Linebacker Lawrence Taylor was named the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 1986. The award has been given to an offensive player every year since then. It takes a lot to win the MVP as a defensive player. Being mentioned in the conversation in the first place is usually praise enough. Von Miller has reached that level of respect.
Bovada’s 2017 NFL MVP odds are out and they are reflective of that history. Unsurprisingly the front-runners for the award are all quarterbacks. Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot, the first non-quarterback, checks in at No. 8. After that the list continues, cycling between quarterbacks, running backs and a few elite wide receivers.