49ers 2020 predictions: Team MVP, most improved and more
NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year
One final award, and I’m going big here.
George Kittle will win the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award on the night before Super Bowl 54.
More from Niner Noise
- 49ers 2023 NFL Draft tracker: Pick-by-pick news and analysis
- Predicting 49ers NFL Draft picks by looking at final mocks
- DraftKings NFL Draft Promo – Win $150 Guaranteed on Any $5 Bet
- 2023 NFL Draft: EDGE Byron Young could be impact player for 49ers
- 5 low-key NFL Draft options for 49ers who are flying under the radar
While the NFL’s MVP award is almost always a quarterback, the Associated Press often uses the Offensive Player of the Year to recognize a non-quarterback on that side of the ball who has a massive impact on the game.
Past non-quarterback winners include New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas (2019), Rams running back Todd Gurley (2017), Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (2012), Los Angeles Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson (2006), Rams running back Marshall Faulk (1999, 2000, 2001) and Detroit Lions running back Barry Sanders (1994, 1997).
The last 49ers player to win was wide receiver Jerry Rice in 1993 and quarterback Steve Young won in 1992. Three different 49ers — Rice, running back Roger Craig and quarterback Joe Montana — won it in consecutive years from 1987 to 1989.
However, if Kittle was voted as the winner by the Associated Press, he would notably become the first tight end to ever win in the 47-year history of the trophy.
dark. Next. 49ers should expect big things from Deebo Samuel in 2020
But if any tight end has the chance to rise above the rest of the offensive players in the NFL, it’s Kittle.