2016 NFL Awards Predictions: Defensive Player of the Year

With the 2016 season just around the corner, theScore's NFL editors cast their votes for each of the league's major awards.

NFL Awards Predictions

• Rookies of the Year
• Most Valuable Player
• Defensive Player of the Year
• Offensive Player of the Year
• Coach of the Year

Defensive Player of the Year

Khalil Mack, DE, Raiders

Defending DPOY J.J. Watt is returning from multiple surgeries, including a procedure on his back that some athletes say they were never the same after. He'll take a step back, and Mack will ascend in his place. - David P. Woods

No longer the only player to focus on in the Raiders' defense, Mack will get more even looks coming off an All-Pro season. - Mitch Sanderson

Luke Kuechly, LB, Panthers

J.J. Watt should always be the favorite, but his back injury means Kuechly is in prime position to capture this award for the second time. No other linebacker is close to having his all-around skill set. - Jack Browne

If it weren't for a concussion that held him out of three games last season, Kuechly may have wrestled away his second Defensive Player of the Year award. The premier linebacker in coverage and against the run, Kuechly will reclaim his title as the top player on his side of the ball. - Arun Srinivasan

Tyrann Mathieu, DB, Cardinals

He's coming off a second season-ending injury and a record-setting contract extension, but Mathieu is out to prove he's the league's best defensive back. - Michael McClymont

J.J. Watt, DE, Texans

A third consecutive DPOY award is well within reach for Watt. With a strong tandem of pass-rushers working the edge in Houston, the league's most dominant interior players could again be chasing the sack record. - Dan Wilkins

Aaron Donald, DT, Rams

Donald received the second-most votes for this award last season, which is impressive considering defensive tackles rarely receive the honor. With Watt entering the season recovering from back surgery, Donald will be the first defensive tackle to win DPOY since Warren Sapp in 1999. It's also surprising no one has mentioned Super Bowl MVP Von Miller. If Miller is as dominant as he was during the Broncos' playoff run, he'll definitely be considered. - Justin Boone