Pro Bowl 2012: Tim Tebow and 5 Biggest Pro Bowl Snubs

Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Tom Brady deservedly headline the 2012 Pro Bowl selections.

They are the leaders of some of the best teams in the NFL and are very deserving of Pro Bowl spots.

However, as is the case every year, there are plenty of deserving players who won’t be making the trip to Hawaii.

Let’s take a look at the five biggest snubs for the 2012 Pro Bowl.

5. Devin Hester, KR/PR, Chicago Bears

I know Patrick Peterson had a great season as a return man, but Devin Hester set the career record for kick and punt returns for touchdowns this season. That deserves a Pro Bowl spot.

Hester had two punts returned for touchdowns and one kickoff return for a touchdown, compared to four punt return touchdowns for Peterson.

So, though Hester doesn’t have as many touchdowns, he is a more versatile return man. Hester also had a better punt return average for the season (17.3 yards, compared to 15.9 for Peterson).

I’d give Hester the slight nod over Peterson this year.

4. Aldon Smith, OLB/DE, San Francisco 49ers

As a rookie, Aldon Smith is fifth in the NFL in sacks, with 14.

He’s been a beast on the 49ers’ defensive line and has been a big reason for the team’s huge turnaround this season.

I would have liked to see him in the Pro Bowl ahead of Lance Briggs and maybe even ahead of Clay Matthews.

3. Victor Cruz, WR, New York Giants

Cruz has the second-most receiving yards in the NFC this season, behind only Calvin Johnson.

He’s also scored eight touchdowns, a very respectable total for a guy who wasn’t expected to make this much of a contribution this season.

He’s a major reason why the Giants have a chance to make the playoffs this weekend and he deserves to play in the Pro Bowl.

2. Jordy Nelson, WR, Green Bay Packers

Nelson has the second-most touchdown catches (12) in the NFC this season, once again behind only Calvin Johnson (that guy is pretty good at catching footballs).

He also has 1,101 receiving yards, and has emerged as a very solid second wide receiver for Aaron Rodgers (Greg Jennings is No. 1).

Nothing against Jennings, but I’d say Nelson deserved a Pro Bowl slot ahead of his teammate.

It’s hard to argue with either player, though, as they are both huge factors in the Packers’ success this season.

1. Tim Tebow, QB, Denver Broncos

Philip Rivers is tied for first in the NFL with 19 interceptions. Add in the fact he only has 24 touchdown passes and it’s absurd he made the Pro Bowl.

I know Tebow doesn’t have the passing numbers Rivers, Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger have, but he has the Broncos on the verge of the playoffs.

He’s the leader of the best rushing attack in the league, and that’s worth a Pro Bowl spot in my book.