The Jim Thorpe Award was first given out in 1986 to Baylor defensive back Thomas Everett. The award is given to the nation’s best defensive back. Past Thorpe Award winners include Bennie Blades, Deion Sanders, Charles Woodson, and Terrance Newman. Last year’s winner was Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round as the 14th pick. The following athletes are on this year’s Thorpe watchlist: