Davante Adams, T.J. Watt, Ja’Marr Chase and one non-quarterback MVP for each NFL staff

Entire offseasons are devoted to dissecting, praising and dismissing NFL quarterbacks.

It’s comprehensible. Only 4 instances within the final 25 years has a quarterback not received league MVP. There have been 33 Super Bowl MVPs at quarterback, with the subsequent closest place group being the large receivers at eight. Not to say the marketplace for quarterbacks approaching astronomical ranges of wealth.

But whereas quarterbacks get all the eye, a staff’s season is made on far more than what occurs behind heart. Which non-quarterbacks are the MVPs for his or her respective NFL staff in 2024? The Athletic’s beat writers compiled their picks and clarify how these gamers might make a major distinction this season.

---

Marvin Harrison Jr., large receiver

Running again James Conner is coming off a 1,000-yard speeding season and is among the many extra underrated backs within the league. Defensively, security Budda Baker is a difference-maker and a terrific instance of how the sport must be performed. But if the Cardinals are to make a leap — as many count on they may — will probably be due to Harrison, their proficient first-round choice. Is it honest to choose a rookie as non-QB MVP? Probably not. But throughout summer time exercises, nearly everybody agreed Harrison is just not your typical NFL rookie. Expectations are excessive. All he has to do is ship. — Doug Haller

Drake London, large receiver

In London’s two years within the NFL, the Falcons quarterbacks (a rotating mixture of Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke) ranked twenty eighth within the league in completion proportion (61.8), twenty seventh in passing touchdowns (34), twenty second in passer ranking (83.7) and twenty first in EPA per dropback. London has led Atlanta in receiving annually since being drafted eighth total in 2022, however he hasn’t topped 1,000 yards in a season but, maxing out at 905 yards. He solely has six profession landing catches, too. London is hopeful the addition of Kirk Cousins will help him change all that. “Let’s simply say I’ve a foul style in my mouth,” London mentioned. “I’ve to go on the market and ball, that’s it. I do know what I can do.” — Josh Kendall

Derrick Henry, operating again

Lamar Jackson has by no means had a dynamic pressure within the backfield like Henry, the 30-year-old who involves Baltimore with a penchant for inflicting punishment on defenders and breaking lengthy runs. Assuming Henry has a seamless transition into the Ravens offense, he ought to open up house for Jackson and create favorable matchups for the staff’s large receivers and tight ends. Like Roquan Smith on the defensive aspect, Henry is a pressure multiplier. If he turns into the piece that helps the Ravens get previous Kansas City and to the Super Bowl, he’ll go down as one of many higher free-agent signings in staff historical past. — Jeff Zrebiec

Terrel Bernard, linebacker

Oh, who on the 2023 roster might probably change Tremaine Edmunds? Still simply 19 years outdated when the Bills drafted him sixteenth total in 2018, Edmunds wore the inexperienced dot that opening day, began all 82 video games he performed and ultimately grew to become a captain earlier than becoming a member of the Chicago Bears as a free agent. Then got here Bernard, who didn’t simply fill the void however overflowed it with splash performs. After beginning as soon as as a rookie, his sophomore marketing campaign led the Bills with 143 tackles, together with three interceptions, three fumble recoveries, 6 1/2 sacks and 10 tackles for losses. But his worth was most realized in his absence. An ankle harm saved him from dressing for the slim playoff loss to Kansas City within the playoffs. Had Bernard been on the sector as a substitute of A.J. Klein, Buffalo in all probability wins. — Tim Graham

Derrick Brown, defensive finish

The first-round decide from 2020 piled up a document 103 tackles in 2023, probably the most by a defensive lineman since 1994 when the stat was first tracked. The breakout season led to a Pro Bowl berth and a profitable extension for the previous Auburn star. However, for Brown to be thought of one of many league’s actually elite defenders, some consider he has to grow to be extra of a pass-rushing pressure (after eight sacks in his first 4 seasons). “You can have a look at the sacks. You can have a look at the pressures. I don’t actually care,” Brown mentioned in December. “If you don’t see I’m a game-wrecker, then I don’t know what to inform you.” — Joseph Person

