The "NFL Honors" presentation has directed more recognition to players and coaches who would have otherwise flown under the radar. The implementation of top assistant coach and best offensive line award has helped achieve that.
However, the league still has several glaring holes in its selection of yearly accolades. Here are five the league should introduce and the players who would've taken them home this season:
Breakout player of the year
In a similar vein to the NBA's Most Improved Player, the NFL should create an award for the player that conjured the biggest step forward in their development.
2017 winner: Carson Wentz
Wentz was well on his way to winning MVP in just his second season before tearing his ACL on Dec. 11. While Tom Brady will likely now take home the league's most prestigious honor, the Philadelphia Eagles' franchise quarterback deserves huge credit for his transformation this season.
The young pivot was maddeningly inconsistent in his rookie campaign, but posted elite numbers in 2017, creating magnificent plays on the fly and running the Eagles' scheme to perfection. Unbelievably, he still has a chance at leading the NFL in passing touchdowns despite missing three games.
Honorable mentions: Chris Thompson, Adam Thielen, Demarcus Lawrence
Most exciting player of the year
The criteria for this selection is simple - something NFL awards often lacks (looking at you, MVP). Which player demanded attention? Which player made consistent eye-popping plays?
Unlike other NFL awards, health and production is a secondary factor, which means players who saw their excellent seasons cut short could still garner some deserved plaudits.
2017 winner: Deshaun Watson
Watson's rookie season lasted six starts, but boy, did the Houston Texans quarterback exceed expectations. No. 4 played the kind of aggressive, exciting brand of football that made him a star in college.
The rookie threw 19 touchdowns and ran for another two in his six starts (seven appearances), transforming the usual boring Texans offense into the NFL's top-scoring unit over his time as the starter. He routinely made splash plays to DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller, used his legs to great effect, and was routinely involved in edge-of-your-seat shootouts.
The NFL was ravaged by injuries this year, but losing Watson may have been the biggest blow.
Honorable mentions: Alvin Kamara, DeAndre Hopkins, Todd Gurley, Russell Wilson
Free-agent signing of the year
NFL free agency often gets a bad rap. High-profile busts are common, sure, but so are slam dunk signings, and the latter deserves more recognition.
This award would celebrate both the player and the front office. Players who were unrestricted free agents but were re-signed by their original teams wouldn't be eligible.
2017 winner: Calais Campbell
The Jaguars' best season since 2007 was fueled by a multitude of reasons: Leonard Fournette's impressive rookie year, Blake Bortles' progression, and an elite pass defense.
However, the star of Jacksonville's show was the pass-rush, and at its center, Campbell. Usually, giving a 31-year-old a deal worth $14 million a year is just asking the free agency gods to punish you - especially when the player is switching from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 - but the Jaguars' front office clearly knew Campbell had a lot more left in his tank.
The veteran defensive end's 14.5 sacks through 15 games blow away his previous career high of nine, and his four-sack day in Week 1 was one of the season's best single-game performances.
Honorable mentions: A.J. Bouye, Robert Woods, Micah Hyde, Alshon Jeffery, Andrew Whitworth
Celebration of the year
The NFL actually listened to its fans and reinstated group celebrations for 2017 - the players didn't let us down.
Every week produced another highlight-worthy celebration, and the NFL would be wise to continue the goodwill and stoke the competitiveness among players by honoring the best of the best.
2017 winner: Steelers play hide-and-seek
Hide n’ Seek TD celebration might be the best one yet this season. pic.twitter.com/04JBIBaaz9
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) October 22, 2017
The Steelers were among the most celebration-happy teams in the league, and for good reason. Pittsburgh's players continuously knocked their celebrations out of the park. However, Le'Veon Bell and JuJu Smith-Schuster's game of hide-and-seek in Week 7 was a high point. Simple, funny, perfectly executed, inoffensive (thumbs up from Roger Goodell), and, apparently, mostly thought up on the fly.
Honorable mentions: Vikings play Duck, Duck, Goose; Steelers' Smith-Schuster locks up bike; Chiefs' potato sack race
Special teamer of the year
Special teams, in its current form at least, isn't likely to be around in a decade, as the NFL looks to make the sport safer. So, we should recognize the third aspect of football while we still have the chance.
It's borderline unacceptable the NFL hasn't instituted this award already, as it would help talented special teamers boost their career resumes. Also, by using the umbrella of "special teamer," the award can cover kickers, punters, and returners.
2017 winner: Greg Zuerlein
Unfortunately, Zuerlein's season came to an end after 14 games due to a back injury. The kicker will now miss the playoffs, a huge blow to the Los Angeles Rams considering his elite level of play this campaign.
Zuerlein is tied for the most field-goal attempts this season and has hit on 95 percent of them, with a long of 56 yards. The veteran kicker has also made all but two of his 46 extra-point attempts and won two Special Teams Player of the Week awards.
Honorable mentions: Robbie Gould, Shane Lechler, Pharoh Cooper
