NFL Players Set to Earn Their Pro Bowl Debut in 2016
The NFL Pro Bowl is one of the biggest events of the year as the finest and most accomplished athletes in the world are celebrated. While the game itself is meaningless, the accolades and recognition is not. Players earning their Pro Bowl debut set themselves up for a career-changing contract and respect among their peers.
Since there are so many standouts across the NFL and the voting process is so subjective, there are snubs every season. It’s impossible to get every deserving player in the Pro Bowl each year. But there are still eight individuals who have yet to receive the required votes despite performing well enough to merit Pro Bowl status.
We’ve identified those who are set to earn their Pro Bowl debut in 2016 if their performance continues to rank with the best in the league. Who do you think will break through and earn their first Pro Bowl invite? Make sure to leave your predictions in the comment section below.
K.J. Wright, OLB, Seattle Seahawks
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The NFL landscape evolves every few years as coaches work to find innovative solutions to new schematic advantages. The prominence of pass-rushers now playing outside linebacker instead of defensive end isn’t a new transformation, but almost half the league now plays a 3-4 defensive front. Off-ball linebackers in a 4-3 must compete with these edge players who will naturally accumulate gaudy sack numbers because of their role.
One player who suffered in the Pro Bowl voting last season was Seattle Seahawks outside linebacker K.J. Wright. The sixth-year professional has been highly productive throughout his career, including 116 total tackles in 2015 and 130 total tackles in 2014. He has major responsibility in coverage and attacking the line of scrimmage on running plays.
Since Wright rarely goes after the passer, he has just 7.5 sacks in five seasons. His lack of playmaking has clearly hurt his candidacy, but he’s an elite outside linebacker across the NFL with his reliability, durability and overall versatility.
If the NFL separates the edge-rushers from the off-ball linebackers, then Wright would be a shoo-in for the Pro Bowl. Regardless, he’s more than deserving and is in line to earn his first Pro Bowl nod in 2016.
Keenan Allen, WR, San Diego Chargers
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San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen has always been known as one of the most talented playmakers at his position, even dating back to his collegiate days at California. But the issue with Allen is his struggles to stay on the field. He’s never started more than 14 games in his three seasons, and missed another eight games in 2015 due to a kidney injury.
When Allen is on the field, he’s a borderline elite receiver. He hit new levels in play over the course of eight games last year by averaging 90.6 yards per game, good for sixth in the NFL. That bodes well for Allen as he pairs with quarterback Philip Rivers and new running mate Travis Benjamin this season.
Allen was on pace for 1,450 yards and eight touchdowns last season, and coming anything close to that type of production will ensure his first Pro Bowl trip. The smooth route-runner and underrated athlete has never had a talent issue. The key is staying on the field.
Mike Daniels, DE, Green Bay Packers
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While the Green Bay Packers clearly understand the importance of defensive end Mike Daniels, it appears the Pro Bowl voters don’t appreciate his talent yet. Daniels signed a four-year, $41 million contract extension in December to keep him in Green Bay, providing great value for the team. Through four seasons, Daniels has been a consistent disruptive force for a defense that hasn’t been the most reliable over that time frame.
According to Pro Football Focus' Ben Stockwell, Daniels graded better than 2015 Pro Bowl selection Gerald McCoy because his all-around play goes beyond the small disparity in sacks. His ability to penetrate the line of scrimmage regularly is something that can’t be measured with traditional box scores.
Daniels’ last 48 games have included 16 sacks and 124 total tackles. Those aren’t elite numbers, but his role within the defense is for him to help create for others, including linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers. The 27-year-old should be rewarded for his complete skill set, especially if he continues to improve his sack total.
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Stephon Gilmore, CB, Buffalo Bills
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Stephon Gilmore of the Buffalo Bills is one of the most naturally talented cornerbacks in the NFL. The 6’1”, 190-pound 25-year-old has the combination of length, speed, footwork and intelligence to mirror any receiver in the league. Since 2014, he’s found the right balance between being overly physical and knowing when to make and break contact to disrupt the receiver.
The 10th overall pick in 2012 has met the lofty expectations that come with that draft status, even if injuries have limited him to fewer than 16 starts in three consecutive seasons. While his game-to-game consistency is there, he needs to be available for a full year in order to make the Pro Bowl in 2016.
