Predicting the Top Pro Bowl Candidate for Every NFL Roster in 2012

Earning a Pro Bowl selection comes down to production, popularity and opportunity. Players like Tom Brady and Drew Brees get so much attention that even an average season can end with a Pro Bowl appearance. While this might be true, it doesn't mean that they're the most likely candidates to represent their team.

Production and opportunity play a more significant role. The competition at a position like quarterback is so fierce that earning a spot on the Pro Bowl roster is tough. For example, the NFC has to select three quarterbacks from a list that includes Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Eli Manning, Tony Romo, Matthew Stafford, Matt Ryan and Cam Newton.

Conversely, the list of elite safeties is much shorter, providing more opportunities.

The following list breaks down which players have the best shot of representing their team in the Pro Bowl.

I used Pro-Football Reference for a lot of my stats and info on past Pro Bowl appearances.

Dallas Cowboys

Projected Pro Bowl Player: DeMarcus Ware, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 6

DeMarcus Ware is one of the the top pass rushers in the entire NFL. The way the Dallas Cowboys use him in their 3-4 system provides Ware the opportunity to register a high number of sacks. Since his rookie season, Ware has averaged over 14 sacks per season.

This year won't be any different, as Ware is primed for another successful season. The improvements made to the Cowboys' secondary should help him increase his sack total. New teammates like Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr will make it more difficult for quarterbacks to find an open target, thus forcing them to hold the ball longer.

Ware has the best chance of any Cowboy to make a Pro Bowl appearance because his production, but also because of the position he plays. Tony Romo could have a great season, but the competition at quarterback is much stiffer than at outside linebacker.

New York Giants

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Jason Pierre-Paul, Defensive End

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Jason Pierre-Paul finished last year's regular season on a tear, registering six sacks in the final five games. His ability to create pressure on the quarterback is one of the main reasons the New York Giants even made the playoffs, let alone won the Super Bowl. Pierre-Paul is still perfecting his craft, and each year he develops more sophisticated pass-rushing moves.

The speed and explosiveness Pierre-Paul possesses allows him to consistently bring pressure off the edge. Opposing teams struggle to keep him out of the backfield even when they add extra blockers to his side of the field. Last season was the first of many Pro Bowl appearances for the young pass rusher.

As he continues to add moves to his repertoire, Pierre-Paul will become unstoppable and a real force in the NFL.

Eli Manning is also in the running here, but he must match the production of other quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees.

Philadelphia Eagles

Projected Pro Bowl Player: LeSean McCoy, Running Back

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Last season’s stellar performance cemented LeSean McCoy as the Philadelphia Eagles' top offensive playmaker. He might not get as much attention as Michael Vick or DeSean Jackson, but he’s equally talented and more productive. Andy Reid’s reputation as a pass-happy play-caller no longer fits, as he handed the ball to McCoy a total of 273 times in 2011.

McCoy isn’t only a strong runner; he also is a dynamic pass catcher out of the backfield. In his first three seasons, he averaged over 55 catches per season. This upcoming season will be another successful and highly productive season.

He will also see some benefits from a healthy Michael Vick and focused DeSean Jackson. The more the opposing defenses focuses on other playmakers, the more space McCoy will have to operate.

Washington Redskins

Projected Pro Bowl Player: London Fletcher, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 2

London Fletcher often appears on the list of most overlooked players in the NFL. Several times he missed out on making a Pro Bowl appearance after a great season; he got his first Pro Bowl honor after the 2009 season.  Fletcher is a tackling machine and is routinely around 100 solo tackles per season. 

The Washington Redskins use of the 3-4 system allows Fletcher to roam sideline to sideline. His great instincts help him overcome the few steps he's lost because of his age. Despite his age, Fletcher continues to rank at the top of the NFL in tackles.

Make no mistake, this is a very productive player that isn’t showing signs of slowing down.

Buffalo Bills

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Mario Williams, Defensive End

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 2

The Buffalo Bills’ ability to sign Mario Williams came as a shock, but they were willing to spend the money to add an elite player. When healthy, Williams has proven to be one of the league’s top pass rushers. He uses a combination of size and strength to employ a wide array of pass rush moves.

Signing with the Bills should actually help his sack total. The presence of Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Mark Anderson will make it tough for opposing offenses to consistently double team Williams. Only injuries and a poor reaction to the big-contract pressure can stop Williams.

I’m not worried about the pressure, Williams showed that he doesn’t let that stuff bother him as he faced a ton of pressure when he was selected No. 1 overall ahead of Reggie Bush.