Montez Sweat, defensive finish

This could be a best-case situation. Sweat is the highest-paid participant on the staff and tasked with sparking its greatest weak point from final season — speeding the passer. Even although he joined midseason, Sweat nonetheless led the Bears with six sacks. He would profit from extra assist alongside the road, however he’s now accustomed to the system, and Matt Eberflus is aware of how you can finest make use of him. That must be a priority for opposing QBs. What the Bears have to do a greater job of is ending opponents after three disastrous blown leads in 2023. Sweat may be that nearer. — Kevin Fishbain

Ja’Marr Chase, large receiver

The re-calibration of Joe Burrow’s weapons didn’t simply add versatility to the brand new items offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher can play with; in addition they increase the one he’s performed with the longest. The position-less nature of the remainder of the receiver and tight finish group permits the Bengals to maneuver Chase round extra and dial up extra explosive performs from totally different alignments. While his total utilization may not go up, the aggressiveness of his targets ought to and units up for the three-time Pro Bowler and 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year to take pleasure in his finest season but. — Paul Dehner Jr.

Myles Garrett, defensive finish

This is an apparent one, relating to Garrett’s expertise degree and what the Browns want from him. It’s been exhausting to place actual expectations on the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year as a result of Garrett makes the troublesome look simple — and since something wanting 15 sacks and a number of video games wrecked would qualify as a disappointment. 2023 was in all probability Garrett’s finest season as a result of it was his most full, and generally he dominated when it didn’t present up within the field rating. The Browns want extra of that, and Garrett appears able to delivering. — Zac Jackson

Micah Parsons, linebacker

Some may counsel CeeDee Lamb, however this one is actually not up for debate. Since Parsons placed on a Cowboys helmet, solely the Kansas City Chiefs have had extra regular-season success. Dallas has received 12 video games every of these three seasons. Parsons is arguably the NFL’s finest defender. But like many others on the staff, he hasn’t performed his finest when it has mattered most in January. If Parsons can keep wholesome and be at his finest late within the season, he has the expertise to be the difference-maker in Dallas lastly making a deep playoff run. Most consider the Cowboys go as Dak Prescott goes, however a case could possibly be made for Parsons really being the driving pressure. — Jon Machota

Pat Surtain II, cornerback

There is not any questioning Surtain’s expertise. In simply three NFL seasons, he’s been named to 2 Pro Bowls, was a unanimous first-team All-Pro choice in 2022, and was named an all-rookie performer the season prior. The actual query for the Broncos is whether or not they can create the sort of stress on quarterbacks that forces groups to check Surtain extra usually. Surtain has been all the pieces the Broncos have requested and extra since taking him with the No. 9 total choice in 2021, and he has an opportunity to grow to be the league’s highest-paid nook someday inside the subsequent 12 months. — Nick Kosmider

Frank Ragnow, heart

You might throw a dart at this Lions roster and your odds of it touchdown on a high quality non-QB MVP could be excessive. Some apparent solutions embrace Amon-Ra St. Brown, Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, Alex Anzalone, Brian Branch, Sam LaPorta, Penei Sewell, Detroit’s operating backs — all worthy candidates. But I’m going with Ragnow. He’s arguably the perfect heart within the league and Detroit’s offense merely isn’t the identical with out him. He’s extremely educated, helps Jared Goff navigate defenses on the line of scrimmage, retains him upright and creates inside lanes for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. That’s worth throughout the board. — Colton Pouncy

Jaire Alexander, cornerback

Alexander has made two All-Pro second groups and remains to be solely 27 getting into his seventh 12 months within the league. After a rocky 2023 marketing campaign that noticed him miss 9 video games to harm and one to suspension after a string of incidents each within the non-public and public eye, he seems locked in with a brand new workers round him. If defensive again specialist and new coordinator Jeff Hafley can get Alexander to remain heading in the right direction, there’s no cause why he can’t make one other All-Pro staff whereas main Green Bay’s protection. — Matt Schneidman

Will Anderson, defensive finish

The Texans have a number of candidates worthy of consideration: Left sort out Laremy Tunsil’s manufacturing is significant for C.J. Stroud’s success. Stefon Diggs might assist elevate the offense, and one other new face — operating again Joe Mixon — additionally might show extraordinarily priceless and ease stress on the quarterback. But Anderson has a slight edge heading into his second 12 months. As a rookie, Anderson proved extremely disruptive, racking up 22 quarterback hits and 7 sacks. Look for that sack whole to spike in 2024 as he turns into a fair higher tone-setter for Houston’s protection. — Mike Jones

