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5 NFL MVP candidates who aren’t quarterbacks

By Kelly Thompson

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 01: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams pressures quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 01: Defensive tackle Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams pressures quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears
Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

Khalil Mack, Chicago Bears

If a defensive player wins the NFL MVP in 2020, they’ll be the first player from that side of the ball since Lawrence Taylor did so in 1986. If a defensive player takes home the award, Mack is as good a bet as any.

Similar to Donald, Mack has five Pro Bowl appearances in six seasons in the league, and three First-Team All-Pro recognitions. Also like Donald, Mack is a former AP Defensive Player of the Year award winner, having won the title in 2016.

Compared to Donald, Mack plays a more premiere position. Both signed six-year deals with their teams, but it was Mack who received an extra million per season from the Bears, despite being an (arguably) inferior player.

Mack also plays for a team more likely to make a run this season – the Rams are a bit of a mess and the Bears live in a division that seems ripe for the taking in 2020.

All of these factors mean that even if Donald has a better season statistically, Mack could be the winner this season.

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