Highlighting Every NFL Team's 2015 Preseason MVP
The NFL preseason is a tremendous opportunity for both young players and grizzled veterans. The five-week period gives everyone the chance to show he is good enough to make a 53-man roster for the regular season. Inevitably, though, some players will prove to be more impactful than others.
The most productive and disruptive players are considered the most valuable players for each team. Especially in the preseason, the most valuable player may not be the most talented because of various factors. A player who outperforms expectations with great play at a position of major need could easily qualify.
To help determine the most valuable player for each team, we have some criteria. Players who produced against starting and second-string units will be considered, but not anyone who mostly showed out in late-game situations. It's important to produce against quality competition.
Those who locked up a significant rotation role or starting job also receive major credit. The most difficult thing to do in the preseason is to earn a place on the team, especially when you're considered the underdog. Several players on this list qualify in that regard.
Not all of the preseason MVPs will make the same impact in the regular season, but they've done well for themselves so far. Let's take a look at all 32 preseason MVPs.
Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Williams
1 of 32
After suffering injuries across the defensive line, the Arizona Cardinals had to find a capable contributor. The biggest weakness on the unit was nose tackle after Corey Peters went down for the season. Fortunately for Arizona, rookie Xavier Williams stepped into the role and immediately made an impact.
Developing a nose tackle in a 3-4 defense can take years, because these massive players must refine their bodies and technique to reach a playable level. So far, that hasn't been an issue for Williams. The undrafted free agent has been the Cardinals' MVP so far.
According to Pro Football Focus, Williams has accounted for two quarterback hurries, five tackles and three run stops in 78 snaps. That's a solid start to his career. More importantly, he's shown the Cardinals he can be an effective contributor right away.
Atlanta Falcons: Adrian Clayborn
2 of 32
As one of two major acquisitions the Atlanta Falcons made this past offseason to help overhaul a woeful pass rush, Adrian Clayborn has been excellent thus far. He was once a highly touted NFL prospect who struggled with injuries and some consistency issues. But if the preseason is any indicator, he may be ready to break out.
In three games, Clayborn has been a constant headache for offenses to deal with. The more impressive clue that he is ready to break out is his effectiveness in short bursts. He has just 38 snaps in three games but has notched two sacks and four quarterback hurries, per Pro Football Focus.
The Falcons defense hinges on Clayborn and rookie Vic Beasley taking the reins and producing. We saw last year how the defense will fail without adequate pass-rushers. Both players are talented enough, and Clayborn in particular has shown his potential impact during the preseason.
Baltimore Ravens: Elvis Dumervil
3 of 32
The Baltimore Ravens have seen several players have an impressive preseason thus far. This is nothing new, as the team's ability to develop talent and put players in a successful position has been evident for nearly two decades.
The Ravens' most valuable player is edge-rusher Elvis Dumervil. The outside linebacker will once again be a prominent figure for Baltimore, and he has had a huge impact while he's been on the field. He's the type of playmaker offenses must scheme for on a weekly basis.
Production seems to come easily for Dumervil. He posted one sack, two quarterback hits and another hurry in the preseason despite playing only 38 snaps. He filled the stat sheet better than anyone else on the Ravens, which is why he is the team's preseason MVP.
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Buffalo Bills: Tyrod Taylor
4 of 32
The Buffalo Bills announced Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback for the regular season after the third exhibition game. Based on his preseason work, he is the best man for the job. Buffalo's potency with the exciting playmaker at quarterback is scary, as opposed to the limited upside of EJ Manuel and Matt Cassel.
Taylor's pure passing talent is questionable, but his mobility can help keep defenses at bay. He ran for 108 yards in three preseason appearances. He had 236 passing yards on 31 attempts in those three games as well.
With Buffalo's deep playmaker corps to help ease the pressure on the quarterback, the upside of the offense is at its greatest with Taylor under center.
That being said, he has only attempted 35 passes in the regular season over four seasons. Taylor's individual upside is unknown, but he was a better option than Manuel and Cassel based on what happened this preseason. The fact he claimed the starting job in three games earns him the Bills' preseason MVP nod.
Carolina Panthers: Kony Ealy
5 of 32
The Carolina Panthers have suffered several key injuries and losses this calendar year. Although defensive end Greg Hardy barely played last season, the team will miss his impact. The same goes for Frank Alexander, who was just lost to injury for the 2015 season.
With the team on to its third-string defensive end from a year ago, it's time for Kony Ealy to receive the lion's share of work. The early results from Ealy's work have been encouraging—so much so that he is the preseason MVP.
