5 NFL MVP candidates who aren’t quarterbacks for 2020
The 2020 NFL MVP race could have some surprise candidates. We look at 5 non-QB prospects to win the prize.
5. DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Arizona Cardinals
The Associated Press has been handing out the NFL MVP since 1957. How many receivers have won the award? Zero. Maybe having Hopkins on this list is asinine, and should simply be five running backs. After all, a kicker (Mark Moseley) has won an MVP award, but not a receiver. Still, Hopkins makes sense. He’s going to be incredibly motivated after the Houston Texans dumped him on the cheap to the Cardinals. He’s also going to be the main weapon on an offense loaded with them. Look for a huge, huge year.
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4. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans
Henry led all running backs in 2019 by averaging 102 yards per game on the ground. Over the second half of last year, Henry was the league’s best back, notching seven 100-yard efforts in eight weeks, including the Wild Card and Divisional playoff rounds. Maybe it’s impossible for Henry to keep anywhere near that pace. But if he does, he would need to strongly be considered as the first MVP from his position since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
3. Aaron Donald, DT, Los Angeles Rams
Donald is the best defensive player in football. While Lawrence Taylor in 1986 was the last player on that side of the ball to win the hardware, it’s not impossible. Over the past three seasons, Donald has racked up an absurd 44 sacks despite playing against constant double-teams on the interior of the line. In 2018, Donald totaled 20.5 sacks and has earned All-Pro honors in each of the past five campaigns. If the Rams rebound and Donald is at the forefront of the renaissance, maybe he sneaks into the mix.
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2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, Carolina Panthers
McCaffrey has to be on the short list of MVP candidates even if quarterbacks are included. Last year, McCaffrey amassed 2,392 total yards from scrimmage, easily the most last year and in over a decade. In fact, the total put him third all-time for such yards in a single season. In the prime of his career and with a team that has a limited quarterback in Teddy Bridgewater, McCaffrey is going to get his chances. If he has another phenomenal year and the Panthers surprise, he’ll be in the conversation.
1. Saquon Barkley, RB, New York Giants
This is an easy case. The Giants aren’t good. If they make the playoffs, it’s likely because Daniel Jones played well and Barkley was otherworldly. Barkley, a supreme talent in New York and a big name to boot, would garner ample consideration in such a scenario.
