Pittsburgh Steelers OLB T.J. Watt is looking to win his second AP Defensive Player of the Year award, and while he remains the favorite, his competition is increasing as the season wears on. While we’ve seen Denver Broncos EDGE Nik Bonitto increase his odds, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler threw a few other names into the ring, including the possibility that a defensive back wins the award.
“Though Watt is the most consistent name that comes up when talking with NFL personnel, this race feels more wide open than in past years. That leaves room for the first defensive back recipient since Stephon Gilmore in 2019.