Jonathan Taylor, operating again

Last summer time, Taylor’s public contract dispute bled into the season till he lastly landed a three-year, $42 million extension that formally kicks on this season. Taylor has missed 13 video games mixed because of harm over the earlier two years, however in his final wholesome season in 2021, he took residence the league speeding title. If the 25-year-old can get again to taking part in at an All-Pro degree, it might make life a lot simpler on second-year QB Anthony Richardson and considerably improve the Colts’ likelihood of ending their three-year playoff drought. — James Boyd

Josh Allen, defensive finish

Allen grew to become an elite playmaking cross rusher final season with a career-best 17 1/2 sacks, and he’ll have to tempo their protection once more for the staff to take one other step ahead. If Trevor Lawrence and the offense don’t must win a observe meet each week, it’ll take much more stress off that aspect of the ball, which might be huge after a mistake-prone 2023 season. Allen can’t do all of it by himself — that a lot was confirmed final 12 months — however this protection wants him to be its MVP if it should have an opportunity to be a top-10 unit. — Jeff Howe

Chris Jones, defensive sort out

Even with a roster that includes quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight finish Travis Kelce, Jones is a core cause why the Chiefs are within the midst of a dynasty. At 29, Jones is within the prime of his profession and one of many league’s finest cross rushers, who can stress the opposing quarterback from the inside or the sting. In the previous two seasons, Jones was double-teamed on 70 % of his cross rushes as an inside defender, the best price within the league, based on Next Gen Stats. He nonetheless ranked second within the league in cross rush win price, trailing solely Aaron Donald. This offseason for Jones has been easy in comparison with final 12 months when he held out of all the pieces — the offseason program, coaching camp, and even Week 1 — earlier than rejoining the staff on a revised one-year deal. His manufacturing ought to enhance from final season — 10 1/2 sacks, 29 quarterback hits and 4 cross breakups — to make sure the Chiefs’ protection stays a power. — Nate Taylor

Davante Adams, large receiver

The apparent reply would have been Maxx Crosby. The defensive finish has been the staff’s MVP the final three seasons, even beating out league-leading rusher Josh Jacobs in 2022, and he one way or the other will get higher yearly. This offseason, the Raiders gave defensive sort out Christian Wilkins $83 million to take some double-teams off of Crosby. But … we’re going with Adams in what is basically a contract 12 months for him. He should carry the offense with quarterbacks Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew scaring nobody and Jacobs taking part in for the Packers now. Adams remains to be the perfect route runner within the league, and the Raiders could have sufficient weapons the place he can’t be double-teamed. Of course, the wild card (Vegas … howdy) right here is rookie tight finish Brock Bowers turning into possibility 1 and the Raiders in the end deciding to maneuver on with out Adams subsequent 12 months. Wait, can I alter my reply? — Vic Tafur

Khalil Mack, linebacker

Mack is coming off, maybe, the perfect season of his profession. Beyond the career-high 17 sacks, he was a dominant pressure within the run recreation. If final 12 months was any indication, Mack has lots left to offer as he enters his age-33 season. He is very motivated to say the one NFL achievement that has evaded him: a Super Bowl. His 2023 tape was awe-inspiring in each the superhuman flashes and the consistency of efficiency. He was the staff’s MVP in 2023, quarterback included. And whereas he may not match his counting-stat manufacturing from final season, I feel he’ll affect that recreation equally, particularly if Joey Bosa stays wholesome. — Daniel Popper

Kyren Williams, operating again

The important caveat right here is that Williams should keep wholesome by means of a whole season — he couldn’t accomplish that within the first two years of his profession. Yet in 2023, regardless of lacking 4 video games to harm, Williams was the second-most productive rusher within the NFL behind Christian McCaffrey. When Williams was on the sector, the Rams’ EPA per play shot up into the highest 5 within the league, and head coach Sean McVay was capable of deploy all kinds of zone and hole ideas with him. It could be simple to choose veteran receiver Cooper Kupp, who wants a comeback 12 months in a giant manner, or younger star receiver Puka Nacua. But I consider NFL groups will throw the kitchen sink on the duo making an attempt to defend them, the place it’s merely exhausting to cease a punch within the mouth courtesy of Williams and the run recreation. — Jourdan Rodrigue

