My Picks for 2016 NFL Awards

Storyline: NFL ’16 is in the air! Which players and coaches will have outstanding seasons? Here are my picks.

I’m really excited for the NFL season to get going!

With NFL Training Camps getting ready to start this week, and the regular season right around the corner, I’d thought I’d give my picks for some of the biggest awards that will be given out when the season is over. They are: Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, NFL MVP, FedEx Air Player of the Year (Best QB), NFL Coach of the Year, and NFL Assistant Coach of the Year.

Here they are….

Courtesy: nj.com

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Ezekiel Elliot

Elliot, the running back out of Ohio State, was drafted 4th overall by the Dallas Cowboys. I expect him to do big things. When I watch his tape from college he shows the ability to excel at all of the things you want from a running back–speed, explosiveness, power, pass catching and pass protection. And with the Cowboys having arguably the best offensive line in the NFL, and a solid QB in Tony Romo, I expect Elliot to rush for no less than 1,000 yards and be the POY.

Other candidates: Paxton Lynch, Jared Goff, and Derek Henry

Defensive Rookie of the Year: Vernon Hargreaves

I thought the Buccaneers got a steal drafting this Florida alum at number 11. In in college Hargreaves showed how versatile of a player he could be making plays on the outside, in the slot, and in the return game. His presence made teams want to throw the ball away from him, but he still found ways to make plays. With his speed and mentorship from fellow CB Brent Grimes and Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith, I expect Hargraves to have season similar to what the Chiefs’ Marcus Peters had last year.

Other candidates: Joey Bosa, Eli Apple, Jalen Ramsey, and Myles Jack

Courtesy: thesportingnews.com

NFL MVP: Todd Gurley

This is a tough one as there are many good candidates. But I’ll go with Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams. Gurley, who missed the beginning of last season, still rushed for over 1,000 yards. And in a full season I don’t expect him to do anything less. This guy powers right through the middle of the defense. He’s unstoppable once he gets in the open field. I expect Jared Goff to do big things at QB. And the best thing you can have is a great running back … and they have that! Gurley will power his way to the MVP Award.

Other candidates: Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Rodgers, and Cam Newton

Coach of the Year: Bill O’Brien

I think this guy should have won the award last year. Look, O’Brien had the Texans finish 9-7 over the last two years and he achieved those results with practically no QB (ouch, Brian Hoyer and Case Keenum). Now he finally has his guy in Brock Osweiler. O’Brien has a decent running game with Lamar Miller. And no matter how many games JJ Watt misses this year, the defense will still be a force and compete for the Super Bowl.

Other candidates: Pete Caroll, Todd Bowels, John Harbaugh, and Mike McCarthy

Courtesy: GettyImages

Assistant Coach of the Year: Joe Barry

In just a couple of seasons Barry has turned the Washington defense into a solid crew. This year I expect the ‘Skins to shock people and have a top 5 defense. Washington has a great pass rusher in Ryan Kerrigan and a secondary that includes Josh Norman and Breshard Breeland. Barry is the force that molds them into a single, powerful unit.

Other candidates: Mike Smith, Sean McDermott, and Greg Roman

FedEx Air Player of the Year: Aaron Rodgers

Rodgers finally gets his #1 receiver back in Jordy Nelson. With Randall Cobb playing and Richard Rodgers at TE I expect Aaron Rodgers to do big things in the passing game. I can’t wait to see what tricks this gunslinger has up his sleeve in ’16.

Other candidates: Derek Carr, Russel Wilson and Cam Newton

Do you have an opinion on these picks? Sound off in the Comments section and feel free to send me an email.

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