New Orleans Saints — Drew Brees, QB
Brees is pretty much the favorite to lead the NFL in passing yardage every season. Part of that is due to the offensive scheme he plays in, but most of it is simply because he’s a great quarterback. His 5,208 passing yards in 2016 was his highest tally since 2011, and he added 37 more touchdowns to his career total as well. He’s one of the smartest quarterbacks in football, and he is still more than capable of making the huge play.
New York Giants — Odell Beckham Jr., WR
Let’s keep this simple. There is no other wide receiver in the NFL, no matter how good, who is going to be making a catch like this one in a game anytime soon. The Giants have had to answer a lot of questions about Beckham’s focus and temperament, but for a talent like him, it’s all entirely worth it. There isn’t a more exciting player in the NFL.
New York Jets — Muhammad Wilkerson, DE
It’s an indictment of the Jets that their best playmaker had 4.5 sacks in 2016, but there’s a higher ceiling in there. Wilkerson had a fine 2015, a year in which he collected 12 total sacks, but took a big step back last season and is now facing major questions about his fitness and commitment. The Jets lack skill players. Wilkerson should be the best they have — if he can be disciplined and live up to his potential.
Oakland Raiders — Khalil Mack, DE/LB
Oakland’s monstrous hybrid sacrificed four sacks in 2016, but was better across the board. Eleven sacks is nothing to sneeze at. And what Mack was able to do in other departments was even more impressive — five forced fumbles and a pick six. Mack was a defensive wrecking ball for Oakland and should remain one in 2017 — in fact, he has even loftier ambitions. Giving Mack these honors when he’s on a team that also boasts Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Marshawn Lynch is saying a lot, but he deserves it.
Philadelphia Eagles — Carson Wentz, QB
There are a lot fewer questions about the Eagles’ decision to trade up for Wentz now than there were a year ago following a very solid rookie season for the QB. Wentz’s touchdown tally was a bit low at 16, but that can improve with some better receivers, and 3,782 passing yards is nothing to scoff at. He should only continue to progress, especially now that Philly has given him some quality receiving options.
Pittsburgh Steelers — Antonio Brown, WR
Le’Veon Bell certainly has a claim here, but in terms of big play ability, Brown is the best. After two truly remarkable seasons, his numbers were down last year to a comparatively modest 1,284 yards. He still pulled in 12 touchdowns, although his season was ultimately overshadowed by some self-imposed playoff drama. He’ll look to be back to his very best in 2017.
San Francisco 49ers — Carlos Hyde, RB
The 49ers have a dearth of skill players, but Hyde looks to be one on the rise. Ultimately, he may not be long for San Francisco, but the third-year running back played in a career-high 13 games in 2016, scoring six touchdowns and racking up 988 yards. Provided he gets regular carries, 2017 might see him take another step forward.
Seattle Seahawks — Russell Wilson, QB
Wilson’s star seems to have dimmed since he led the Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances in 2014 and 2015. In certain aspects, his 2016 was better than ever — his 4,219 passing yards were a career-high. His touchdowns were down, though, and interceptions were up. Still, along with Cam Newton, Wilson is the NFL’s best dual-threat quarterback, and the key to Seattle’s success.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jameis Winston, QB
Winston entered the league with two straight 4,000-yard seasons, and as the Buccaneers have given him more weapons, he looks poised for a real breakout in 2017. He improved to 28 passing touchdowns in 2016, though his rushing touchdown tally dropped from six to one. He’s still a gifted quarterback who can pass and run, and Bucs fans have every reason to be excited for what the future holds.
Tennessee Titans — Marcus Mariota, QB
Mariota looks like he’s on his way to stardom. A 26-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio in his second NFL season is demonstrative of the talent the Titans have here. He’s a threat with his legs as well, as the mobile Mariota has four rushing touchdowns in his NFL career. He, too, has a chance to take a big step forward in 2017.
Washington Redskins — Terrelle Pryor, WR
A college quarterback, Pryor has evolved into a remarkable athlete. That background makes him useful in so many roles. In 2016, he finally broke out with a 1,000 yard receiving season and four touchdowns. Now with Washington, Pryor is a versatile playmaker who can be deployed in several roles. He is a threat to change a game, and many are expecting a Pro Bowl season for him.