In a contract year, Gilmore may be the latest of many athletes that perform their best as they look to earn an extension. After Janoris Jenkins broke the bank with the New York Giants this past offseason, Gilmore, who is more talented and reliable, will likely do everything he can to cash in. The Bills would be wise to lock him in before he starts earning the accolades his talent deserves.
Whitney Mercilus, OLB, Houston Texans
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The Houston Texans searched for years to find a complementary pass-rusher to stack behind or across from J.J. Watt, but it was 2012 first-round pick Whitney Mercilus who stepped up in his fourth season as a legitimate terror off the edge. The 25-year-old is a solid athlete that has transformed his technique throughout the last four seasons. He’s no longer just a speed- or power-rusher without a counter or a plan.
He’s a smart, high-effort and varied rusher off the edge. That bodes well for the rest of his prime years and beyond. The ability to win in multiple ways against offensive tackles is critical for longevity. His 12 sacks last year added to his 18 over the three previous seasons.
Although Mercilus has only finished one season with 16 games played, he’s still a major bargain for the Texans. His four-year, $26 million contract is one of the most team-friendly in the league. His guaranteed money runs dry after 2016, so a Pro Bowl season this year could allow him to renegotiate that deal sooner than later.
Jordan Reed, TE, Washington Redskins
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After a breakout third season for the Washington Redskins in 2015, tight end Jordan Reed should’ve been a lock to make the Pro Bowl roster. He accumulated 87 receptions, 952 yards and 11 touchdowns in just 14 games played and nine starts. He’s was so dominant upon his return to the lineup that the Redskins ran the offense through him and the unit produced better than ever.
Few tight ends across the NFL can impact the game as much as Reed does. The 6’2”, 246-pounder has great speed and power that helps him produce after the catch. Although he’s not Rob Gronkowski, he may be the second-best receiving tight end behind him. He’s a solid route-runner with supreme physical gifts.
With a new five-year, $46.75 million contract extension earned this offseason, Reed won’t have to worry about the stress of a contract year. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has a number of great weapons to utilize outside of Reed, but none are as good as former Florida Gator. Even as defenses adjust for his presence in the slot, he’s just too big and strong to be contained.
Darius Slay, CB, Detroit Lions
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The best cornerback who gets the least media attention is Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay. The fourth-year star is a lockdown coverage corner who doesn’t produce interceptions, which is one reason why he’s a silent star. However, he’s almost always in position to deter the pass, logging 31 passes defensed in his last two seasons.
Slay has everything but the flashy interception total on his resume to become a Pro Bowler. He’s tough and a terrific run defender. He uses his 6’0”, 190-pound frame extremely well and, most importantly, has the timing and natural feel for when to extend himself without drawing a penalty. He had just three penalties called against him in 2015, per NFL Penalty Tracker.
His competition will be as stiff as ever this season, as the NFC North is loaded with big-time playmakers. The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will get their No. 1 options back from injury in Jordy Nelson and Alshon Jeffery, respectively. Not to mention Kevin White’s return in Chicago and the Minnesota Vikings acquiring Laquon Treadwell. Performing well in the NFC North matchups will go a long way toward earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Weston Richburg, C, New York Giants
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The offensive center position isn’t what your eyes naturally gravitate toward after the ball is snapped. However, it’s a critical position to get reliable play from. Almost all successful teams have stud centers who can not only block effectively, but also dictate protection for the rest of the unit and quarterback.
New York Giants 2014 second-round pick Weston Richburg was an excellent prospect out of Colorado State, and he’s quickly found success in the NFL. He established himself as an elite center in 2015, earning the top overall grade of any center at Pro Football Focus. He scored considerably higher than more recognizable names living off their reputation in Miami Dolphins center Mike Pouncey and new Atlanta Falcons center Alex Mack.
The 24-year-old Richburg isn’t the biggest center at 6’3” and 298 pounds, but he’s a good athlete who excels in technique to overcome his lack of intimidating presence. It helps he plays in the perfect scheme as well, as the Giants use a zone-blocking system under head coach and former offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo. He should earn the accolades he deserves as he becomes more established in his third season.
All stats used are from Sports-Reference.com. Contract info is courtesy of Spotrac.
Ian Wharton is an NFL Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report.
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