Midseason 2026 NFL Awards: Reese, Benson, and Shanahan Lead Rankings

As the 2026 NFL season reaches the halfway mark, analysts are evaluating performance across a league defined by parity and few clear standouts. In a midseason ballot released on November 12, 2026, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell highlighted several players who have distinguished themselves through the first nine weeks. The evaluations prioritize consistent availability and on-field impact, with a focus on data and film study rather than end-of-year predictions.

Arvell Reese of the New York Giants has emerged as the top candidate for Defensive Rookie of the Year. The linebacker and edge rusher has been a dual threat for the Giants, contributing significantly to their improved run defense. Reese has recorded tackles on 15.3% of his snaps, a rate that ranks eighth in the league, while allowing an 81.3 passer rating in coverage. His pass-rushing ability is equally notable, with 4.5 sacks and 14 pressures. His quick pressure rate of 10.2% would be the second-best in the NFL if he met the qualification threshold, and his average pressure comes after just 2.44 seconds.

David Bailey of the New York Jets ranks second for the defensive rookie award. The edge rusher has tied Fred Warner for the league lead in strip sacks with five. Bailey has accumulated 7.5 total sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 10 tackles for loss. His pressure rate of 20.6% places him second among all players. Sonny Styles of the Washington Commanders rounds out the top three, known for his physicality in pass protection and improving skills in coverage over the middle of the field.

On the offensive side, Kahlil Benson of the Kansas City Chiefs leads the rankings for Offensive Rookie of the Year. The undrafted free agent assumed the starting left tackle role after Josh Simmons became unavailable. Benson has allowed only two sacks and five quick pressures in eight games, facing opponents one-on-one in nearly 84% of dropbacks. His performance has allowed the Chiefs to maintain their offensive structure, contributing to the team's second-best league average of 6.3 yards per carry on outside runs to the left side.

Denzel Boston of the Cleveland Browns and Carnell Tate of the Tennessee Titans complete the top three offensive rookies. Boston leads all rookies with 507 receiving yards and has three catches of 50 or more yards, tied for the most in the league. Tate, who missed last week's game, leads rookies in yards per route run at 2.2, a mark comparable to established stars like Justin Jefferson.

Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers is the top choice for Coach of the Year. His offense has remained effective despite injuries to key playmakers, revitalizing the run game through increased pre-snap motion and the use of fullback Kyle Juszczyk and tight end George Kittle. Liam Coen of the Jacksonville Jaguars ranks second, credited with building a reliable running game and managing quarterback Trevor Lawrence effectively. Ben Johnson of the Chicago Bears is third, praised for his passing schemes and ability to create space.

The Comeback Player of the Year category features three San Francisco 49ers. Fred Warner, who returned from a dislocated ankle, ranks second after forcing five fumbles through eight games. George Kittle, who tore his Achilles in the playoffs, is third. The 33-year-old tight end is third among all tight ends in yards per route run and is on pace for a 1,026-yard, 11-touchdown season, a rare feat for players over 32 who are returning from such a significant injury.