NFL 2015: Finding the best player from all 32 teams
Denver has plenty of players to pick from, but the mention must go to outside linebacker Von Miller. While Miller has dealt with some off-field issues, he is nothing short of a machine on it. The former Texas A&M star is lauded for his pass-rushing but doesn’t get enough credit for holding the edge against the run.
Miller totaled 14 sacks last year, the third time in his four seasons he has hit the double-digit mark. Per PFF, Miller was astronomically ahead of any other 4-3 outside linebacker in pass-rushing statistics, ranking ahead of second-place Khalil Mack by almost 500 percent. Miller is up for a contract after this year, so expect huge numbers.
Honorable mention: Peyton Manning, Demaryius Thomas
While brutal to chose between Jamaal Charles and Justin Houston, the honor goes to Charles. Houston enjoyed a career season with 22 sacks, a franchise single-season mark for an organization used to great pass-rushers. However, Charles does it all for the Chiefs, allowing their offense to go despite limitations elsewhere.
Charles dealt with foot and ankle injuries all of 2014, but still rushed for 1,033 yards and nine touchdowns while catching 40 passes en route to five receiving scores. Charles holds the all-time mark for rushing yards per carry at 5.5, and has never had a season below 5.0. He’s a future Hall of Famer.
Honorable mention: Justin Houston, Jeremy Maclin
Next: Chargers & Raiders