The end of the regular season means it's time to hand out some hardware to the most outstanding players in the NFL. Each of this year's Awards have produced some hot debate, and it was difficult to choose just one player for each honor. Here are my picks for the 2017 end of the year awards.
Comeback Player of the Year: Case Keenum
Case Keenum was benched for Jared Goff last season as the Rams fell apart and finished the year 4-12 under Jeff Fisher. Keenum began this season as the Vikings' backup quarterback behind Sam Bradford, but he was thrust into action in Week 2 after Bradford suffered a knee injury.
Keenum has led the Vikings to an 11-3 record as a starter, and he also won a game in relief of Bradford after he tried to return to the field against Chicago. Keenum finished the year second amongst QB's in completion percentage, seventh in adjusted net yards per attempt, and he led three game-winning drives on the way to claiming an NFC North championship.
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Alvin Kamara
Alvin Kamara was the 67th overall pick in last offseason's draft, but he was the most impactful rookie on the offensive side of the ball this year.
The former Tennessee Volunteer led the league by a wide margin with 6.1 yards per carry this season, and he finished second in the NFL in rushing/receiving touchdowns despite sharing time with Mark Ingram in the Saints' backfield.
Kamara also led all running backs in elusive rating according to Pro Football Focus.
The Saints couldn't have won the NFC South without Alvin Kamara's dynamic ability to create big plays in both the passing and running game this year.
Defensive Rookie of the Year: TreDavious White
This award created one of the toughest decisions as it came down to two outstanding rookie cornerbacks in Marshon Lattimore and TreDavious White.
However, White edges out Lattimore by playing in all 16 games this year while Lattimore missed three games during the regular season.
According to Pro Football Focus, White earned the third-highest grade among all cornerbacks this season as he allowed a reception on just 1 of every 15.8 coverage snaps in 2017. White's stellar play helped the Bills make their first playoff appearance since 1999 this year.
Offensive Player of the Year: Todd Gurley
Todd Gurley made a strong case for winning the MVP award this season as he led the league in rushing/receiving touchdowns and yards from scrimmage this season despite resting in Week 17 as Los Angeles prepared for the first round of the playoffs. The Rams built one of the league's best offenses around Gurley's dynamic skill set, and he was the most valuable non-quarterback in the NFL this season.
Defensive Player of the Year: Aaron Donald
The Rams sweep the offensive and defensive player of the year awards as Aaron Donald put in another impressive season in 2017. Donald could, and probably should, win this award every year as he single-handedly destroys opposing offenses from the interior of the defensive line.
He sacked the quarterback 11 times from his defensive tackle position this year with 15 tackles for loss, and forced 5 fumbles as the Rams cruised to an NFC West title in their first year under head coach Sean McVay.
MVP: Tom Brady
At 40 years old, Tom Brady continues to be the league's best quarterback as he had one of the best years of his career in 2017. Brady led the league in passing yards while he finished third in passing touchdowns, passer rating, and adjusted yards per pass attempt this year. The Golden Boy led the Patriots to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs yet again this season despite a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league. Brady and the Patriots are in a good position to defend their Super Bowl title, and he should win his third regular season MVP award this year.
