NFL season preview, award predictions and more
By Josh Sanchez
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Patrick Allen: J.J Watt — J.J. “Swat” will continue to terrorize opposing offenses.
Josh Sanchez: J.J. Watt — It has been a long time since a player has repeated as Defensive Player of the Year, but J.J. Watt is as good as it gets and can be the man to bring home the hardware in back-to-back seasons. Watt will be a big part of the Texans run in 2013, which should lead them to a Super Bowl appearance.
Mike Dyce: DeMarcus Ware — DeMarcus Ware is moving to defensive end from outside linebacker in the Cowboys new 4-3 scheme under Monte Kiffin. That means less dropping into coverage and more rushing quarterbacks, what he is good at. He also says he feels faster with his hand in the dirt.
Bryan Rosa: Aldon Smith — One of the best pass rushers in the game, the 49ers have been working with Smith on dropping back in coverage as well so he can be an every down player. I think you’ll see an even stronger emergence this year, which says quite a bit given his short but impressive track record.