winners, conference champions, and Super Bowl victors have spread like wildfire.
The banter about the league will only get louder until the Buffalo Bills and the Los Angeles Rams start the season on September 8.
Aside from the team predictions, football fans and experts also speculate about which players will receive individual awards.
Some of the biggest distinctions at stake are Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
One of the more thrilling races this season might be the quest for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Last season, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons was the undisputed winner after finishing with 64 solo tackles, 13 sacks, and three forced fumbles.
In contrast, this year’s race for that award might be hotly contested.
The 2022 DROY will be _____. pic.twitter.com/wUByCInynY
— NFL (@NFL) September 1, 2022
Several players are favored to be named the best rookie on defense until the season starts.
There’s Travon Walker, who the Jacksonville Jaguars made the top overall selection.
Taken one spot after him was the Detroit Lions’ Aidan Hutchinson, who was also projected to be a top overall pick.
There’s also safety Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens and New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux.
Other Strong Candidates For Defensive Rookie Of The Year
Two cornerbacks, Derek Stingley Jr. and Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, could also have a say regarding the award.
Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jordan Davis could also become a disruptive force.
Trent McDuffie and Kaiir Elam could be the dark horses for this competition.
These players will be ushered in a new era of defensive football if they all live up to the hype.
Opposing offenses better beware when facing any one of them.
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