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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PITTSBURGH, PA – NOVEMBER 10: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts in the second half against the Los Angeles Rams on November 10, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

8. OLB T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

His older brother flirted with the award back in 2014 when he did a lot of everything for the Houston Texans. Defensive end J.J. Watt had quite the year for Bill O’Brien’s team, totaling 78 tackles, 20.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and an interception. He scored two touchdowns on defense and three more lining up as a tight end.

In 2017, the Pittsburgh Steelers used the 30th overall pick on University of Wisconsin defender T.J. Watt. He’s played and started in 47 regular-season contests and has already accumulated 34.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles while knocking down 18 passes. The two-time Pro Bowler comes off a monster 2019 in which he finished with 55 tackles, 14.5 QB traps, eight forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries and a pair of interceptions.

The organization has seen its share of stars win NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors. And Watt was certainly in the running a year ago when the award went to New England Patriots’ cornerback Stephon Gilmore. But the last time a member of the team capture league MVP honors was Hall of Fame quarterback Terry Bradshaw in 1978. The odds are long for Watt, but he appears to be a player getting better with each passing season.

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