Tyreek Hill, large receiver

I might have made a much less apparent alternative, however that may have been disingenuous. Hill is arguably probably the most priceless non-quarterback within the NFL, as his other-worldly velocity and acceleration command a protection’s consideration like no different participant within the league. The Dolphins offense runs by means of Hill. He was one in all solely three gamers within the league to earn greater than 30 % of his staff’s targets (31.1 %, trailing solely the Raiders’ Davante Adams at 33 %). And when he’s not getting the ball, he pulls defenders into his orbit and opens enormous chunks of house for his teammates. Outside of possibly 49ers operating again Christian McCaffrey, there is no such thing as a extra priceless non-QB offensive participant than Hill. — Jim Ayello

Players in NFL historical past with a number of 1,700+ receiving yard seasons:

◽️ Tyreek Hill

End of listing.

H/T @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/PeN279XodR

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 31, 2023

Justin Jefferson, large receiver

Breaking information: He is an efficient participant. Quick, quick, versatile, reliable, robust … you understand. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has, and this isn’t hyperbole, constructed an offense round Jefferson’s ability set. He is the first cross catcher on most downs, and as soon as defenses resolve to double (or triple) him, he turns into an important decoy. The Vikings’ addition of Aaron Jones is an fascinating layer to this upcoming season. The extra success the Vikings have on the bottom, the less males defenses can allocate to Jefferson in protection. And the less males defenses can allocate to Jefferson in protection, the extra he can take over a recreation. The record-breaking extension is not going to stop Jefferson from desirous to set reception and receiving yard data, particularly after lacking practically half of final season with a hamstring pressure. — Alec Lewis

Rhamondre Stevenson, operating again

The Patriots are going to run the ball lots. They employed offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who spent the final 4 years with Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland, the place the Browns ran at one of many highest clips within the league (and ran it efficiently). That offense is coming to New England, the place the operating recreation might be much more essential, given the potential of a rookie quarterback and the staff’s lack of weapons at large receiver. So if Stevenson stays wholesome, he’s in line for a giant season. — Chad Graff

Demario Davis, linebacker

The 35-year-old remains to be among the best defensive gamers in soccer. He’s been a second-team All-Pro choice in every of the final 4 seasons and seemingly by no means slows down. There’s no query he’s the stabilizing pressure for the Saints’ protection and an unquestionable chief inside the group. That mentioned, the Saints would in all probability relatively have an offensive participant written about on this house. Davis is such a continuing that you just count on him to all the time be nice. If an offensive participant earns this honor by the top of the season, that in all probability means an offensive weapon would’ve supplied extra affect than anticipated. That would additionally imply the offense, normally, could be higher than anticipated. — Larry Holder

Malik Nabers, large receiver

Dexter Lawrence and Brian Burns are additionally prime candidates for this position, given Lawrence’s dependability and Burns’ potential affect in tandem with Kayvon Thibodeaux after his arrival in New York. But with Saquon Barkley gone, the offensive focus might be dialed in on the rookie Nabers. He’s shone early in spring and has that “it issue” of a high large receiver. If this Giants offense is profitable, will probably be a part of that QB reference to Nabers. Nabers’ arrival additionally ought to permit Jalin Hyatt and Wan’Dale Robinson to be extra profitable. Nabers relishes the chance to show himself, and there’s little question he desires to perform huge issues on the subsequent degree. — Charlotte Carroll

Garrett Wilson, large receiver

Sauce Gardner or Quinnen Williams would’ve been simple picks, and I even thought of left sort out Tyron Smith (if he can keep wholesome). But this feels just like the season the place Wilson actually breaks out into superstardom and turns into a large receiver talked about in the identical breath because the Jefferson and Chase sorts. He has the expertise to provide like them. He simply has been saddled with arguably the worst quarterback scenario within the NFL the final two years. Despite that, he’s managed to get no less than 80 catches, 1,000 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, making him one in all solely 5 large receivers in NFL historical past to do this to begin a profession. Now think about if he will get even simply competent quarterback play from Aaron Rodgers and even Tyrod Taylor if Rodgers can’t keep wholesome. — Zack Rosenblatt

