NFL introducing Protector of the Year award to honor top offensive lineman

The NFL is introducing a Protector of the Year award to honor the league's top offensive lineman every season.

The award will be voted on by a panel that includes "a number of former (offensive linemen) greats," according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor.

NFL executive Troy Vincent credited Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins and former Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams lineman Andrew Whitworth for pushing the idea, Pryor adds.

Offensive linemen have traditionally only been recognized with Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. No offensive lineman has been recognized as MVP, Offensive Player of the Year, or Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers left tackle Tristan Wirfs, then-Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Joe Thuney, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey, Denver Broncos right guard Quinn Meinerz, and Detroit Lions right tackle Penei Sewell would've likely been finalists for the award after being named first-team All-Pros last season.