We’ve made it. We’re getting Protector of the Yr — an award for the large fellas in soccer.
I performed eight seasons within the league as a lineman, so that is an award that I’m uniquely certified to handicap.
In late Might, the NFL introduced Protector of the Yr to honor the most effective offensive lineman within the sport. We offensive linemen have been petitioning the powers in cost, insisting that an award for the offensive line is much-needed.
The league delivered with this announcement. As with all award, there’s a market to wager on the winner, and as a former participant, I can’t wait to present you my picks and predictions.
Protector of the Yr will probably be voted upon by six former offensive linemen. These guys are LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Tempo, Will Shields and Andrew Whitworth.
Lane Johnson on Jalen Hurts’ progress and what makes him nice
Bentley, Kelce and O’Hara performed middle within the NFL. Bentley made an All-Professional group as a guard as effectively. Whitworth was a sort out with the Bengals and Rams. Shields and Tempo — the large canine — are each members of the Corridor of Fame.
There are 5 standards that will probably be used to guage the winner: ability metrics, influence, management, sturdiness and energy of opponent.
I count on the committee to strongly adhere to those ideas in its voting.
It is unlikely {that a} lengthy shot will win this award. One of the best offensive linemen every season are typically those we noticed the earlier yr. There might be gamers who rise and fall within the ranks, but it surely’s uncommon to see somebody overperform to a stage that may win them this sort of accolade.
However as is the case when folks vote on something, the human factor does matter.
Preseason hype and general profession physique of labor may also matter. Positions the voters performed, like middle for 3 of them, will matter. If this was voted on by the general public, it will be an offensive sort out award. Former facilities will worth the work of their present enjoying piers.
With all of that in thoughts, this is who I like.
Lane Johnson +750
You possibly can wager on each Penei Sewell and Johnson at +650 and +750, respectively, and also you’re most likely going to win the wager.
Each are the clear favorites, as they need to be. However for now, I’m simply wagering on Johnson.
Though he bought crushed out by Sewell for first-team All-Professional honors at proper sort out in 2024, I nonetheless firmly consider Johnson is the most effective offensive lineman within the NFL. He’s the anchor of the most effective line within the sport, and he’s made the All-Professional group in 4 straight seasons. He’s going to be a first-ballot Corridor of Famer at proper sort out.
Lane Johnson is a two-time Tremendous Bowl champion and six-time Professional Bowler.
If this award was voted on by a panel that solely checked out stats or spotlight performs, I’d really feel otherwise about wagering on Johnson over Sewell. Nonetheless, it’s a bunch of voters that may worth the factor Johnson is a lot better at than Sewell and that is go safety.
Go safety as an offensive sort out is the hardest a part of the job. Johnson additionally will get little assist and is usually tasked with blocking a few of the finest rushers by himself. Different offensive tackles can’t say the identical.
The voting committee is made up of gamers who perceive the problem of this activity and can weigh it appropriately within the analysis.
PICK: Lane Johnson (+750) to win Protector of the Yr
Trent Williams +950
If Williams is wholesome, he’s going to return to the All-Professional Williams we’ve seen up to now.
He was first-team All-Professional from 2021-2023 and there was little doubt who the most effective offensive lineman was within the sport.
Trent Williams is an 11-time Professional Bowler and three-time first-team All-Professional choice.
Williams combines excellent go safety with spotlight blocks within the run sport that have a tendency to assist win awards.
If he can keep wholesome whereas the 49ers add some wins this season, he will probably be up for this honor.
PICK: Trent Williams (+950) to win Protector of the Yr
Creed Humphrey +2200
This wager is considered one of my longer photographs that I am prepared to play now.
With Kelce retiring earlier than the 2024 season, Creed took over as first-team All-Professional after final yr. He’s unlikely to lose that title this season, and with the Chiefs within the highlight, he’ll get consideration.
Creed Humphrey is a two-time Tremendous Bowl champion and three-time Professional Bowler.
As I discussed above within the define of the voting committee, there are three former facilities on this group. They’ll have a robust voice and can advocate for together with inside offensive linemen on this dialogue.
If it was a panel of simply sportswriters or a bunch together with only one middle or none in any respect, I wouldn’t advocate for anybody apart from a sort out to win the award.
PICK: Creed Humphrey (+2200) to win Protector of the Yr
Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports activities. He performed eight seasons within the NFL for 5 totally different groups. He began at proper sort out for the College of Oregon for 3 seasons and was a second-team All-Pac-12 choice his senior yr. Observe him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz.
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