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, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 15: Wide receiver Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against free safety Jimmie Ward #20 of the San Francisco 49ers during the game at Levi’s Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

7. WR Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons

In terms of Pro Bowl invitations, he’s already the team’s most decorated player since the franchise first took the field in 1966. The Atlanta Falcons moved up in the 2011 NFL Draft and gave up plenty to obtain the services of University of Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones. In nine campaigns, he’s been named All-Pro twice and been named to the Pro Bowl seven times. The production has been phenomenal and these days, he’s as good of a selection for being the best player at his position in the league as any.

The sixth overall pick in ’11 has amassed 797 receptions for an impressive 12,125 yards and 57 scores in nine seasons. Jones had amped up his production the past six years with an amazing 623 catches in his last 92 regular-season outings dating back to 2014. He’s caught at least 80 passes in each of those six campaigns – including 100-plus grabs three times and 99 receptions this past year.

We have seen some monster campaigns from wide receivers, especially the last three-plus decades, but none have added up to an NFL Most Valuable Player award for the position. Could a big year from Jones, with plenty of help from quarterback Matt Ryan, be the first?

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