No. 1 – Von Miller
It takes a rare talent to unseat a player of Chris Harris’ caliber for our top spot at this point. But Von Miller is in a class above not just his Broncos brethren, but nearly everyone else in the NFL.
The No. 2 pick in 2011, Miller has outplayed even those expectations. Recently Bucky Brooks of NFL.com asked which player would be better to build a defense around, J.J. Watt or Miller. That’s the kind of company Miller keeps.
Miller returned to the Broncos this year with a clean slate from the NFL and a huge payday on his mind. He’s already logged 37 combined sacks, QB hits and QB hurries; that’s good for third in the NFL behind Pernell McPhee and Tamba Hali, both with 39.
Still, it feels like Miller hasn’t fully “let loose” in a game this year. Now that opposing offensive lines have to consider Shaquil Barrett in addition to DeMarcus Ware, Miller should be primed to add even more to those totals above. Until now, the game-breaking plays have come from cornerbacks, safeties and even DeMarcus Ware.
Von’s day is coming this season and it’s going to be great.
