Way Too Early Award Predictions for the Pittsburgh Steelers

Generally, year-end awards happen...well, at the end of the year. But not this time. I'm jumping the gun a little by handing out season-ending awards to the best performers for the Pittsburgh Steelers well before training camp is even slated to begin.

Why? Well, it's simply a creative way to look at the players who have high expectations this season—players who should perform at a high level. Perhaps these four players won't; however, that's not going to stop me from a bit of presumptuous prognostication.

Offensive MVP: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

Right now, Ben Roethlisberger is struggling to understand new offensive coordinator Todd Haley's playbook. But once he masters it, it's going to be another successful year for the Steelers' passing game.

Thanks to a talented group of receivers, Roethlisberger has become one of the better quarterbacks in the league. This year, with a more aggressive playbook, he should look even better than he has in recent seasons. 

The Steelers offense depends on Roethlisberger, and they won't be let down this season. He'll easily be the team's offensive MVP in 2012.

Defensive MVP: Linebacker LaMarr Woodley

LaMarr Woodley is quickly becoming the highest-impact player on the Steelers' vaunted defense. Last year, he picked up the slack for an injured James Harrison to the tune of seven sacks, before missing time with hamstring problems.

In a linebacking corps that's considered one of the most vicious in the league, Woodley is a standout. He's entering the prime of his career and could easily wrap up 2012 with more than 10 sacks to his name. 

Rookie of the Year: Running Back/Wide Receiver Chris Rainey

The Steelers took two high-impact offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft this year, both of whom should significantly improve the team's passing and run games. But it's a fifth-round pick, one who will benefit from those two linemen, who will end up as the Steelers' top rookie this season.

Chris Rainey represents a bit of a departure from the norm for the Steelers. He's a super-speedy specialist who can contribute in both the pass and run games, as well as on special teams as a returner.

Though Rainey won't be getting the majority of the carries, nor the majority of the pass targets, Rainey's still set to make a game-changing impact for the Steelers in his first season. Pittsburgh's offense is evolving, and Rainey will be a huge part of that evolution.

Most Improved Player: Wide Receiver Jerricho Cotchery

It's hard to describe Jerricho Cotchery as the Steelers' "most improved" player this season—it's more like he'll be given additional opportunities on the field and that he'll make the most of them.

Last season, Cotchery caught 16 passes for 30 yards and two scores. This season, he'll be battling it out with Emmanuel Sanders for more playing time rather than serving as depth behind the now-retired Hines Ward.

Cotchery is the most-veteran receiver on the Steelers roster, though this is just his second season with the team. His leadership is highly valued, but so his ability to make big plays in clutch situations. Look for Cotchery to become a more consistent red-zone target, with his reception, yardage and touchdown totals all noticeably higher this season.

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