2012 NFL Midseason Awards

Nov 4, 2012; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck drops back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-US PRESSWIRE

The NFL is finally at the halfway point for every team, even past that for some others. If you’re like me, this season has gone by in the blink of an eye and once again is moving along way too fast, but the action is better than ever. Here are my mid-season NFL awards, followed by the current 2013 NFL Draft order as it stands right now.

MVP: Matt Ryan, Quarterback, Atlanta Falcons

My philosophy is, the Most Valuable Player should be the player who is clearly not only the best on his team, but the player who if he goes down would likely cost his team a bunch of wins. This year, that player has been Matt Ryan. His team is 8-0, and he is third in the NFL in passer rating. He seems to always make plays when he needs to, and come through in the clutch.

Runner up: Andrew Luck, Indianapolis Colts

Defensive MVP: J.J. Watt, Defensive Lineman, Houston Texans

Watt has 10.5 sacks so far this season, and more batted balls than some of the best defensive backs in the NFL. He is wreaking havoc all across the defensive line, providing unbelievable pressure for opposing offenses. Some of the things he is able to do are absolutely incredible. He might not be the best player in the league by season’s end, but through eight games, he has been out of control good.

Runner up: Von Miller, Denver Broncos

Offensive Rookie of the Year: Andrew Luck, Quarterback, Indianapolis Colts

Bet you didn’t see this one coming before the season! In all seriousness, Andrew Luck has not only been the offensive rookie of the year, he has nearly been the most valuable player in the league. There has been a serious culture change over at Indianapolis, and a lot of that has to do with the team rallying for their head coach. I believe there is something greater at work there in terms of this team working with each other, but Andrew Luck has made as big a difference this year as any rookie in the NFL.

Runner up: Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Defensive Rookie of the Year:  Bobby Wagner, Linebacker, Seattle Seahawks

Wagner is second in the NFL among rookies with 74 tackles along with two sacks, but more importantly, he has had the daunting task of taking over the middle of that tough Seattle defense after David Hawthorne moved on. He has also added two sacks and is flying all over the field.

Runner up: Luke Kuechly, LB, Carolina Panthers

Comeback Player of the Year: Peyton Manning, Quarterback, Denver Broncos

The Sheriff is back in town. Manning has performed more than admirably for the Broncos this year, leading the league in passer efficiency and helping the Broncos to first place in the AFC West. He looks like he has more than recovered from his neck injuries.

Runner up: Adrian Peterson, RB, Vikings