PFF midseason awards

You may have caught our Midseason All-Pro Team earlier on Wednesday; continuing our awards day at PFF, we’re now going to drop some accolades across positions. Who has been the most valuable player? The most dominant defender? The best offensive player? Find out this and more with the PFF midseason awards.

Most Valuable Player: Carson Palmer, Cardinals

First runner-up: Tom Brady, Patriots

Second runner-up: Cam Newton

It’s been quite the year for Palmer, who is thriving after his amazing return from his severe knee injury. It should show you how highly we think of the job he’s doing that; in any other year, Brady or Newton would be worthy winners.

Offensive Player of the Year: Antonio Brown, Steelers

First runner-up: Carson Palmer, Cardinals

Second runner-up: Rob Gronkowski, Patriots

The effort of Brown against the Raiders really cemented his place as the winner of this award. You don’t often see performances like that, but given how well Brown has played all year, it’s not really that surprising.

Defensive Player of the Year: Luke Kuechly, Panthers

First runner-up: Josh Norman, Panthers

Second runner-up: J.J. Watt, Texans

A Panthers' one-two, with the only knock on Kuechly being the time he has missed. So, the fact that he is still our guy highlights what kind of level he’s playing at right now, and “elite” really doesn’t begin to describe it.

Rookie of the Year: Ronald Darby, Bills

First runner-up: Todd Gurley, Rams

Second runner-up: Henry Anderson, Colts

There’s no denying that Darby has been a revelation, taking to the NFL like a fish takes to water. But while he is the top dog right now, he needs to watch out for Gurley, because each week, the Ram looks like he’s getting stronger and better.