NFL executives make MVP picks

By
JOHN CLAYTON via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>
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November 10, 2016, 9:43 AM ET
2 min read

— -- The NFL MVP race is shaping up to be a fun one.

Matt Ryan has 23 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, and the Falcons are rolling. Rookies Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott have led the Cowboys to a 7-1 start. Tom Brady hasn't thrown an interception since returning from suspension, and the Patriots are the league's best team. Then there are a few dark horses who are having fantastic seasons and could jump to the top of the list.

We checked in with five NFL personnel executives to get their thoughts on?which player?would get their MVP vote right now and which player?was most likely to take home the award by the end of the season.

The results were fascinating, and nine candidates emerged, according to the executives I polled. Here they are -- in order from most likely to win MVP to least likely -- with execs' quotes for each player:

1. Matt Ryan, QB, Atlanta Falcons

What execs are saying:

  • "What I like with Matt Ryan this year is his consistency. He's been consistently good since the first game of the season."
  • "He's moving the football as well as anyone."
  • "You have to consider Matt the first-half MVP. His numbers are too good."

    • 2. Tom Brady, QB, New England Patriots

    What execs are saying:

  • "It's Matt Ryan and Tom Brady for the top spots. At the end of the year, Brady might top Ryan, and he probably will. Both are playing at an incredible level."

    • 3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Detroit Lions

    What execs are saying:

  • "I don't know if it's sustainable to be trailing in the fourth quarter of every game and being able to come back, but he's been able to do that and win five games."
  • "Ever since Jim Bob Cooter has taken over as offensive coordinator, Stafford has gotten better and better. It's a great combination."
  • "Maybe it's me, but he'd be close to MVP, and?I still get concerned when he throws a pick."

    • 4. Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

    What execs are saying:

  • "He's so dang injured, yet what he keeps doing is amazing. I honestly don't know how he does it with the injuries."
  • "You have to really respect his dedication, but there aren't that many players who would play as much or as well with the injuries he's endured."
  • "It wouldn't surprise me as he gets healthier that he gets hot in the second half of the season, like he did last year, when he was one of the best pocket passers in the game."

    • 5. Drew Brees, QB, New Orleans Saints

    What execs are saying:

  • "All you have to do is look at his stats and his yards per game and you have to be amazed at what he's doing. He's getting over 70 plays a game and more than 6 yards per play. He should be among the top two in the MVP race."
  • "It's just a shame he doesn't have a better defense to help him out."

    • 6. Derek Carr, QB, Oakland Raiders

    What execs are saying:

  • "I'm telling you this, this guy is really becoming special. Here's the shocking thing: Look at his accuracy. When I see him throw, it reminds me of Tom Brady."
  • "He's really incredible when you think of it. He gets better and better by the game. I like where his career is heading."

    • 7. Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Dallas Cowboys

    What execs are saying:

  • "I honestly thought he was the most talented back to come into the NFL in a long time. He had star written over him coming out of college."
  • "The only thing holding Elliott and Dak Prescott?back from being MVPs is that they are rookies, and rookies don't get the same recognition as veterans."
  • "He's a complete back. He can catch the ball and he can run well. You figured from the beginning he was going to have a great rookie season."

    • 8.? Dak Prescott, QB, Dallas Cowboys

    What execs are saying:

  • "Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott should be entered into the MVP race as a pair. Both work so well together."
  • "What I like about what Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott are doing is that it is allowing [defensive coordinator] Rod Marinelli to be the assistant coach of the year. Dak is getting the possession time that keeps the defense off the field. When the defense is on the field, the players are fresh, and Marinelli can get them to play at a high level."

    • 9. David Johnson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

    What execs are saying:

  • "David Johnson has given Bruce Arians the ability to go to a running offense. Arians likes to air it out. When teams pressure Carson Palmer, Arians can go to the running game or get some passes off to Johnson and cause problems.''