Miami Dolphins

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Jake Long, Offensive Tackle

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 4

The Miami Dolphins' offensive line has a chance to be a really strong unit. Jake Long is an elite left tackle who both protects the passer and opens running lanes. His protection will be counted now this season more than ever, as it’s likely the Dolphins will be breaking in a rookie quarterback at some point.

Ryan Tannehill must have time to survey the field if he hopes to develop. The worst thing for a young/raw quarterback is facing constant pressure. Good thing Long is talented enough to keep the young quarterback upright.

Other improvements along the offensive line should help bring positive attention to the unit. Mike Pouncey, Artis Hicks and Richie Incognito are all solid, but the addition of Jonathan Martin is key. Martin’s strong pass-protection skills will increase the total effectiveness of the unit.

New England Patriots

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Rob Gronkowski, Tight End

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Rob Gronkowski is a rising star and the game’s premier tight end. Catching passes from Tom Brady helped him lead the league in touchdown receptions and all tight ends in receiving yards. The tight end position is such an important part of the New England Patroits’ offense that there’s no way he won’t equal last year’s targets.

Teams have a tough time defending Gronkowski because of his combination of size and speed. He’s too fast for linebackers to defend and too big for defensive backs to handle. The mismatches he creates are really what allows him to be so successful. It also doesn’t hurt having a Hall of Fame quarterback like Tom Brady throwing him the football.

New York Jets

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Darrelle Revis, Cornerback

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 4

Revis Island might not be a real place, but it’s very real to the wide receivers in the NFL. Darrelle Revis is the definition of shutdown corner. He’s able to neutralize the game’s top pass catchers because of his technique, physicality, fluidity and quickness. There truly isn’t a cornerback better at taking an elite player out of the game.

This offseason there has been talk about another potential holdout for Revis. However, he learned his lesson from the last holdout and won’t show up out of playing shape. Revis may end up missing some of training camp, but he’ll be prepared when he does decide to return.

Don’t overlook the impact Quinton Coples, Aaron Maybin and Muhammad Wilkerson will have on Revis’ production. These three guys will bring pressure on the quarterback and force poor/quick decisions. Revis is instinctual enough and has the ball skills to take advantage of mistakes.

Arizona Cardinals

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Larry Fitzgerald, Wide Receiver

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 6

Despite constant double teams, Larry Fitzgerald continues to be one of the most productive wide receivers in the game of football. He's by far the most talented player on the Arizona Cardinals' roster. This season has the potential to be one of the better one's of his career.

The Cardinals decision to draft Michael Floyd in the first round of the 2012 draft will help create space for Fitzgerald. Opposing defenses will quickly learn that they can't roll all their coverage to Fitzgerald's side of the field. Floyd is too talented to leave in constant one-on-one situations.

There's also a good chance the Cardinals finally find some consistency at the quarterback position. The camp battle between Kevin Kolb and John Skelton will allow one of them to seize the starting job.

San Francisco 49ers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Aldon Smith, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

Despite an excellent rookie season, Aldon Smith was left off the Pro Bowl roster. Don't expect to see that mistake repeated much throughout Smith's career. The San Francisco 49ers' defensive attack gives Smith the opportunity to register a high number of sacks.

Smith's quickness, non-stop motor and awareness allows him to consistently threaten the edge. After last year and this offseason, Smith will be more comfortable in his new role at linebacker. The more comfortable a player is with his position, the faster he can play. I expect to see Smith raise his game to another level.

Seattle Seahawks

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Earl Thomas, Safety

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Earl Thomas is quietly developing into one of the games top safeties. He brings a lot of talent and versatility to the Seattle Seahawks' defense. Thomas has a rare combination of man coverage skills, toughness, zone instincts and ball skills. He can man up on tight ends, running backs and the slot receiver. His presence helps the Seahawks take away a lot of potential mismatches.

That is the impact he makes that isn't visible via stats. However, it's clear to see how he supports the run and creates turnovers from the box score. Thomas is a really aggressive run defender who has the quickness to cover a lot of ground.

Basically, Thomas is a do-it-all safety who consistently makes game-changing plays.

St. Louis Rams

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Chris Long, Defensive End

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

Chris Long's career didn't start by providing the St. Louis Rams with many impact plays. However, in the past two season's he's averaged 10.5 sacks per year.The future is very bright for Long and not only because of his physical abilities.

The Rams have spent their last two first-round picks to add talent along the defensive line. Both Robert Quinn and Michael Brockers will help Long develop into a pass-rushing force. Opposing offenses can't only focus on shutting down Long because his teammates are capable of making impact plays.

