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Offensive Player of The Year: LSU QB Joe Burrow
Joe Burrow is the nation's top QB in 2019. Burrow is breaking records at LSU this Season throwing for 4366 yds, 44 TD's both 2nd nationally. His decision-making skills show up in his stat line competing in arguably the top conference in college football. His 203.0 passer rating ranks 2nd nationally to Tua Tagovailoa (206.9).
Burrow has locked up the Heisman with only one more hurdle in the way vs. Georgia in the SEC title game this week. He is currently on a run of six consecutive 300+ yard passing games. He will try to continue this streak against a Georgia defense that ranks 15th against the pass surrendering 186 yds per game.
Burrow has been projected as the top NFL QB to be selected in the 2020 NFL Draft and for a good reason. He displays good accuracy while also throwing a catchable ball. He displays good decision-making ability and has decent enough athleticism to extend plays. Needs to improve his release time and enhance his post-snap progression from half field to full-field reads.
Defensive Player of The Year: Ohio State Edge Chase Young
Chase Young is an incredible athlete who can lineup all at any position along the defensive line and on occasion, lined up as a linebacker in the A-gap. He is the truth in every way imaginable in 2019 compiling 16.5 sacks (1st) nationally, 7 forced fumbles leading the nations top defense both in traditional statistics and in Havoc Rate (41.98%).
Young did not compile his stats vs. cupcakes, showing up big on the biggest stage. He racked up 4 sacks, forced 2 fumbles against Wisconsin's 12th ranked havoc allowed offense in a game Ohio State dominated winning 38-7. He also dominates against Penn State, grabbing 3 more sacks and two more forced fumbles.
Young will be a top-three pick in the 2020 NFL draft and could go number one depending on who lands in that spot.
He was not a factor statistically speaking against Michigan in the season finale and was held in check by a series of RB chips and T, TE double teams, quick pass game, and pocket movement. Ignoring stats, the attention he draws can open up others on the defense to make plays, and that too cannot be overlooked.
He will need to improve his move repertoire in the NFL to be elite. He will not be able to lean heavily on his speed and power against elite NFL offensive lineman. Young has a few more opportunities starting this week in the Big Ten title game to show his elite-level talent.
