Top five NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates

As the 2023 NFL season draws to a close, competition for NFL Defensive Player of the Year is intensifying. The top five contenders for DPOY this year are shown below.

1) Myles Garrett, Browns defensive end

Although Garrett has yet to receive his first DPOY Award, he is undoubtedly on track to do it by the halfway point of the year. With the third-most sacks (8.5) and forced fumbles (4) in the NFL, the former No. 1 overall pick in 2017 is off to a spectacular start on one of the greatest defenses in the league.

The 27-year-old demonstrated his versatility by stopping a critical field goal in Week 7’s victory over the Colts. It’s possible that Jim Schwartz, the new defensive coordinator, was what Garrett needed to elevate his performance. So far, the two have shown themselves to be a match made in heaven.

2) T.J. Watt, Steelers linebacker

After missing almost half of the 2022 season due to a damaged pectoral muscle, the 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is vying for his second consecutive award in 2023. With the third-most sacks (8.5) and eighth-most forced fumbles (2) in the league, Watt has continued where he left off.

With six passes defensed and an interception, he has also been a disruptive force against opponents’ pass rushes, helping the Steelers pull off a Week 7 victory against the Rams. In addition, Watt has been performing all of this while All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward has been out. Watt should become even more dominant after his comeback.

3) Danielle Hunter, Vikings linebacker

Despite not making much noise early in the season, Hunter has led the NFL in tackles for a loss (12) and sacks (10) through eight games. The former third-round selection has forced the second-most fumbles this season (3).

The 29-year-old is on track to surpass his career-best 14.5 sacks after posting back-to-back seasons with 10 or more sacks. Hunter might just be able to surpass Garrett and Watt, who still receive the majority of the country’s attention, if he can accomplish that feat.

4) DaRon Bland, Cowboys cornerback

Among the major surprises of the 2023 season has been Bland. The 2022 fifth-round pick has the second-highest number of interceptions (4) and has led the league in touchdowns scored from three of them. He also has nine passes defensed, which is third most.

The 24-year-old’s remarkable pace will be extremely difficult to maintain, but we have seen it with Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs in 2021 when he recorded 11 interceptions and two touchdowns. Bland will undoubtedly have a chance to win the 2023 DPOY award if he can consistently get the ball in his hands.

5) Josh Allen, Jaguars linebacker

Even though Allen has the second-most sacks (9) and eighth-most forced fumbles (2) in the league, his strong start to the season has gone unnoticed. In 2023, the former No. 7 overall choice is expected to have by far his greatest season yet.

Because he is on what is likely the best team out of the top five candidates, the 26-year-old’s DPOY stock could also increase. To earn NFL Defensive Player of the Year, you need to have a strong stat line at the conclusion of the season, but you also need to be a valuable member of a playoff squad.