Defensive linemen have dominated the conversation surrounding the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in recent years. That would largely be the case again this season if it weren\u2019t for a star cornerback that has played at a historically good level from start to finish. New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore is the sizable favorite to win the award but he\u2019s coming off a shaky Week 17 where he was burned for 131 yards by DeVante Parker. Is he a lock to win it or will another player sneak in and win it?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As much as defensive linemen have dominated the DPOY conversation in past seasons, Gilmore has transcended positions with an absolutely outstanding year by any standards. When lined up in man coverage, Gilmore held opposing quarterbacks to just 24-of-66 for 280 yards and zero touchdowns. He produced 20 combined interceptions and passes defended, nearly matching the number of receptions he allowed. After holding opposing quarterbacks to an almost unbelievably low 12.2 passer rating, it\u2019s clear that Gilmore has separated himself from the rest of the pack as the clear DPOY favorite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barrett quickly became a household name in 2019 when he led the NFL with 19.5 sacks. After overtaking Chandler Jones of the Arizona Cardinals for the outright sack lead late in the year, Barrett\u2019s odds jumped from +1400 to win to +800 after a three-sack output in Week 17. Does he have a legitimate shot at beating out Gilmore for the DPOY? Over the last 10 years, seven of the 10 winners were edge rushers or interior defensive linemen. The challenge is that Barrett played for a losing team on a defense that gave up the fourth-most yards. Gilmore has the advantage of playing for a defense that\u2019s allowed the fewest points in the NFL this season. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Watt put himself in the conversation for DPOY with an outstanding season, finishing with the most sacks among NFL linebackers with 14.5. Adding to that impressive number, Watt also registered eight forced fumbles, eight pass defenses and two interceptions for a phenomenal season at the position. The fact that he is in just his third NFL season adds to how impressive those numbers are, even if they don\u2019t register enough with the voters to help him beat out Gilmore for the award. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
While it\u2019s almost impossible to bank on anybody other than Barrett or Watt upsetting Gilmore to take the DPOY honors, that doesn\u2019t mean it isn\u2019t worth putting a small amount of money down on a sleeper pick. Jordan finished third in the NFL with 15.5 sacks as the heart of a Saints defense that wouldn\u2019t have been nearly as effective without him. Considering the role he played on a popular team as a fan favorite, he might just have an outside shot at winning the award. The Saints are among the top teams in the NFL and Jordan is a key piece on that defense. That will give him an edge on guys like Watt, Barrett and Chandler Jones, whose teams didn\u2019t even make the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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