Detroit Lions Preview: Who Has a Chance of Making the Pro Bowl?
It seems that every year the NFL pro bowl means even less to fans of the Detroit Lions than other cities. The reason is that lately the chances of a Lion making the pro bowl are slim at best. Last year only one player was even considered worthy to be an alternate: Julian Peterson.
At the Glamour position of quarterback the Detroit Lions have not had a representative at there since Greg Landry and that happened before most of you were born.
With the talent that Martin Mayhew has managed to assembled in two short years however, this year promises to be different.
Here is the list of players that I feel have a chance at making the pro bowl roster this year.
Matthew Stafford
1 of 8
The second year quarterback has shown throughout the preseason that he has arrived. He is no longer the future of the franchise he is the now.
The rest of the offense is good enough to allow him to have a big year. The addition of Rob Sims really helps to solidify the interior of the offensive line.
The competition at the position is not as great as some might believe in the NFC. Other than Aaron Rodgers and Drew Breese, most other quarterbacks have question marks surrounding them.
Odds of making pro bowl: 70 percent
Calvin Johnson
2 of 8
The Detroit Lions have finally given Calvin Johnson the supporting cast to have a big year. The question is will he finally avoid the nagging injuries that seem to stunt his production every year.
Last year Johnson only managed 67 receptions for 984 yards, but when you factor in that he was double and triple teamed on every play those stats take on new meaning. He also had an over the hill Daunte Culpepper as his quarterback for nearly half the season.
Odds of making pro bowl: 99.9999 percent
Jahvid Best
3 of 8
It is difficult for rookies to make the pro bowl in their first year but it is not unprecedented. During the preseason Jahvid Best has shown the burst of speed and vision that a running back must have in order to succeed in the NFL.
The injury history with Best is a concern but if he manages to stay healthy look for him to have pro bowl like stats.
When other running backs in the conference are taken into account however, his chances of Best making the pro bowl look a lot bleaker.
The NFC features the likes of Adrian Peterson, Michael Turner, and Steven Jackson among others and the leaves little room for Best show he belongs in the Pro bowl.
Odds of making pro bowl: 25 percent
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Tony Scheffler
4 of 8
Tony Scheffler may not be the best blocking tight end around, but the way he catches the ball could be his ticket to Hawaii.
An already proven pass receiver Scheffler steps into a situation with the Lions where he will be down the depth chart in terms of who defenses try to stop.
With two outside receivers that have the ability to stretch the field and a backfield that features two up and coming stars at QB and RB, Scheffler will slip under the radar.
The only worry with Scheffler is fellow TE Brandon Pettigrew is not so bad himself and will have plenty of passes thrown his way as well.
Odds of making pro bowl: 35 percent
Kyle Vanden Bosch
5 of 8
Kyle Vanden Bosch has already been to the pro bowl and has a very good chance of getting there again. The presence of Corey Williams and Ndamukong Suh in the middle will open up the same lanes to make plays that KVB enjoyed when Albert Haynesworth lined up next to him.
Bosch does have a lot of competition at end in the NFC and that will make it harder for him to make it. The NFC North alone features two all pros in Jared Allen and Julius Peppers.
Odds of making pro bowl: 50 percent
Julian Peterson
6 of 8
A pro bowl alternate in 2009 Julian Peterson will have an even better year in 2010. Peterson played behind a defensive line last year that was good enough to only return one starter this year. With the improvements that the line has undergone, Peterson will have an easier time making plays. Also not to be discounted is his the experience he gained last year in the 4-3 defense.
One thing that works in favor of Peterson making the pro bowl is that he has been there before. Players have an easier time going back to the pro bowl than making it for the first time.
Odds of making pro bowl: 60 percent
Louis Delmas
7 of 8
Many felt that safety Louis Delmas should have been considered for the pro bowl last year and were disappointed when he didn’t make it. With a year under his belt, the hard hits he delivered last year will increase because he will be in a better position to make plays.
The leader of a less than stellar secondary group will have to perform at an all pro level for the Lions defense to have any chance of stopping the opposition.
The feeling here is that he will be up to that challenge.
Odds of making pro bowl: 95 percent
Ndamukong Suh
8 of 8
Defensive tackles have a tough time getting noticed because they play a position where stats don’t tell the story.
Fans outside of Detroit will not be able to quantify the contributions Suh is making. If the preseason is any indication however, other teams have already taken notice of the second overall pick.
A gentle giant off the field, Suh has shown his ferocity on the field. His attempt at decapitating Jake Delhomme last week shows the hatred a quality defensive tackle needs to have for opposing quarterbacks. He will have to stay away from the personnel foul penalties that accompany grabbing a quarterback by his head if he is going to be effective.
Odds of making pro bowl: 55 percent
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