In 96 snaps, Ealy had two sacks, three quarterback hurries and an impressive five run stops. His ability to be a well-rounded playmaker could help the Panthers defense regain elite status. This is a must-watch situation as the regular season unfolds.
Chicago Bears: Will Sutton
6 of 32
When the Chicago Bears selected Will Sutton in the third round of the 2014 NFL draft, they likely had envisioned him becoming a pass-rush asset like he was in college. The issue last year for Sutton was a new role in an unfamiliar 4-3 defense. Instead of working against one blocker, he took on two.
He struggled in his new role instead of flourishing. But one year later, the Bears are in a 3-4 again, and Sutton is back to his one-gapping role. The results so far have been excellent.
Sutton has posted one sack, three quarterback hurries, six tackles and six run stops. His ability to live in the backfield and blow up plays is what this unit desperately needs.
Cincinnati Bengals: Paul Dawson
7 of 32
Despite some great tape at TCU, linebacker Paul Dawson faced questions about his athleticism after a horrible NFL combine performance. His poor test scores caused speculation that he'd struggle dearly in space. Those concerns were justified based on Dawson's athletic profile, but he’s still a very good football player.
Throughout the preseason, he has been flying around the field for the Cincinnati Bengals. According to Pro Football Focus, Dawson has tallied 14 tackles and 13 run stops in 105 snaps.
Considering how badly the Bengals need help at linebacker, expect Dawson to play in the regular season. He's proved he can amass tackles quickly throughout his career to this point. His emergence earns him the team's preseason MVP award.
Cleveland Browns: Danny Shelton
8 of 32
The Cleveland Browns loaded up on defensive line talent this offseason to reduce the chances the unit gets ravaged by injuries as it did in 2014. It's such a deep group that the Browns cut talented, yet often injured, defensive tackle Phil Taylor. A big reason is the great play of rookie Danny Shelton.
At 6'2", 339 pounds, Shelton is a mountain of a man, but he moves much better than many players who are 40 pounds lighter. He's a true force as the nose tackle in Cleveland's 3-4 front. His early impact is why he's the Browns' MVP in the preseason.
Shelton hasn't logged a sack yet, but he's been as disruptive as anyone could have hoped. He's constantly blowing through blockers and allowing teammates to finish the play. His impact goes beyond the stat sheet.
Dallas Cowboys: Barry Church
9 of 32
The Dallas Cowboys secondary hasn't been the most effective in recent years, but the emergence of Barry Church at safety has been a solid development. The physical playmaker has continued to make his mark on games this preseason. He's one of just a few Cowboys starters on defense who have left a positive feeling overall.
Church's ability to play at the line of scrimmage and finish tackles is especially notable. He's physical through the whistle, which helps set the tone defensively for Dallas. His coverage talent is also notably better than what is normal for box safeties in the NFL.
This preseason has been great for Church. He's logged five run stops and five tackles, which helps illustrate his unique blend of aggression and physicality. The Cowboys likely feel great about Church's ability to impact their defense after such a strong preseason.
Denver Broncos: Shaquil Barrett
10 of 32
One of the few players on this list who have yet to establish a role in the NFL, Shaquil Barrett put on a clinic this preseason. He was all over the field for the Denver Broncos, locking his roster spot up in the meantime. His elevation on the depth chart was inevitable once he got on the field.
The stat sheet is as impressive as Barrett's film. According to Pro Football Focus, he had two sacks, five quarterback hits and three additional pressures. He made his impact known in the run game as well, as Barrett tallied four tackles and five run stops.
It's highly notable when a player dominates like Barrett did this preseason. Expect him to see more playing time this year. He could prove to be yet another stud on a talented Broncos defense.
Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford
11 of 32
The Detroit Lions have had several players stand out as impactful throughout this preseason. The most notable is their signal-caller, Matthew Stafford. He is entering a critical career juncture in 2015, so the pressure is on him to perform.
The results in the preseason were terrific for Stafford. He completed 76 percent of his throws for a league-high 156.3 quarterback rating. His three touchdowns and zero interceptions were also excellent to see.
With numerous playmakers around him, Stafford must take advantage and bounce back after a disappointing 2014 season. His consistency has long haunted him, but maybe this is the year he shows improvement. The Lions' season will depend on it.
Green Bay Packers: Ladarius Gunter
12 of 32
The Green Bay Packers must be happy with their investment in the secondary this offseason. Not only has Quinten Rollins been solid throughout the preseason, but undrafted free agent Ladarius Gunter has been the Packers' best cornerback.
Considering how rookie cornerbacks generally struggle to adjust to the NFL's speed and scheme complexity, Gunter may be a depth player who gets developed for 2016. His play has been promising, even against some starting units, but the Packers have three cornerbacks in front of him right now.
If Gunter is presented with an opportunity to play more than we think, it will be interesting to see whether he continues to excel. According to Pro Football Focus, he's allowed just five completions for 48 yards on 11 targets, with one interception. That's a solid start to his career.
Houston Texans: Alfred Blue
13 of 32
In the wake of losing running back Arian Foster for the first month or so of the season, the Houston Texans must build a competent running game without him. One of the young backs expected to fill the void is Alfred Blue. The former LSU Tiger has been productive this preseason.
The Texans would love to see Blue replicate his 4.8 yards-per-carry average in the regular season. It may not be realistic to expect it, but Blue was the consistent force who spurred the offense in the preseason.
The reality for the Texans is they need Blue to be part of a great rotation until Foster is back. Their offense lacks punch without the star back. But Blue's MVP preseason does give reason for optimism in the absence of Foster.
Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck
14 of 32
Whenever a team has a playmaker as good as Andrew Luck, it's hard for that player to be anything but the most valuable player. That's especially true for the Indianapolis Colts, whose roster severely lacks playmakers who aren't reliant on Luck to make big things happen.
Luck had a good, but not great, preseason. That's still enough to be the most valuable player for the Colts. There's simply no one else who can compare on this roster.
Luck's numbers figure to improve in the regular season. He completed 61 percent of his passes for 275 yards and one touchdown in the preseason. That equates to a 94.1 passer rating, which is just below his mark last year.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Blake Bortles
15 of 32
After a roller-coaster rookie season filled with some bright moments between chaotic ones, quarterback Blake Bortles seems ready to take a massive leap in 2015. His preseason play has been much more consistent and promising than what we saw in 2014. His mechanics have been much tighter so far as well.
Whether Bortles will continue to show a shortened, more efficient release remains to be seen. But the results to this point have been clear. He completed 39 of 60 passes for 461 yards and a touchdown in three games of preseason action.
Jacksonville is unlikely to make a playoff push in 2015, but Bortles' development will be a significant step toward success. We expect Bortles to continue his growth and look more like the franchise quarterback he can be. He has all of the talent and momentum needed to get there.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jeremy Maclin
16 of 32
The lasting memory of the Kansas City Chiefs' preseason was their breakout performance against the Tennessee Titans. Their offense executed at a level we've rarely seen with Alex Smith at the helm. One of the big contributors that game was wide receiver Jeremy Maclin.
Maclin accumulated 99 yards and two touchdowns on 11 catches this preseason. Even more importantly, he opens up more space for tight end Travis Kelce and running back Jamaal Charles.
Some may have had concerns about Maclin being a product of Chip Kelly's offense in Philadelphia. Maclin's status as preseason MVP for the Chiefs should help dispel that. We fully expect his success to continue in the regular season.
Miami Dolphins: Derrick Shelby
17 of 32
Few teams boast a defensive line as deep and talented as that of the Miami Dolphins. Their starters are excellent, and the second-string defensive line has talent capable of starting elsewhere. Defensive end Derrick Shelby is the best of that second unit.
Shelby is a ferocious run-stuffer with some pass-rush prowess as well. Miami sometimes moves him to defensive tackle in nickel defenses because he's often too quick for guards to handle
He's been a force in his 92 preseason snaps. His activity against both the pass and run is especially impressive. Shelby has accumulated five quarterback hurries, four tackles and three run stops in three games.
He only gets unleashed in limited doses in the regular season, so he's highly unlikely to be considered an MVP for 16 weeks. But he will surely been an effective role player once again.
Minnesota Vikings: Tom Johnson
18 of 32
Having specialists on the roster can be a wonderful thing as far as depth goes. It's critical to have players capable of producing when a starter needs a break. The Minnesota Vikings have two capable starters at defensive tackle but also a top-level backup in Tom Johnson.
Johnson feasted against backup offensive lines in the preseason. He was among the most disruptive players in the NFL as a whole. He's no slouch against the run, but he really excels as a pass-rusher.
In 131 snaps, Johnson had three sacks, four hits on the quarterback and five hurries. That shows that he is not only making a huge impact but finishing plays. It's unlikely he continues to dominate on that level in the regular season, but we do not doubt he will have a successful season.
New England Patriots: Dominique Easley
19 of 32
The New England Patriots gambled on Dominique Easley in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft after he suffered a torn ACL injury at Florida. He played decently last season, but his return to action this year has been much more impressive. The full offseason to gather strength has benefited Easley greatly.
