The 2023-24 NFL regular season is over. Fourteen teams have earned the right to keep playing, while 18 are officially on the clock for the 2024 NFL Draft. But before the playoffs begin, let’s take a look back at the best of the best from the NFL regular season that was.
A half-dozen members of The Draft Network’s staff submitted their top five players (in order) to win the NFL MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, Offensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Rookie of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Comeback Player of the Year awards. The votes were tallied up and the results determined TDN’s official NFL awards for the 2023-24 season. Let’s dive in.
MVP
In a near-unanimous vote, the TDN staff is aligned with the heavy favorite. Lamar Jackson had a remarkable season and made a late push to surge past Brock Purdy and other top options to take home TDN's 2023-24 NFL MVP. We expect he'll take home the real trophy in a few weeks as well.
Offensive Player of the Year
While CeeDee Lamb made a strong push, this was a two-horse race for most of the season. Christian McCaffrey and Tyreek Hill had all-time seasons at their respective positions, and either is a deserving option to win this award. However, the TDN staff clearly favors McCaffrey for his touchdown scoring and overall importance to the 49ers' offense.
Defensive Player of the Year
What a phenomenal race this has been. Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, T.J. Watt, and DaRon Bland have all gotten some national love for this award. In the end, the pass rushers won out and Myles Garrett took home the award from the TDN staff. He was first or second on every ballot.
Offensive Rookie of the Year
What a great year for rookies, huh? C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons we've seen from a quarterback in some time. Puka Nacua just completed the greatest rookie season by a wide receiver of all time. Sam LaPorta arguably had the best rookie tight end season of all time. You couldn't go wrong with any of the top options.
Defensive Rookie of the Year
This one may surprise some, as Jalen Carter has been the betting favorite all season long to win the award. However, Will Anderson Jr. has been a monster for the AFC South-winning Houston Texans despite facing a high volume of double teams. Kobie Turner made a very strong late push for the award, while DBs like Devon Witherspoon and Brian Branch have been playmakers all season long.
Coach of the Year
There were several good candidates for Coach of the Year this season, but DeMeco Ryans ending the season with a win and the AFC South crown was enough to push him to the top. He just eked out Kevin Stefanski, who has done a remarkable job keeping a majorly injured Cleveland Browns team in the playoff picture.
Comeback Player of the Year
Shoutout to every member of this list for returning from injury, retirement, or a major medical event to get back on the field and thrive.
