T.J. Watt, Joey Porter Jr. finalists for prestigious AP award

Pittsburgh Steelers defenders T.J. Watt and Joey Porter Jr. were named finalists for the prestigious Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year awards.

The NFL sack leader (19) has been in the conversation for DPOY virtually every season of his seven-year career. Watt has already been named to the PFWA All-NFL team and earned the AFC DPOY distinction from the 101 Awards.

An interesting fact, per NFL/draft analyst Mike Frazer: The last time the 101 awards winner did not win DPOY was 1981, which bodes well for Watt (or Cowboys EDGE Micah Parsons, who won it for the NFC).

Other finalists are Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Parsons, Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland, and Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby.

Porter appeared in all 17 games with 11 starts. Once named starter, he began shadowing the league’s top receivers and wrapped his rookie season with one interception, 42 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a tackle for loss. Porter allowed just 30 completions and one touchdown catch for a 47.6 completion percentage.

In addition to Porter, finalists are Texans EDGE Will Anderson Jr., Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon and Rams defensive tackle Kobie Turner.