As the NFL regular season becomes more and more in view, certain media outlets will put out preseason lists. You know, top quarterbacks, who are the best EDGE rushers, who will have the most receiving targets, and so on.
This is football. It is a game designed to be followed by numbers and stats, so, creative lists become the latest doodle during mid-week until the next preseason game is played.
RELATED: BROWNS O-LINE TAPPED FOR IMPROVEMENT
Recently, in the realm of mid-week lists, we want to share
two recent lists that you might have missed. No drum roll necessary.
The NFL has several individual awards. Last year, two Cleveland Browns went home with mantle hardware. DE Myles Garrett won his second “NFL Defensive Player of the Year” trophy. Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger then took home the “NFL Rookie Defensive Player of the Year” distinction.
Thank you, Jim Schwartz.
Preseason NFL “Protector of the Year” favorites
Last year was the first time the NFL officially recognized the service of the offensive line. They presented the very first “NFL Protector of the Year” award, which Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney won the maiden honor.
Vegas has dropped the odds on the offensive lineman who should win this year’s award. Detroit Lions OT Penei Sewell is the frontrunner at 9-2 odds, followed by a player Cleveland passed on way back in 2020, Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at 9-1.
The Vegas list has 46 players listed. Browns rookie Spencer Fano is ranked #45 at 80-1 odds. No other Cleveland offensive linemen are enumerated.
There have been plenty of efforts by different organizations to give the offensive line some recognition. Just not sanctioned by the NFL.
“Outstanding Blocker of the Year” Award
1964 to 1977
From: National 1,000-Yard Club
Browns: 1968 OG Gene Hickerson
“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award
1967 to 1999
From: NFLPA
Browns: (none)
“Forrest Gregg Award”
1970 to 1982
From: PFWA Wisconsin Chapter
Browns: (none)
“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award
1973 to 1984
From: Football Digest
Browns: (none)
“Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award
1967 to 1999
From: NFLPA
Browns: (none)
Seagram’s Seven Crowns “Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award
1974 to 1986
From: Seagram’s 7 Crown
Browns: (none)
NFL Alumni “Offensive Lineman of the Year” Award
1982 to 2010
From: NFL Alumni
Browns: (none)
“Modern Valuable Protectors” Award (team award)
2009 to 2012
From: EA Sports Madden
Browns: (none)
“Bruce Matthews Award”
2015 to 2024
From: NFLPA
Browns: Joe Thomas (2015), Mitchell Schwartz (Chiefs: 2018)
“NFL Protector of the Year” Award
2025 to current
From: NFL
Browns: (none)
The second list comes from “The Athletic.”
An article written by Austin Mock gave predictions for all 16 AFC teams as far as projected win totals. This conference is full of great passers and decorated franchises.
Mock created the “NFL Projection Model” to forecast win totals. He does not show that any club will reach the 11-win plateau, and 11 different teams are pegged to win at least eight. Here is how he predicted the AFC North Division.
#1 Baltimore Ravens: 10.9 wins, 73% playoff chance, 7.4% Super Bowl odds
#4 Cincinnati Bengals: 10.3 wins, 64.8% playoff chance, 4.0% Super Bowl odds
#10 Pittsburgh Steelers: 8.4 wins, 41% playoff chance, 1.6% Super Bowl odds
#15 Cleveland Browns: 5.3 wins, 10.7% playoff chance, 0.1% Super Bowl odds
