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Predicting NFL Awards: Lamar Jackson-MVP, Micah Parsons-DPOY

By Hunter Haas

Dec 18, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2022; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons (11) celebrates a sack during the first quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow (61) blocks Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) away from quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow (61) blocks Houston Texans defensive end Will Anderson Jr. (51) away from quarterback Bailey Zappe (4) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Rookie of the Year — Will Anderson Jr. (Texans)

Full disclosure: I almost picked Lions’ first-rounder Jack Campbell here. But as much as I like Campbell, Will Anderson Jr. will rise above the pack by season’s end.

The Alabama product is nearly impossible to block in one-on-one situations, displaying otherworldly burst off the line of scrimmage and a pass-rushing arsenal deeper than the Titanic submarine. The Texans hired head coach DeMeco Ryans this offseason, a former All-Pro himself, so look for Anderson Jr. to make his game even more well-rounded.

Houston may find itself in blowouts where the opponents run the clock for the second half — that is the only reason Anderson will record fewer sacks than expected. But not everything a pass rusher does can be determined by sack totals. His sheer dominance alone should be enough to tip the scales for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

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