A.J. Brown, large receiver

It’s controversial that Brown’s been the MVP for the Eagles within the final two seasons. He secured each the No. 1 and No. 2 spot within the franchise’s document ebook for single-season receiving yards in these years, and he’s totaled 18 receiving touchdowns because the Eagles acquired him from the Tennessee Titans in 2022 for a first- and third-round decide. The franchise signed the three-time Pro Bowler to a three-year, $96 million extension in April, briefly making him the highest-paid receiver within the NFL. He’ll earn that in his age-27 season inside new OC Kellen Moore’s offense, which ought to characteristic him closely. — Brooks Kubena

T.J. Watt, linebacker

How can’t it’s Watt? He’s averaging only a tad underneath a sack per recreation in his profession and had seasons of twenty-two 1/2 and 19 1/2 sacks in two of his final three seasons. He will attain 100 profession sacks early within the season and has but to show 30. Watt ought to profit from a protection that obtained higher within the offseason with the acquisition of Patrick Queen within the center to go together with a wholesome Minkah Fitzpatrick, who could be a detailed second by way of MVP. In phrases of Watt, he was named staff MVP in 4 of the previous 5 years. The solely time he didn’t was when he missed half the season with a torn pectoral. — Mark Kaboly

Christian McCaffrey, operating again

This one is simple. The 49ers already name McCaffrey their MVP, as his affect in each the run and cross video games unlocks the total efficiency of their offense. Adaptability is catching on as a league-wide offensive development, however McCaffrey is the pioneer on this regard, and stays probably the most harmful two-way weapon the NFL has to supply. — David Lombardi

Devon Witherspoon, cornerback

Witherspoon’s elite traits stood out throughout a strong rookie season that noticed him earn Pro Bowl honors whereas rating fourth in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting. His uncommon mixture of canopy abilities and violence close to the road of scrimmage separates him from different cornerbacks. The pondering right here is that Witherspoon will make a leap in his second season and that Seattle’s scheme shift on protection will maximize his skills from the nickel place, together with as a blitzer. — Mike Sando

Chris Godwin, large receiver

Mike Evans will get many of the consideration, however Godwin stays one in all soccer’s higher receivers. He had extra receptions than Evans in 4 of the final 5 seasons, together with the final three. The Bucs consider he may have extra yards this 12 months as a result of they intend to make use of him extra within the slot and fewer exterior. At 28, Godwin is on the peak of his skills and he must be on the peak of his need — his contract is up after this season. — Dan Pompei

L’Jarius Sneed, cornerback

Sneed’s knees are an offseason story once more and sure might be a query for the remainder of his profession — particularly if he continues to overlook practices as a precaution. But individuals have been speaking about these knees earlier than final season, then watched Sneed reply with high-level cornerback play Sunday after Sunday. For so long as he’s at his finest, he must be the Titans’ finest nook in a few years, and his fashion of play in Dennard Wilson’s protection ought to present dynamic outcomes. With Chidobe Awuzie signed and on the opposite aspect, the Titans have the solutions exterior they’ve been searching for for a very long time. — Joe Rexrode

Frankie Luvu, linebacker

Micah Parsons wasn’t one of many a number of acquainted faces head coach Dan Quinn introduced over from his three-year stint with the Cowboys. Bummer. However, the three-time All-Pro is talked about ceaselessly in Washington as a result of his linebacker/edge rusher position did journey with Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Luvu, one of many Commanders’ major free-agent signings this offseason, arrived with the flexibility required to play a number of spots. At 27, Luvu is an ascending expertise coming off back-to-back 100-tackle seasons with 12 1/2 mixed sacks. He will play each down, and the defensive personnel will shift relying on the place the coaches deploy this aggressive playmaker. — Ben Standig

(Illustration: Eamonn Dalton / The Athletic; Top pictures of T.J. Watt, Ja’Marr Chase and Chris Jones: Jeff Dean, Patrick Smith and Perry Knotts / Getty Images)