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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LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 29: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams leads the team on to the field for the game against the Arizona Cardinals at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

5. DT Aaron Donald, Los Angeles Rams

According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required) and author Sam Monson, he’s the National Football League’s top player entering the 2020 campaign. So it only stands to reason that Los Angeles Rams’ defensive tackle Aaron Donald would earn a spot on this list.

He’s been a star since entering the league in 2014 as the 13th overall pick in the draft that year. The former University of Pittsburgh standout was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned Pro Bowl honors that season as well. The latter has continued the past five seasons and Donald has been named All-Pro each season as well.

He earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year accolades in both 2017 and ’18 and each of those seasons, the Rams found themselves in the playoffs. The six-year resume adds up to 72 sacks, 15 forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries. He’s missed only two games in six seasons and both came in ’17.

If the Rams are to return to the playoffs after missing out this past season with a 9-7 mark, they will need Donald at his dominating best. And if that is indeed the case, perhaps the league will have its first defensive performer named Most Valuable Player since 1986.

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