The AFC East is loaded with talent and is the clear-cut toughest division in football. There are so many elite players in this division that standing out in the pack may prove more difficult than if one was in any other division. So who will separate from the rest as best in the 3GML? We polled the 4 GMs in the division to get their preseason take on who would be taking home the awards hardware at seasons end.
MVP - QB Aaron Rodgers (4 votes) - It's unanimous. All those we spoke to think this is the year Rodgers takes the next step as leader of the Bills offense. The talent has always been there but he's been overshadowed by others in the division (including members of his own team) in the past. With the weapons he has on offense in Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks, Juju Smith-Schuster, Hunter Henry, and the newly acquired Kyle Rudolph, anything less than MVP numbers would make for a disappointing season. Look for the Bills offense to push for some long-held 3GML records this season.
Others receiving votes: None
Other players who could win the award: Sam Darnold, Myles Garrett, Julio Jones, Alvin Kamara, Andrew Luck.
Offensive Player of the Year - RB Alvin Kamara (4 votes) - While Rodgers was voted to be the most valuable to his team, the GMs think Kamara will have the most explosive offensive numbers this season. He brings a unique blend of talents that make him a matchup nightmare for most defenses. One GM we spoke to expects him to push for 2,000 all-purpose yards in 2019. Quarterback Andrew Luck has already expressed how much he appreciates having Kamara as a safety net in his new offense, so look for the two to develop quite the chemistry this season.
Others receiving votes: None
Other players who could win the award: Robby Anderson, Sam Darnold, Todd Gurley, Julio Jones, George Kittle, Andrew Luck, Aaron Rodgers, Juju Smith-Schuster.
Defensive Player of the Year - DE Myles Garrett (4 votes) - Another unanimous pick by the AFC East GMs. Garrett has been everything a number one overall pick should be and potentially more. He has gotten better each year and benefits from playing alongside Geno Atkins on the Bills defensive line. There is no way to double them both, so look for Garrett to continually disrupt the offense this season. A 15+ sack season is not out of the question here.
Others receiving votes: None
Other players who could win the award: Jamal Adams, Geno Atkins, Trey Flowers, Derwin James, Desmond King, Marshon Lattimore.
Offensive Rookie of the Year - RB David Montgomery (4 votes) - Montgomery is the hands on favorite for this award based on the fact he is likely to see the most action as an offensive rookie in the 3GML. That doesn't mean the GMs think he won't be good however. One GM we spoke to loved this draft pick as they see him fitting perfectly into Adam Gase's offensive system and expect Montgomery to excel immediately. Is the rookie up for the wear and tear of a 16 game NFL season? It looks the consensus is, "Yes."
Others receiving votes: None
Other players who could win the award: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, Erik McCoy, Jace Sternberger.
Defensive Rookie of the Year - LB Devin Bush (3 votes) - Like Montgomery, Bush will likely be the beneficiary of lots of playing time. He will be a 3-down player for the Bills and put into a position to make plays as their "Mike." Bush will likely have some stiff competition for this award as there will be multiple defensive rookies seeing the field this season in the 3GML. If he can step up and be the player Buffalo thinks he can be, the award will be his.
Others receiving votes: DE Brian Burns
Other players who could win this award: Nasir Adderley, Brian Burns, Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, Byron Murphy, Deionte Thompson, Greedy Williams.
Special Teams Player of the Year - K Jason Myers (2 votes) - Myers was paid like a top 10 kicker in the league and he is expected to play like one according to our poll. The kicking game is huge in the NFL and there will be multiple times this season where the Jets will be in close games. Myers will likely be the difference between a W and a L. If he comes through, he's a hero. If not, the likely scapegoat in the Big Apple.
Others receiving votes: Michael Dickson, Tyler Newsome.
Other players who could win this award: Michael Dickson, Tyler Newsome, Jason Sanders.
Coach of the Year - Adam Gase (3 votes) - Well it was quite the opening press conference for Gase. Many in the media and on the internet were quick to jump on his "crazy eyes" and declare him a poor choice for New York. Our poll shows this of little concern when it comes down to Xs and Os. Most GMs see Gase's deep knowledge of the game as the main reason he wins this award. The other reason? The Jets have the lowest expectations in the division and any success this season looks like a win in comparison.
Others receiving votes: Chris Petersen
Other coaches who could win this award: Brian Flores, Chris Peterson.