A Former Badger Not Named T.J. Watt is a Legitimate Defensive Player of the Year Candidate

After five weeks, a former Badger is a legitimate NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate, but it may not be who you think. Minnesota Vikings linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel has quickly put together one of the more impressive seasons in recent memory.

Through the Vikings' 5-0 start, Van Ginkel has racked up three sacks and two interceptions, both of which were returned for a touchdown.

The Vikings signed Van Ginkel this offseason to a two-year deal as a complimentary piece to their big signing, edge rusher Jonathan Greenard. However, it's the 29-year old former Badger that has been dominating on defense. He's on pace to finish with 10 sacks, and combined with his ball-hawking skills and nose for the endzone, he's now become a real contender for DPOY.

He's no T.J. Watt, and isn't really a household name (yet), but Van Ginkel has been a force on defense. No other player in the league has more than one defensive touchdown and only a two have more than two interceptions. Combined with his three sacks, Van Ginkel has one of the more unique and impressive stat lines in the NFL.

Defensive Player of the Year is a typically an edge rusher award, but with Van Ginkel's crazy hot start, it would be hard to deny him the crown if he keeps up this pace. He'd be the first Badger to win the award since T.J. in 2021.