2025 NFL Predictions, Picks: 3 Protector Of The Year Wagers To Make Now

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2025 NFL Predictions: Top 3 Wagers for Protector of the Year

We’ve arrived at the exciting discussion about Protector of the Year — a prestigious award dedicated to the unsung heroes of football, the offensive linemen. 8k8.com app As someone who played eight seasons in the NFL as a lineman, I feel uniquely qualified to share insights on this topic.

In late May, the NFL announced the establishment of the Protector of the Year award, a much-needed acknowledgment for the best offensive linemans in the sport. Offensive linemen have long advocated for such recognition, and the league has finally delivered. Along with this award comes the opportunity for fans to place bets on the winner, and as a former player, I’m eager to share my picks and predictions agent system okebet!

The Voting Committee

The Protector of the Year will be determined by a panel of six former offensive linemen, including LeCharles Bentley, Jason Kelce, Shaun O’Hara, Orlando Pace, Will Shields, and Andrew Whitworth. Notably, Bentley, Kelce, and O’Hara all played center during their NFL careers, while Whitworth was a tackle for the Bengals and Rams. Both Shields and Pace are enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

To evaluate the winner, five key criteria will be utilized: skill metrics, impact, leadership, durability, and strength of opponent bbc casino login register. I anticipate the committee will adhere closely to these principles during their voting. Historically, it is rare for a dark horse to win this award; the best offensive linemen are often those who performed well in the previous season. While players may rise and fall in rankings, it’s uncommon for an underperformer to suddenly excel enough to receive this honor.

However, as with any voting process, the human element plays a significant role. Preseason hype and the overall body of work will be crucial factors. The former positions of the voters, particularly since three of them were centers, will influence their judgments. If the public voted, it might lean toward recognizing an offensive tackle; however, former centers will likely appreciate the work of their peers.

My Top Picks

Lane Johnson +750

Currently, you can bet on both Penei Sewell and Lane Johnson at +650 and +750, respectively, but I am choosing to place my wager on Johnson. Although Sewell snagged first-team All-Pro honors at right tackle in 2024, I still firmly believe Johnson is the finest offensive lineman in the NFL. He serves as the anchor of the league’s best offensive line and has consistently made the All-Pro team for four consecutive seasons. Lane Johnson, a two-time Super Bowl champion and six-time Pro Bowler, is poised for a Hall of Fame career.

If this award were evaluated solely on statistics or highlight reels, I might reconsider my bet on Johnson over Sewell. Nevertheless, the voting panel will prioritize what Johnson excels at — pass protection. This aspect is particularly challenging for offensive tackles, and Johnson often faces elite rushers with little assistance. The committee members are players who understand the complexity of this role and will evaluate it accordingly lbc tracking parcel.

PICK: Lane Johnson (+750) to win Protector of the Year

Trent Williams +950

If Trent Williams can maintain his health, I expect him to revert to the All-Pro form we have come to admire. He has been a first-team All-Pro three times from 2021 to 2023 and has consistently been recognized as one of the best offensive linemen in the game. With 11 Pro Bowl selections and three first-team All-Pro nods, Williams combines exceptional pass protection with standout blocks in the run game, which enhance his chances of winning awards. If the 49ers can rack up wins this season, he will be in contention for this honor.

PICK: Trent Williams (+950) to win Protector of the Year

Creed Humphrey +2200

This bet is one of my long shots, but I believe it’s worth playing now. With Kelce retiring before the 2024 season, Creed Humphrey stepped up as a first-team All-Pro and is unlikely to lose that status this year, especially with the Chiefs’ spotlight on them. 21 jilipark login register online Humphrey is a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Pro Bowler.

As previously noted, the voting committee includes three former centers who are likely to advocate for the inclusion of interior offensive linemen in this discussion. If the selection panel consisted only of sportswriters or lacked representation from centers, I wouldn’t suggest that anyone but tackles could win this award.

PICK: Creed Humphrey (+2200) to win Protector of the Year

Geoff Schwartz is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports, bringing insights from his eight seasons in the league where he played for five different teams. He played right tackle for the University of Oregon for three years and earned a second-team All-Pac-12 selection in his senior year. Follow him on Twitter @GeoffSchwartz.

What are your thoughts on these predictions and picks for the Protector of the Year award?

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