Alfred Morris and 4 Rookies Looking Like Early Pro Bowl Locks

By (Featured Columnist) on October 9, 2012

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Matt Stamey-US PRESSWIRE

Robert Griffin III isn't the only Washington Redskins rookie who has a good chance to make the Pro Bowl this season. 

Running back Alfred Morris is keeping head coach Mike Shanahan away from his typical tendency to give feature back duties to a different runner every week. 

Out of nowhere, Morris is fourth in the NFL in rushing with 491 yards, and has done so at a tremendous 4.9 yards per carry clip. 

Right now, he appears to be primed for a trip to Hawai'i no one saw coming. 

Which other rookies have a good chance to make the Pro Bowl?

Robert Griffin III

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Patrick Smith/Getty Images

If he stays healthy, which won't be easy, Robert Griffin III looks to be an early Pro Bowl lock. 

He is fifth in the NFL with a 101.2 QB rating, has run for 241 yards and has accounted for four touchdowns to start his career. 

Matt Ryan and Alex Smith are the two NFC signal-callers with a higher QB rating, but don't forget, fans play a role in the determining the Pro Bowl participants, and RG3 is already quite the celebrity. 

So, if he returns from the devastating hit he endured in Week 5 against the Atlanta Falcons, and plays like he did in the first four games of the year, Griffin III will be in Hawai'i this winter. 

Janoris Jenkins

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Scott Rovak-US PRESSWIRE

Jenkins was marred with red flags entering the NFL draft, after being dismissed from the University of Florida and dealing with a handful of off-field problems, but Jeff Fisher made him the Rams' second-round pick. 

Thus far, the bold decision has paid off. 

Drastically. 

Playing opposite Cortland Finnegan, Jenkins has 24 tackles and one interception through five games. More importantly, he's been air-tight in coverage. 

The 23-year-old defensive back has defended seven passes and tackled well when he has allowed receptions. 

There isn't a rookie cornerback that's playing better. 

Chandler Jones

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Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Jones is probably the longest shot on this list, but when you look at the edge-rushers in the AFC, he isn't out of the equation. 

Defensive end J.J. Watt leads the NFL with 8.5 sacks, and the Cincinnati Bengals' Michael Johnson has 5.0 sacks from his defensive end spot. 

The only other AFC defensive end Jones trails in the sack department is Miami's Randy Starks who has 3.5 quarterback takedowns. 

The Syracuse alum currently has 3.0 sacks and has forced two fumbles. 

His production has to increase, but Jones has a decent shot at the Pro Bowl. With teams frequently playing behind against New England, Jones will have ample opportunity to get to the quarterback.

Matt Kalil

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Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Boy, are the Vikings happy they picked Matt Kalil over Justin Blackmon or what? 

The left tackle has seamlessly transitioned to the professional game and has been outstanding in the five games of his NFL career. 

As a team, Minnesota has allowed a respectable nine sacks and is currently 9th in the league on the ground, averaging 133.2 yards per game. 

Because he was such a high pick and was highly touted coming out of USC, if Kalil continues the stout blindside protection, he could certainly make the Pro Bowl in his rookie season. 

Alfred Morris

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Larry French/Getty Images

From Florida Atlantic to sixth-round pick to Pro Bowl?

That may very well ultimately be Alfred Morris' story. 

No, he's not a big name, at all, but the production speaks for itself. Morris has four touchdowns and over 500 total yards through five games and is a major reason why Robert Griffin III has gotten off to such a blistering start. 

Teams simply can't send seven or eight guys into coverage with Morris in the backfield. 

If the steady play continues, Morris may be one of the more surprising players in the Pro Bowl this year. 

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