This past Saturday night, Cam Newton earned MVP and Offensive Player of the Year honors, while J.J. Watt took home his third Defensive Player of the Year award. Then, on Sunday night, Von Miller was named Super Bowl 50 MVP following a supernatural performance.
What do all three of these guys have in common? They all entered the NFL in the power-loaded draft of 2011.
It's a draft class that also includes 2015 first-team All-Pros Julio Jones and Patrick Peterson, as well as Justin Houston, Richard Sherman, A.J. Green, Tyron Smith, Robert Quinn, Marcell Dareus, Muhammad Wilkerson, Cameron Jordan, Mike Pouncey and Andy Dalton, among others.
So, take a look into your crystal ball: When all is said and done, which 2011 draftee will have enjoyed the best NFL career?
He's already a three-time Defensive Player of the Year within his first five years in the league, and he's the only player in NFL history to have two seasons with 20-plus sacks. I don't know if Cam or Miller will get to Canton, but J.J. Watt will -- without question -- end up there.
<strong>Richard Sherman:</strong>
Super Bowl win, 3x All-Pro, Good Guy Award.
<strong>Von Miller:</strong>
Super Bowl win, SB MVP, DROY, 2x All-Pro, Excellent Eyewear.
<strong>Tyrod Taylor:</strong> Technically has a ring.
<strong>J.J. Watt:</strong> 3x DPOY, 4x All-Pro.
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* They've all been to at least one
Pro Bowl -- if that still counts.
Analyze those accomplishments. OK, good. Now let's break down the rest.
A championship adds credibility and cache to a player's legacy, but this is a quarterback-obsessed league. And when a QB plays on a successful team with a bright future, there's more opportunity to make a meaningful impact and more eyes watching. On top of the talent, throw in a huge personality -- somewhat polarizing -- and it's Cam Newton who will be remembered for enjoying the best career. * **
But for this exercise, I'm going with Watt. The Texans dynamo has the chance to play the longest and make the biggest mark on the game because he is such a good pass rusher. In addition, he can catch passes on the goal line for touchdowns, and has the innate ability to be in the right spot at the right time. Right now, Watt is just reaching the prime of his career. He is double-teamed constantly, has stayed injury-free, has great size and speed, and strength and competitiveness. He doesn't lack in any of the categories that it takes to be a great player.
Don't get me wrong, Cam and Watt are great players, but Miller's versatility sets him apart.
Watt and Miller have been impressive so far in their careers. Watt has 74.5 career sacks, but Reggie White had 81 in his first five years. It's going to be very difficult for Watt to get to 200 career sacks (Bruce Smith's NFL record). I think he'll continue to produce great numbers for the next four years or so, but not when he slows down a step. In this quarterback-driven league, Cam will continue to do what he's doing for the next seven years, possibly, and some of his numbers won't be challenged for a long time.