In perhaps the least-surprising outcome from the NFL Honors ceremony, 49ers defensive end Nick Bosa was given the Defensive Player of the Year award. He is the first 49er to win the award since Dana Stubblefield in 1997.
Bosa spearheaded a 49ers defense that finished No. 1 in the league in points and yards allowed. He was also the most disruptive pass rusher in the league.
He led the NFL with 18.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus also credited him with 90 pressures – tied for the league lead – and a league-best 30 QB hits. Bosa was simply dominant from start to finish, and posted sacks in all but three regular-season games.
Cowboys defensive end Micah Parsons and Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones were also finalists for the DPOY award. Bosa received 46 of a possible 50 first-place votes.