Defensive players that could win MVP

By: Jake Rajala

It isn’t easy for a defensive player to win MVP. After all, it’s only been completed twice, by Alan Page in 1971 and by Lawrence Taylor in 1986! Each of these defenders were elite in numerous ways and consistent with wreaking dominance. With that said, I’m going to unfold which defenders could win MVP.

Micah Parsons

Micah Parsons hasn’t peaked quite yet. He’s also versatile and can play anywhere in the front seven. He has racked up 12 sacks, 23 QB hits, and 12 TFLs, while missing four games. Parsons also plays in an average division, where he can dominate. The Giants were 22nd, the Eagles were 21st, and Washington was 20th in sacks allowed last season.

Micah Parsons has been a star since entering the NFL:

⭐ 94.3 pass rush grade (2nd)
⭐ 21.3% win rate (2nd)
⭐ 19.7% pressure rate (1st)

The No. 7 player and No. 2 EDGE on the PFF50 pic.twitter.com/U4THdk3AVu

— PFF (@PFF) July 18, 2025

Fred Warner

An inside linebacker has plenty of opportunities to make plays. Fred Warner has superb play-making ability. He had 131 tackles, four forced fumbles and several pass deflections. He made his third straight first-team All-Pro honors last season. Let’s also be honest – the 49ers will play in a lot of competitive, gutsy NFC West showdowns.

Aidan Hutchinson

Aidan Hutchinson was leading the league in sacks (with 7.5) prior to getting injured. He was on pace for 28 sacks. He most likely wouldn’t have gotten 28 sacks, but he would’ve had a strong chance of breaking the sack record. Hutch is just entering his prime, similar to Parsons.

Aidan Hutchinson was a freak in college 🤧
pic.twitter.com/mdAHXlZkNp

— Footballism (@FootbaIIism) July 16, 2025

T.J. Watt

It would be foolish to leave T.J. Watt off this list. All he did last season was record a league high six forced fumbles last season. He only notched 11.5 sacks last season, but he did have 19 sacks in 2023. He has once recorded 8 FFs in a season and 22.5 sacks in a single seasons! I expect him to play more with his hair on fire after his record breaking contract.

Chris Jones

Chris Jones made his third straight first-team All-Pro nod last season. He only had five sacks, but he often harrassed the opposing QB. He recorded 15.5 sacks from the DT spot in 2022! Not only is he the total package, but he plays in a lot of primetime games. The Chiefs were in a load of one possession games.