We surveyed GMs across the 3GML to get their take on who would be winning the various season-end awards after the dust settles on the 2021 season. The predictions this year are fascinating as the four teams are closer to one another than they have ever been before.
MVP: Jalen Hurts (2 votes)
The Dolphins have a loaded roster this season after EP went all in on talent acquisition. However, as with most NFL teams, Miami will only go as far as their quarterback play allows. It appears there is confidence Hurts will be able to deliver given the abundance of weapons at his disposal. If the Dolphins are successful this season, Hurts will be deserving of the ultimate individual award.
Others receiving votes: Stefon Diggs (1 vote), George Kittle (1 vote)
Offensive Player of the Year: Stefon Diggs (3 votes)
Diggs proved quite instrumental in Green Bay's Super Bowl run last year and is one of the best receivers in the NFL. It's one thing when Aaron Rodgers is throwing the ball your way, it's quite another when an unproven second-year quarterback (Tua Tagovailoa) is taking on that task. Regardless, the consensus is Diggs' talent will transcend the transition to a new QB and he will find himself on the receiving end of a lot of touchdown passes.
Others receiving votes: Alvin Kamara (1 vote)
Defensive Player of the Year: Budda Baker (2 votes)
From Kyle Lauletta winner to defensive player of the year? It looks as though the GMs of the 3GML expect big things from Baker who has matured before our eyes. Known early in his career as a big hitter who could never make big interceptions, Baker has changed perception around the league. The Packers like to move Baker all over the place in order to get him the best chance to blow plays up. Multiple big-time interceptions will all but lock up this award for the 5th year safety.
Others receiving votes: Stephon Gilmore (1 vote), Brian Burns (1 vote)
Offensive Rookie of the Year: Justin Fields (4 votes)
The only unanimous selection in our poll and it makes sense. Fields is the only rookie the 3GML to play the most important position in all of sports. If he has success, this award will be unanimous at the end of the season too. Reports out of 49ers camp have been positive, so much so, that GM CD traded his main competition, Teddy Bridgewater, after one week of camp. Fields will be given every opportunity this season to show he is "the guy."
Defensive Rookie of the Year: *Tie* Azeez Ojulari (2 votes), Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (2 votes)
There are a lot of potential candidates for DROY this season, more so than maybe any other year. However, two names rose to the top when GMs were asked. Ojulari seems like a safe pick as Houston will need him to play the majority of snaps starting week one. A first round talent on many boards, Ojulari fell to Houston in the 2nd. The chip on his shoulder may be enough to drive him to winning this award. Like Ojulari, Owusu-Koramoah will be asked to play right away in the Dolphin's defense. The rookie has already shown plenty of promise in camp and is the prototype Miami linebacker. We know he's going to fly sideline to sideline and make numerous tackles. If he can add a few timely turnovers to his stat sheet, the award is his.
Special Teams Player of the Year: Rodrigo Blankenship (2 votes)
The goggled-kicker from Houston was our leading vote-getter. Blankenship was a crucial part of the Texans 5-game winning streak to end the season last year, hitting multiple game winners. Houston will likely rely on him again as there are questions about quarterback heading into the season. If the offense stalls on the opposition's side of the field, Blankenship will be ready.
Others receiving votes: Raheem Mostert (1 vote), Jason Sanders (1 vote)
Coach of the Year: Kyle Shanahan (2 votes)
Our GMs expect big things from Shanahan and his rookie quarterback. He has been called the quarterback whisperer in the past, so if he can set Justin Fields up for success, San Francisco is going to win games. Additionally, the 49ers are doing a soft reset of their roster, so if they make the playoffs with less talent than last year, Shanahan will be a big part of that success.
Others receiving votes: David Shaw (1 vote), Eric Bieniemy (1 vote)
GM of the Year: EP (3 votes)
EP is back and pushing all his chips to the center of the table (while still maintaining future draft capital no less!). Offseason trades for Julio Jones and Stephon Gilmore were big moves GMs loved while draft picks Kwitty Paye, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, and Elijah Molden are expected to shine. EP also stands ahead of his peers in large part to his selection of Jalen Hurts in the first-round last spring. Opposing GMs didn't necessarily agree with where Miami selected it's quarterback, but it looks like EP was right to trust his gut. A big year is expected for Miami due to a loaded roster and if reality matches those expectations, EP will be recognized for his efforts.
Others receiving votes: CD (1 vote)
