Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake is the AFC East comeback player of the year, as voted on by the four reporters covering the division for ESPN.com.

Mike Reiss, New England Patriots reporter: Nate Solder, a left tackle, is in his sixth NFL season with the Patriots, and missed more than 12 games last season (and in the playoffs) with a biceps injury. It was also a year in which his son, Hudson, was diagnosed with bilateral kidney tumors. Solder returned this season and the offensive line has transitioned from a weakness to a strength, with Solder playing 15 of 16 games (1,029 snaps out of 1,118).

James Walker, Dolphins reporter: Wake exceeded everyone’s expectations in 2016 -- including those of the Dolphins’ coaching staff -- by leading the team with 11.5 sacks. He was 34 and coming off a season-ending Achilles injury. Coach Adam Gase initially brought Wake off the bench and kept him on a snap count; in a Week 2 loss to the Patriots, Wake played just 15 snaps, which Miami admitted right away was a mistake. Wake wanted more and eventually was put in the starting lineup in October, and that led to his Pro Bowl season. Those who continue to doubt Wake were proved wrong once again.

Rich Cimini, New York Jets reporter: To me, this is a no-brainer: Wake made it back from a torn Achilles tendon, which is no easy task for any player, let alone a 34-year-old defensive lineman. He seemed as good as new, finishing with 11.5 sacks. In the two games I saw him -- both against the Jets -- he was dominant, recording three sacks and his first career interception. Jets QB Bryce Petty will never got forget him, that’s for sure; he survived a bone-rattling sandwich from Wake and Ndamukong Suh. In my opinion, Wake deserves consideration for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

Mike Rodak, Buffalo Bills reporter: This came down to two players for me, both of whom were lost to season-ending injuries in October 2015: Wake and Bills defensive tackle Kyle Williams. Either would be a fine choice, but I'll go with Williams because I believe he deserves more credit for being so consistent and dependable at this stage of his largely unheralded 11-year career. Williams, 33, rehabbed from knee surgery to bounce back better than would be expected for a 300-pound player of his age. Williams finished 17th in Pro Football Focus' grading of interior defensive linemen and is a first alternate to the Pro Bowl.