Easley is a disruptive defensive tackle who wins with speed. His ability to get off the ball and dart past interior linemen is highly valuable. His play can devastate offenses from the heart of the formation.
According to Pro Football Focus, Easley has totaled one sack, four quarterback hurries and three run stops in 97 snaps. He's a constant threat to blow up whatever play the offense is running. New England didn't play its starters very much, but Easley was the best of the group in the preseason.
New Orleans Saints: Brandin Cooks
20 of 32
After losing Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills to trades, New Orleans needed someone to break out. The Saints are banking on second-year receiver Brandin Cooks to be their top receiver. He battled through injuries last year but is off to a great start in the preseason.
Cooks is difficult to cover with his speed, foot quickness and fluidity in his movements. Partner that with Sean Payton's tremendous game-planning, and Cooks will be producing quite well this year. We expect a great season for him.
The preseason has been a good barometer. Cooks has seven receptions, 164 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Drew Brees will likely be targeting him early and often.
New York Giants: Ereck Flowers
21 of 32
It's increasingly rare to find offensive tackles who play well in their first year. The lack of development happening at the collegiate level is mainly to blame. So when a team finds a stud at the position, it benefits for a long time.
The New York Giants didn't plan on throwing Ereck Flowers into the starting lineup so quickly, but an injury to William Beatty forced it. Flowers has responded in impressive fashion and has arguably been the best lineman on the roster.
In 103 snaps, Flowers has allowed just one sack, three quarterback hits and one quarterback hurry. He was also called for holding once. That means Flowers is doing good things on the field. Given the importance of the position and his solid play, he's the Giants' MVP.
New York Jets: Brandon Marshall
22 of 32
The New York Jets spent a lot of money this past offseason to end their woes. Upgrading the receiver position was an absolute must. The big trade for Brandon Marshall is one that needs to pay off immediately.
Marshall is a veteran who should not require an adjustment period. Each of his previous three stops saw solid production from the star receiver. For third-year quarterback Geno Smith to get into his groove as a professional, Marshall must continue that trend when Smith returns from injury.
The preseason was good for Marshall, who logged eight catches for 107 yards. The Jets will likely expect a stat line somewhat similar to that every week, so Marshall must bring his A-game.
Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack
23 of 32
One of the most dominant performances of the preseason came from Khalil Mack of the Oakland Raiders. He had a terrific rookie season in 2014 and seems assured of being a force again this year. He's by far the best player on an improving Raiders roster.
Mack is able to line up at defensive end and outside linebacker, depending on the defensive front. His versatility makes him that much more dangerous, because offenses must locate him pre-snap every play. Even then, it's not easy to contain him.
According to Pro Football Focus, Mack totaled two sacks, six quarterback hurries and six run stops in 90 preseason snaps. If he can carry those numbers over to a full 16-game total, Mack will be in the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.
Philadelphia Eagles: Sam Bradford
24 of 32
Although Sam Bradford finished with the fourth-most passing yards on his team, he was the Philadelphia Eagles' MVP of the preseason. His Week 3 performance against the Green Bay Packers is largely why. He orchestrated an offensive dismantling of the Packers in his first extended time on the field in almost two years.
Bradford's fit with the Eagles couldn't be any more perfect. His accuracy and quick trigger are exactly what Chip Kelly desires from his quarterbacks. Bradford just has to stay healthy.
We've seen what Kelly can do with subpar quarterbacks but not one with Bradford's talent. So far, so good. Bradford has thrown for 156 yards, three touchdowns and an 86.7 completion percentage. It looks like he'll be just fine in Philly.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Martavis Bryant
25 of 32
Despite being suspended four games for violating the league's substance-abuse policy, Martavis Bryant was the Pittsburgh Steelers' best performer by far in the preseason. The second-year receiver dismantled the Bills and was dominant in the first two games as well. When he gets back into the lineup, opponents will somehow have to cover Bryant, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell.
Bryant finished third in the NFL in receiving yards (215) in the preseason and scored twice. Most impressively, he had four receptions of 20-plus yards.
Pittsburgh will make do without Bryant for four games. His numbers will certainly take a dip playing in 12 games, but his effect on his teammates will be tremendous when he returns. Defenses will have to account for him, which will open up opportunities for everyone.
San Diego Chargers: Melvin Ingram
26 of 32
Sometimes the biggest addition to a roster comes via the draft or free agency. That's not always the case, though. The San Diego Chargers are a great example, as edge-rusher Melvin Ingram emerged from the preseason as a much better player than he looked to be last season.