It's also important to note the upgrades made to the secondary. Cortland Finnegan and Janoris Jenkins' coverage skills will give Long more time to get after the quarterback.

Denver Broncos

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Von Miller, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Von Miller is a pass rushing machine who consistently puts pressure on the quarterback. The Denver Broncos' defense made a major improvement last season, thanks in large part to the addition of Miller. His explosive first step, balance and timing allows him to beat blockers to the edge. The pressure he creates really changes the course of the game. 

Having Elvis Dumervil as a teammate helps keep double teams away from Miller's side of the field. However, Miller is talented enough to over come extra blockers. His use of leverage and quickness allows him to utilize both speed and power moves. Also, he has great change-of-direction ability that helps him use counter moves.

Kansas City Chiefs

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Tamba Hali, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Tamba Hali is the key member of an up and coming Kansas City Chiefs' defense. His ability to generate pressure off the edge wreaks havoc on the timing of opposing offenses. That pressure makes the job of his teammates easier.

However, the Chiefs continued focus on upgrading the talent around Hali will make his job easier. Players like Justin Houston, Derrick Johnson and Glenn Dorsey help draw attention away from Hali. Houston's development is the most important, as another pass-rushing threat will provide Hali will one-on-one matchups.

Oakland Raiders

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Darren McFadden, Running Back

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

The only thing keeping Darren McFadden from earning a Pro Bowl selection is his health. His lack of durability limits his overall production and opportunities to impress. Still, there's no denying his talent level and game-breaking speed. His 5.3 yards per carry over the past two seasons shows how effective he can be when on the field.

Despite not playing a full season in his entire career, I expect he finds a way to remain healthy in 2012. His health, an improved offensive line and Carson Palmer will give McFadden a chance to set career highs.

Stefen Wisniewski is quickly developing into an excellent interior lineman. His development, combined with the signing of Mike Brisiel, should open up more running room.

Having Carson Palmer present for an entire offseason will prepare him for the upcoming season. His performance at the end of last year should be taken with a grain of salt, as he had a lot of rust from his short retirement.

San Diego Chargers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Philip Rivers, Quarterback

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 4

Despite his much publicized struggles last season, Philip Rivers actually finished the season on a hot streak for the San Diego Chargers. Of his 20 interceptions, only three were thrown in the final six games of the season. Those 20 interceptions were the highest of his career.

The offseason moves by the Chargers increase the likelihood Rivers has a rebound year. Bringing in Robert Meachem and Eddie Royal to replace Vincent Jackson should add more consistency. Jackson is extremely talented, but injuries and disappearing acts hurt the Chargers' offense. For example, Jackson caught under five passes in 11 games last season.

It'll be interesting how Rivers utilizes an excellent slot receiver like Royal, as he could be a nice security blanket. This is something that's needed because of the injury issues facing Antonio Gates.

Chicago Bears

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 3

Brandon Marshall gets more attention for his off-the-field issues than his actually production. However, he's a big-time playmaker capable of producing a great stat line. The Chicago Bears didn't surrender two third-round picks to not make Marshall the focal point of their offense.

The last time Marshall and Jay Cutler were teammates was in 2008. During that season, Marshall caught 104 passes for 1,265 yards and six touchdowns. I expect to see similar fireworks this upcoming season.

Marshall will also benefit from the Bears' strong running game. Matt Forte and Michael Bush will force opponents to bring defenders into the box, which opens holes in the passing game.

Detroit Lions

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Calvin Johnson, Wide Receiver

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 2

I don't get caught up in the Madden Curse, especially when it comes to Calvin Johnson. He and the Detroit Lions will have an excellent season and make another playoff appearance. The Matthew Stafford and Johnson combination is too explosive for any defense to completely shutdown. This duo has a chance to put up some record-breaking numbers.

The Lions' offense figures to be even more dangerous this season. The development of Titus Young, return of Mikel Leshoure and Jahvid Best and an improved offensive line will all contribute to a more high-powered attack. Opposing defenses will have a tough time defending all the offensive weapons on the Lions' roster.

Green Bay Packers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 2

Aaron Rodgers has cemented himself in the discussion of the best active quarterback in the NFL. Over the past few years, he and the Green Bay Packers have produced some extremely impressive offensive numbers. The success of this offense only figures to increase.

As it stands, the Packers don't have much of a running game to speak of, which means more opportunities for Rodgers. Green Bay's passing weapons are far more explosive than those available in the running game, and there's little reason to keep the ball out of the hands of your best playmakers.

