Top 10 non-quarterback NFL MVP candidates for 2020

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 29: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers during the second half during their game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

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SANTA CLARA, CA – JANUARY 19: Nick Bosa #97 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes the quarterback during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Levi’s Stadium on January 19, 2020 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers defeated the Packers 37-20. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /

9. DE Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers

As previously mentioned, the only two occasions in which a defensive player captured NFL Most Valuable Player honors. The first would be Minnesota Vikings’ defensive tackle Alan Page back in 1971. And 15 years later, the New York Giants would go onto win Super Bowl XXI and outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor enjoyed a huge year. Of course, both are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and are two legends of the game.

In April of 2019, the San Francisco 49ers used the second overall pick on Ohio State defensive end Nick Bosa. He played in every game and made 14 starts, finishing with 47 tackles, nine sacks, two fumble recoveries, one interception and 25 quarterback hits. He also brought an energy to the San Francisco 49ers’ defense not seen in quite a few years.

Keep in mind that this was a club that use first-round draft choices on the defensive front in the form of Arik Armstead, DeForest Buckner (now with the Colts) and Solomon Thomas. When it was all said and done, the Niners were second in the league in total defense, allowed the fewest passing yards in the league, finished 13-3 and reached Super Bowl LIV. His presence was certainly a spark and look for it to continue in 2020.

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