Ingram's burst is reminiscent of when he came out of South Carolina. He looks more explosive than he's ever been in the NFL. If he keeps up his play, he'll provide a tremendous boost to the Chargers defense.
Although Ingram played just 58 snaps in the preseason, he's setting himself up for a solid campaign. He had two sacks, two additional hits on the quarterback and five run stops. That's the type of production both he and the team need.
San Francisco 49ers: NaVorro Bowman
27 of 32
The return of NaVorro Bowman is great for football fans. He was the best linebacker in the NFL, hands down, before the ACL injury that forced him to miss the 2014 season. His preseason work showed his status hasn't changed post-recovery.
The 49ers desperately needed positives this preseason, and Bowman was one of them. His ability to play all three downs and be a menace to offenses cannot be understated. He's the premier playmaker at the position.
In 45 snaps, Bowman had a ridiculous eight run stops and eight more tackles to boot. He's always in the picture, unless the ball is thrown far downfield. We expect his success to continue well into 2015.
Seattle Seahawks: Frank Clark
28 of 32
When Frank Clark was still at Michigan, it was a normal occurrence for him to bully opposing tackles who dared to get in his way. His refined mechanics and solid athleticism were often too much for collegiate tackles to handle. He was productive, but the thought was that he wouldn't continue to dominate in the NFL because his skills seemed to have peaked already.
At least in the preseason, even if Clark has peaked, he's been clearly good enough to be a starter in the NFL. His ability to play the run and pass is highly valuable, since rookies rarely prove to be stout in the run game. That hasn't been an issue against first-team tackles for Clark.
According to Pro Football Focus, Clark had one sack, seven total tackles and five run stops in three games. He flies around the field and is a major disruptive force in the backfield. Expect that type of talent to continue making plays in the regular season.
St. Louis Rams: Aaron Donald
29 of 32
The St. Louis Rams were fortunate to get their hands on defensive tackle Aaron Donald in 2014. He was discounted in the draft because he is somewhat short (6'1") for a 3-technique by NFL standards. But the reality is that he's explosive upfield and impossible to block for an entire game.
Donald is the best player on the Rams roster. His impact on games is evident, as he's always in the backfield and forcing the offense to change its intentions. He's a rare playmaker at the position.
The numbers for Donald look great as well. He didn't log a sack, but his three quarterback hurries and six run stops cannot be overlooked. He's a rare force at the position and the Rams' MVP in preseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Kwon Alexander
30 of 32
This season may be another long one for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The young team lacks playmakers on defense, and the offensive line has shown little in the preseason. One emerging starter in the exhibition games, though, was linebacker Kwon Alexander.
Alexander hasn't been flawless, as he wastes movement while working toward the football. But he's been better than what we saw from him at LSU. He's no longer just an athlete playing linebacker.
His 14 tackles and eight run stops in preseason are impressive. His coverage skills remain to be seen, but there have been many positive moments for Alexander so far. He should start for the Buccaneers in 2015.
Tennessee Titans: Marcus Mariota
31 of 32
Marcus Mariota has seen his share of ups and downs during the preseason. After a highly publicized interception-free training camp, he promptly turned the ball over twice in his first game. Things have been better since then.
Mariota's transition to the NFL will depend on whether he can make accurate throws when he's under pressure and windows are tight. We won't know the answer to that for a while, despite preseason success.
The positive for Mariota is he's shown the ability to extend plays and hit passes downfield. His completion percentage was 70 percent, and he logged one touchdown pass while leading Tennessee on some deep drives. The talent in front of him must play better for Mariota to truly succeed.
His rookie season will be fascinating to track on a weekly basis. There will inevitably be bumps in the road, but we expect Mariota to be the best player on the Titans offense in short time.
Washington Redskins: Kirk Cousins
32 of 32
There's officially a new signal-caller in Washington, as Kirk Cousins was named the starter of the Redskins for the 2015 season. Washington deemed Cousins the best option for the team, which may have ended its relationship with Robert Griffin III. At least the on-field play from Cousins has produced scoring drives.
It was likely a tough decision to go with Cousins over Griffin. Cousins has shown the propensity to turn the ball over quite often, but he's also been finishing drives more effectively than Griffin has. This preseason was more of the same.
Cousins amassed 435 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. What really earned him MVP, though, was grabbing the quarterback position from Griffin. That quarterback shuffle is simply not a scenario we need to see unfold once again in 2015.
Advanced statistics courtesy of Pro Football Focus.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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