This offense features talented pass catchers like Jordy Nelson, Greg Jennings, James Jones, Randall Cobb and Jermichael Finley. Those weapons alone are enough to help most quarterbacks succeed, and when combined with Rodgers' talent, its a winning situation.

Minnesota Vikings

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Jared Allen, Defensive End

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 4

Jared Allen is an elite pass rusher who has averaged 15.5 sacks a season over the past five seasons. His presence along the Minnesota Vikings defensive line helps that unit remain competitive. Last year, he was one sack away from breaking Michael Strahan's single season sack record.

Despite the current standing of the Vikings' roster, Allen appears ready to have another highly-productive season. Playing in the NFC North provides Allen with plenty of favorable matchups. He gets two cracks against the likes of J'Marcus Webb, Jeff Backus, Gosder Cherilus and Marshall Newhouse. None of these players are capable of handling Allen for an entire game.

Baltimore Ravens

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Ray Lewis, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 13

Despite entering his 17th season, Ray Lewis is still playing at a very high level. He's been in the top 100 in total tackles each of the past six seasons and shows now signs of slowing down. His name and legendary status are enough to earn him a Pro Bowl berth, even with average numbers.

The Baltimore Ravens defensive alignment and strong defensive line contribute heavily to Lewis' production. Players like Haloti Ngata and Terrence Cody occupy blockers which allows Lewis to cleanly flow to the football.

As long as Ngata and Cody are lined up in front of him Lewis will remain productive.

Cincinnati Bengals

Projected Pro Bowl Player: A.J. Green, Wide Receiver

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

A.J. Green's quick transition is one of the main reasons the Cincinnati Bengals have such a bright future. He's extremely talented and has the potential to develop into the game's best receiver. Green uses a combination of size, quickness and leaping ability to make plays all over the field. The sky is the limit for this talented young star.

Having a solid quarterback like Andy Dalton throwing you passes also helps. Dalton and Green are quickly building a strong relationship that promises to have continued success. This bond is important because whenever Dalton is in a tough situation, he'll go to his most familiar target. Green will be a major part of the game plan, but those broken plays will only increase his productions.

Don't overlook the Bengals other offensive weapons and the impact they have on Green. Players like Jermaine Gresham, Jordan Shipley and Mohamed Sanu will draw coverage a way from Green's side of the field.

Cleveland Browns

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Joe Thomas, Offensive Tackle

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 5

The fact is, there just aren't many football players with the talent level of Joe Thomas. He's not only athletic and strong but features excellent technique. His presence on the Cleveland Browns' offensive line provides comfort for the quarterback while opening space for running backs.

Cleveland's decision to draft Trent Richardson will really help draw some attention to Joe Thomas and the entire Cleveland Browns' organization. Richardson is going to carry the ball a ton and is talented enough to produce incredible numbers. However, the holes opened by Thomas, and his fellow offensive linemen, will heavily contribute to that production.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: LaMarr Woodley, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 1

Talk is that the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense is getting old, but one of their best players is still only 27 years old. LaMarr Woodley brings a lot of pressure off the edge of the Steelers' defense; recording nine sacks in only 10 games last season.

Woodley benefits from the talent surrounding him and the scheme drawn up by defensive coordinator Dick Lebeau. The main source of pressure in Lebeau's system comes from the linebacker position, as the defensive ends are asked more to occupy blockers.

Age and injuries have slowed James Harrison, which means it's time to anoint Woodley as the team's top pass rusher. That talk about the aging defense isn't something this group will take lightly, so expect to see a very motivated group.

Atlanta Falcons

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Julio Jones, Wide Receiver

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

Julio Jones is an explosive playmaker and is ready to show the NFL his true potential. The Atlanta Falcons orchestrated last year's draft day trade to bring Jones in because they saw what he could bring to their offense. His big-play ability was immediately apparent last season as he averaged 17.8 yards per catch, which ranked him seventh in the league.

Having a full season and offseason under his belt will increase his comfort level in the offense. The more comfortable a player is, the faster he can play.

The talent surrounding Jones will also help him produce. Teams must commit defenders to stopping Roddy White, which will present favorable matchups for Jones. It's also nice having a talented quarterback like Matt Ryan throwing passes his way.

Carolina Panthers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Cam Newton, Quarterback

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

Last season's record-setting year showed everyone that Cam Newton will have a successful NFL career. It also made the Carolina Panthers look like geniuses for drafting him. His ability to quickly learn pro-style passing concepts surprised many and was the main reason for his success. He accomplished this despite not having a full offseason. This year, he'll have plenty of time to become comfortable with the offensive attack.

