1. Tyrann Mathieu, Kansas City Chiefs
The more Mathieu got acclimated to Steve Spagnuolo’s system in his first season with the Chiefs, the more he became the defensive version of Patrick Mahomes — the field-tilting presence who just seemed to make things happen.
“This organization was blessed to have Eric Berry… a great leader, tough, all those things,” head coach Andy Reid said of Mathieu in January as the Chiefs went on their Super Bowl run. “Before that I was with Brian Dawkins. I’ve been lucky to be around some really good safeties. They’re all different in their own way but they’re all great football players with great instincts and good leaders. They lead a different way. This kid here, he’s a special kid. He’s not the biggest guy. You’re not looking at one of those huge safeties but, man, is he a good football player. He just gets it.”
Yes, he does — to the point that I believe Mathieu should have been named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. No disrespect to Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who won the award, but Mathieu did his work at a ridiculously high level everywhere on the field — 92 snaps on the defensive line, 388 in the box, 31 at wide cornerback, 205 at free safety, and 561 in the slot. When he was in the slot, there was no more effective defender in the league last season. Mathieu allowed 42 slot receptions on 61 targets for just 297 yards, 174 yards after the catch, one touchdown, two interceptions, and an opponent passer rating of 69.1.
Mathieu is able to do so many things at such a high level because he has somehow managed to combine the ideal traits for multiple positions — he has the quickness to excel in the slot, the range to play two-deep safety, the aggressiveness to face up to the run in the box, and his diagnostic abilities make him nightmare fuel for receivers all over the field. If you want to see the ideal slot guy — not to mention the best five-tool pass-defender in the game — look no further than the Honey Badger.
This play personifies what makes @Mathieu_Era so great. Take Tyrell Williams halfway up on a deep post, break on Darren Waller for the crosser, and get the ball. Speed, range, and diagnostic abilities at multiple positions.
DPOY, IMO.. pic.twitter.com/rsEoewDSWs
— Doug Farrar (@NFL_DougFarrar) July 10, 2020