Welcome to Glass Slipper! The great Alex Morgan is retiring, which means I’m unbelievably old; please enjoy the show.

- Jacob Rhee

MVP

1. Brock Purdy (49ers)

2. Bijan Robinson (Falcons)

3. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)

4. CJ Stroud (Texans)

5. Kyler Murray (Cardinals)

If you told me three years ago that I’d be the conductor for the Brock Purdy Is Really Good train in 2024, I would’ve assumed that I somehow became a massive fan of the CFL. The Niners are the best team in the league, and Mr. Irrelevant is finally going to get his recognition.

CJ Stroud builds on his legendary rookie campaign, and Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray rebound with strong years. We’ll talk about the guy I have finishing second here in a moment.

Offensive Player of the Year

1. Bijan Robinson (Falcons)

2. Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)

3. Brock Purdy (49ers)

4. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)

5. Saquon Barkley (Eagles)

Those that are only familiar with Bijan from his rookie stats will think that this list is a scorching hot take. But the people that watched the kid in college understand; this is one of the most talented football players of the generation.

I don’t really know how to explain this, but Robinson was almost too gifted for his own good at Texas. He was gliding into cutback lanes that weren’t open yet, and reaching the second level before his blockers could even engage. The NFL suits him better, and his breakout feels inevitable. Arthur Smith and Desmond Ridder leaving town should provide a boost in itself; I think Robinson gets to 2,000 yards from scrimmage this season.

After two years of battling injuries, Ja’Marr Chase is due for a full, healthy run. I expect Saquon Barkley to be totally rejuvenated, playing for his hometown team and sharing the backfield with a real quarterback.

Defensive Player of the Year

1. Nick Bosa (49ers)

2. TJ Watt (Steelers)

3. Myles Garrett (Browns)

4. Roquan Smith (Ravens)

5. Justin Simmons (Falcons)

It’s the usual candidates up top, with Bosa winning the award for the second time in three seasons. I’ve absolutely loved Roquan Smith since his Georgia days, and it pains me to root against him. He’ll get some votes while operating as the best player on a fantastic Ravens defense.

Justin Simmons is another longtime personal favorite of mine. He’s been the NFL’s most underrated player for a while in Denver; now he’ll be next to fellow star safety Jessie Bates III, and those guys will create turnovers galore against a schedule filled with spotty opposing quarterbacks.

Offensive Rookie of the Year

1. Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals)

2. Jayden Daniels (Commanders)

3. Caleb Williams (Bears)

4. Malik Nabers (Giants)

5. Keon Coleman (Bills)

Garrett Wilson in 2022. CJ Stroud in 2023. Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024. TreVeyon Henderson in 2025? Carnell Tate in 2026? Jeremiah Smith in 2027? Maybe this string of Ohio State Offensive Rookie of the Year winners just never ends.

Puka Nacua broke the rookie receiving record last season, which had stood for 63 years. That new mark is going to be in serious danger; Harrison will be an immediate star in this league.

Jayden and Caleb each have multiple Pro Bowls in their future. I just trust Daniels’ ability to protect the ball and move the chains a little bit more at the moment. Nabers and Coleman should benefit from heavy volume in their respective offenses.

Defensive Rookie of the Year

1. Quinyon Mitchell (Eagles)

2. Javon Bullard (Packers)

3. Jared Verse (Rams)

4. Cole Bishop (Bills)

5. Byron Murphy II (Seahawks)

I didn’t watch Mitchell at Toledo, and neither did you. But the kid has been drawing rave reviews from Eagles folks, and he’s going to be an immediate full-time starter. Javon Bullard - who should have been long gone when Green Bay finally scooped him up with the 58th pick - will also play a ton. Verse and Murphy are both absolute freaks that can blow up plays with their athleticism alone.

No one ever talks about Cole Bishop because no one ever talks about Utah. My love for that program is well-documented, and the Bills got themselves a brilliant safety that will contribute instantly.

Super Bowl

The pick: Niners OVER Texans, 31-21.

Super Bowl MVP: Deebo Samuel

This is the year, 49er Faithful. It’s happening.

Pressroom

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“You Da One” by Rihanna. Instant mood booster.