Newton's size and running ability make him a dynamic playmaker. His versatility in the red zone almost guarantees that he'll have a high total of touchdowns each season. Touchdowns and points gain attention, which is something needed to earn a Pro Bowl berth.

The smile, poise and marketability to Newton also helps when it comes to making a Pro Bowl appearance. We can pretend that it's all about the numbers, but we all know that money and media attention play a major role.

New Orleans Saints

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Drew Brees, Quarterback

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 6

All the offseason turmoil will hurt the New Orleans Saints, but Drew Brees will still find a way to put up impressive numbers. He's only failed to top the 3,000-yard mark once in his 10 years as a starter. Having worked so closely with Sean Payton, Brees will be able to keep the offense afloat and productive.

It also helps that Brees still has Marques Colston, Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham attacking the defense. These three players have a knack for finding open zones in the defense and creating yards after the catch. Having this many matchup problems will make it difficult for defenses to shut down this offense, even with the shakeup in the coaching staff.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Mark Barron, Safety

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 0

Mark Barron may only be a rookie, but he's talented enough to earn a trip to the Pro Bowl. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers plan to use Barron at strong safety, which will allow him to play in the box and in coverage. There's a great chance he leads the team in tackles and tops the 100-tackle mark.

Barron isn't only strong against the run, he also has the fluidity to hold up in coverage. During his career at Alabama, he compiled a total of 12 interceptions and 22 recorded pass breakups. Barron is just an all-around playmaker who's always around the football.

Tampa Bay's decision to draft Barron in the top 10 means they have a plan to get the most out of his talent. Expect to see him all over the field and used in multiple roles.

Houston Texans

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Arian Foster, Running Back

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 2

Arian Foster has only been in the league three years and has already established himself as one of the game's top running backs. His rise from undrafted free agent to superstar has been really impressive. Foster's ability to put his team on his back and lead them to victory is what saved the Houston Texans' season. After Matt Schaub's injury, the Texans would have collapsed without Foster's consistent production.

Despite the return of Schaub, Foster will continue to be the focal point of the offense. His ability to average over four yards per carry helps the offense sustain drives. It also opens things up for Andre Johnson and the passing game. Many wanted the Texans to add a playmaking wide receiver in the offseason but a productive Foster is enough to create space for Johnson.

Indianapolis Colts

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Dwight Freeney, Linebacker

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 7

Adjusting to the linebacker position will take time, but Dwight Freeney is a natural pass rusher and will get his sacks. The Indianapolis Colts needed a major change on defense and switching to a 3-4 attack made some sense. A better all-around defensive attack could keep Freeney from absorbing too much contact.

In the 3-4 system, the five-techniques are responsible for occupying blockers so the linebackers can pursue. Freeney won't deal with as many chips or initial jolts rushing from his new position. Don't be shocked if he approaches his career high 16-sack mark this season.

The presence of Robert Mathis on the other side will continue to aid Freeney's efforts. Both are feared pass rushers and capable of changing the course of the game.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Maurice Jones-Drew, Running Back

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 3

Maurice Jones-Drew gets a ton of touches and is highly productive. These are two main ingredients for earning a trip to the Pro Bowl. The Jacksonville Jaguars know that Jones-Drew is the most explosive weapon on their offense and will continue to feed him the football.

Things should be a little easier for him this season as Jacksonville added two play-making wide receivers in Laurent Robinson and Justin Blackmon, both of whom should open things up in the running game. Opposing defenses will no longer be able to crowd the line because Robinson and Blackmon are capable of attacking the deep part of the field.

It'll be interesting to see just how productive Jones-Drew can be when not facing eight defenders in the box.

Tennessee Titans

Projected Pro Bowl Player: Chris Johnson, Running Back

Career Pro Bowl Appearances: 3

During the course of his four-year career, Chris Johnson has never rushed for less than 1,000 yards. The Tennessee Titans get Johnson involved in all aspects of their offense. He's touched the ball over 294 times every season since entering the league.

Last season was his least productive as pro, but that had a lot to do with his holdout and reporting out of shape. With his future secure, Johnson figures to rebound from last year's struggles.

There should be more running room this season because of the return of Kenny Britt, the drafting of Kendall Wright and signing of Steve Hutchinson. However, the possibility that Jake Locker could win the starting quarterback job is more important.

A team with Locker as the starter will rely heavily on the running game but also should feature more of a down-the-field threat. The more defenses need to respect the deep ball the more running room Johnson will see.