The Athletic's predicts every team's MVP

**Shas** · 06-22-2021, 09:00 AM

The Athletic just posted a story where the beat writer for every team predicts the '21 MVP for the team they cover.

I'll dispense with the suspense. Zrebiec picks Lamar Jackson, citing the help they gave him at WR and OL. Hard to argue that prediction.

There were some interesting other choices on the list, particularly for teams who might struggle to find wins.

To wit: The Jets. Their writer picked...wait for it... CJ Mosley.

The rationale? "He’s looked awfully good at offseason workouts; teammates and coaches insist he has no rust despite playing just three healthy quarters the last two years."

Ah, the Tavon-Young defense.

For the record, The Raiders' writer is going with Darren Waller.

Here are a few that must surely bring sorrow to fans of their teams:

The Lions. Any guesses?

**pause**

Answer: center Frank Ragnow.

Similarly, the Jags are going with Brandon Linder.

The Texans are going with Laremy Tunsil.

Here's the one that really made me think: The Steelers' writer Ed Bouchette is going with rookie Najee Harris.

He could have easily gone with a few players on the defensive side, I realize, but it makes me think the offense is really going to struggle if you're counting on a guy who hasn't taken a snap to be your MVP.

I realize rookie running backs can have quick starts, but--similar to what Ravens fans used to hear about promising rookie WRs, "who's going to throw to him?"--I ask, who is going to block for Harris? They are betting on an offensive line that can generously called, "transitional" until proven otherwise. And with doubts whether their aging QB can chuck it more than 30 yards anymore, what's stopping defenses from crowding the line of scrimmage.

If Harris puts up an MVP quality season, he will really have earned it or a bunch of his teammates will have played above expectations.

We'll see.

For the record the Bengals went with Joe Burrow and the Browns Myles Garrett.

**BcRaven** · 06-22-2021, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by Shas

I'll dispense with the suspense. Zrebiec picks Lamar Jackson, citing the help they gave him at WR and OL. Hard to argue that prediction.

My hope is that LJ is also Super Bowl LVI MVP too

As the Ravens receive their/our 3rd Lombardi Trophy... Bc

**edromeo** · 06-22-2021, 10:53 AM

With a normal offseason under his belt, the additions receiver and the upgrades to the OL I think Lamar will be in the running for league MVP.

I'm looking forward to another exciting Ravens season.

**Ravenswintitle** · 06-22-2021, 11:28 AM

Boykin?

**Captain Silver** · 06-22-2021, 11:41 AM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

Boykin?

**Shas** · 06-22-2021, 01:02 PM

Originally Posted by Ravenswintitle

Boykin?

*ducks*

**AQKingRaven** · 06-22-2021, 01:27 PM

Originally Posted by edromeo

With a normal offseason under his belt, the additions receiver and the upgrades to the OL I think Lamar will be in the running for league MVP.

I'm looking forward to another exciting Ravens season.

I still say LJ had an injury ealry in the season last year and then of course covid followed. Anyway I agree with you on league MVP and still would even if they had picked 8 defesive players in the draft. They already had enough to kill teams its all about Lamar and where hes at and where hes at right now his teed up for MVP and more historic greatness

How is it still June.

**Ravskins** · 06-22-2021, 02:09 PM

Originally Posted by AQKingRaven

I still say LJ had an injury ealry in the season last year and then of course covid followed. Anyway I agree with you on league MVP and still would even if they had picked 8 defesive players in the draft. They already had enough to kill teams its all about Lamar and where hes at and where hes at right now his teed up for MVP and more historic greatness

How is it still June.

I agree that he wasn't the same as 2019. Did not have the same lateral quickness that he showed before.

Team MVP, I'm going with JK. I think they will use him more this year and the threat of Lamar that he will explode statistically both running and receiving.

I think we see the offense take a major step forward this year in terms of consistency.

**moose10101** · 06-22-2021, 02:15 PM

Originally Posted by Ravskins

I agree that he wasn't the same as 2019. Did not have the same lateral quickness that he showed before.

He wasn't right until after his COVID "bye".

**RavensFanMania** · 06-22-2021, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Captain Silver

a season for Boykin is OTAs and Training camp

**Greg** · 06-22-2021, 05:25 PM

Originally Posted by moose10101

He wasn't right until after his COVID "bye".

He was better but still rarely ran anything designed to go outside. If he was better they were protecting him.

**Ravenswintitle** · 06-23-2021, 08:17 AM

They also go back on the 2018 draft that included Mayfield/Allen/Lamar and rank each teams draft class.

Ravens rank #1 in the league, mostly due to LJ

https://theathletic.com/2626083/2021...3-years-later/

Best player: Lamar Jackson
Best value (outside the first round): Orlando Brown
Biggest miss: Hayden Hurst

2 - Colts
3 - Buffalo
4 - Cleveland
5 - Tampa

25 - Pittsburgh (Edmunds listed as best player AND biggest miss)