Top five NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidates

Nearing the midway point of the 2023 season, the race for NFL Defensive Player of the Year is heating up. Here are the top five candidates to win DPOY this year.

1) Myles Garrett, Browns defensive end

Garrett is still searching for his first DPOY Award, and he's certainly on pace to earn it halfway through the season. The former No. 1 overall pick in 2017 is off to a dominant start on one of the best defenses in the NFL with the third most sacks (8.5) and most forced fumbles (4) in the league.

The 27-year-old also blocked a crucial field goal in a Week 7 win against the Colts, proving he can do it all. New defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz may have been what Garrett was missing to take his play to the next level. The two have proved to be a match made in heaven thus far.

2) T.J. Watt, Steelers linebacker

The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is searching for his second such award in 2023 after missing nearly half the 2022 season with a torn pectoral muscle. Watt has picked up right where he left off with the third most sacks (8.5) and eighth most forced fumbles (2) in the league. 

He has also been disruptive defending opponents' pass attacks with six passes defensed and an interception, which aided a Steelers comeback win against the Rams in Week 7. Watt has been doing all of this in the absence of All-Pro DT Cameron Heyward as well. Once he returns, Watt should be even more dominant.

3) Danielle Hunter, Vikings linebacker

Hunter has quietly put together a very nice start to the season, leading the NFL in sacks (10) and tackles for a loss (12) in eight games. The former third-round pick also has the second most forced fumbles on the year (3).

The 29-year-old has now posted back-to-back 10+ sack seasons and is on pace to crush his career-best 14.5 sacks. If Hunter can reach that feat, he may just be able to pass Garrett and Watt, who continue to get most of the national attention.

4) DaRon Bland, Cowboys cornerback

Bland has been one of the biggest surprises of the 2023 season. The fifth-round pick in 2022 has the second most interceptions (4) and has taken three of them for touchdowns, which leads the league. He also has the third most passes defensed (9).

It will be very difficult for the 24-year-old to continue his impressive pace, but we've seen it before from Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs in 2021 when he had 11 interceptions and two touchdowns. If Bland continues to find the ball in his hands, he'll surely have a shot at the 2023 DPOY.

5) Josh Allen, Jaguars linebacker

Allen's start to the season has also gone under the radar despite having the second most sacks (9) and eighth most forced fumbles (2) in the league. The former No. 7 overall pick is on pace for his best season by far in 2023.

The 26-year-old's DPOY stock may rise as well because he is on arguably the best team among the top five candidates. Having a great stat line by season's end is important to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, but being an impactful player on a playoff team is also noteworthy.