Michael Vick and 15 Philadelphia Eagles Who Will Contend for a Pro Bowl in 2011

On each team in the National Football League, there are a number of players who could contend for a Pro Bowl selection next season.

On a team as exciting and talented as the Philadelphia Eagles, it seems that half the team's starters would contend for a Pro Bowl spot next season.

Realistically, I've narrowed it down to 10 players who have very legitimate chances of earning a Pro Bowl selection next season.

They are in positional order.

1. Quarterback, Michael Vick

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles scrambles against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/

Earning his fifth Pro Bowl selection next season may seem like an easy task, especially for a player as talented (and exciting—don't forget that the Pro Bowl includes fan votes) as Michael Vick.

But let's remember who Vick has to compete with. Aaron Rodgers. Drew Brees. Matt Ryan. Eli Manning. Tony Romo. Jay Cutler. Even young guys like Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford and Josh Freeman could turn in Pro Bowl seasons next year.

Only three quarterbacks in each conference make the Pro Bowl each season. For the NFL's Comeback Player of the Year in 2010 to make a Pro Bowl next season, he will need to remain healthy. He's also going to need to keep up the magic that helped him accumulate 30 total touchdowns in just 12 starts last season.  

2. Running Back, LeSean McCoy

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: LeSean McCoy #25 of the Philadelphia Eagles avoids the tackle of Charlie Peprah #26 of the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia, Pennsylv

McCoy, 22, emerged as one of the league's best running backs last season. He rushed for 1,080 yards and seven touchdowns (5.2 yards per carry) and caught 78 passes for 592 yards and two touchdowns. 

He didn't have a single bad game all season, racking up a consistent 90-to-120 total yards of offense per game.

The Eagles' multi-dimensional threat reminds fans exactly of former Eagles star Brian Westbrook.

3. Wide Receiver, DeSean Jackson

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: DeSean Jackson #10 of the Philadelphia Eagles eludes Matt Dodge #6 of the New York Giants and returns a punt for the winning touchdown as time runs out defeating the Giants 38-31 during their game on December 19, 2010 a

After three seasons in the NFL, Jackson has emerged as the most dangerous deep threat in the league and one of the most explosive players in Philadelphia Eagles history. 

Last season, he caught 47 passes for 1,056 yards and five touchdowns. His yards per catch was a ridiculous 22.5, and included scores of 91 and 88 yards. 

He also averaged 11.6 yards per punt return, including a 65-yard walkoff punt return touchdown against the New York Giants—arguably the most famous regular-season touchdown in Philadelphia Eagles history.

Jackson has a legitimate chance to earn a Pro Bowl selection at two different positions. In fact, in 2009, he became the first player in league history to do so (as a wide receiver and a punt returner). Maybe next year he'll do it again. 

4. Jeremy Maclin, Wide Receiver

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Jeremy Maclin #18 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs for yards after the catch against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

The 23-year-old wide receiver is one of the most underrated players in the league. He is the most complete wide receiver on the Eagles.

Last season, Maclin caught 70 passes for 964 yards and 10 touchdowns. 

He's improved during each of his two seasons in the league. They say that wide receivers take three seasons to turn into stars. 

The sky is the limit for Maclin in 2011. 

5. Tight End, Brent Celek

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Brent Celek #87 of the Philadelphia Eagles completes a two-point conversin pass against Tramon Williams #38 of the Green Bay Packers which didn't score due to a penalty on Celek during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at

Brent Celek had a down year in 2010, at least judging by his numbers. He caught 42 passes for 511 yards and four touchdowns and led the league in dropped-pass percentage.

But the previous season, he caught 76 passes for 971 yards and eight touchdowns, easily the best season by a tight end in the Andy Reid era.

In 2010, Celek was asked to stay in and block on a number of plays that he would normally be a receiving target because of the Eagles' weak offensive line. Next season, the offensive line should be significantly improved and so should Celek's receiving numbers.  

6. Left Tackle, Jason Peters

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Offensive tackle Jason Peters #71 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets set in his stance against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Imag

Peters is probably the No. 1 player on the Eagles I would pick to make the Pro Bowl during the 2011 season.

Why? Because he's an offensive lineman and he's already earned a reputation as one of the best in the game. The voting for offensive linemen for the Pro Bowl is a popularity contest.

A four-time Pro Bowler who blocks for such household names as Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek doesn't need to do much in 2011 to make the Pro Bowl. 

Peters' spot in the Pro Bowl next season is his to lose. 

7. Left Guard, Todd Herremans

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Offensive guard Todd Herremans #79 of the Philadelphia Eagles gets set in his stance against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Ima

Herremans has been a consistent force on the Eagles' offensive line for a number of seasons, and his steady prowess was finally rewarded last season when he was named a Pro Bowl alternate.

Blocking for players like Vick and Jackson could help elevate Herremans' popularity to the next level, which could result in his first career Pro Bowl selection. 

8. Center, Jamaal Jackson

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PHILADELPHIA - NOVEMBER 29: LeSean McCoy #29 of the Philadelphia Eagles ties the game with a two-point conversion against the Washington Redskins as teammates Jamaal Jackson #67 and Nick Cole #59 celebrate during their game at Lincoln Financial Field on

The Eagles' center has never earned a Pro Bowl selection, but he is one of the top centers in the league.

In fact, during the 2009 season, quarterback Donovan McNabb named Jackson as the most important player on the team's offense. Ironically, Jackson has spent the last two seasons (the final two games of 2009 and all of 2010) on injured reserve.

His presence was greatly missed last season. If he plays well next season, and the Eagles' offense continues to thrive, Jamaal Jackson has a decent chance to earn his first Pro Bowl selection. 

9. Right Guard, Danny Watkins

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell (L) poses for a photo with Danny Watkins, #22 overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles, on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chri

I don't expect Danny Watkins to make the Pro Bowl next season.

But if he does, it will be for a number of reasons:

1) He's already well known because he was a first-round draft pick.

2) He's 26 and will probably play better than most rookie linemen because he is in the prime of his career.

3) The Eagles aren't going to have four offensive linemen make the Pro Bowl next season (obviously) and Peters is a lock. But if Watkins can outplay Herremans and Jackson, he has a chance to make the Pro Bowl. 

10. Defensive End, Trent Cole

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 02: Trent Cole #58 of the Philadelphia Eagles takes the field during player introductions against the Houston Texans at Lincoln Financial Field on December 2, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Im

All you need to know about Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Trent Cole: He was rated by Pro Football Focus—a very reliable online football site—as the fourth-best player in the entire National Football League last season.

Cole has had three double-digit sack years since 2007. The two-time Pro Bowler is right on the cusp of the elite defensive linemen in the league.

I expect him to reach his third Pro Bowl next season, especially with the signing of new defensive line coach Jim Washburn.  

11. Linebacker, Jamar Chaney

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Donald Driver #80 of the Green Bay Packers tries to avoid the tackle of Trevor Laws #93 Joselio Hanson #21, Jamar Chaney #51 and Keenan Clayton #57 of the Philadelphia Eagles and during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game

Chaney emerged from nowhere late last season. The team's seventh-round draft pick in 2010, Chaney started two games in place of middle linebacker Stewart Bradley in December. He collected 28 tackles and a forced fumble and played well enough that the Eagles rested him for the postseason in the season finale against Dallas.

He has been called "one of the best middle linebackers in the game" by NFL Network analyst Brian Baldinger. 

The ironic thing is that Chaney isn't even a lock to start for the Eagles next season. But I expect him to start. I don't think he will make the Pro Bowl, but if he displays the same sort of production as he did last last season, it's going to be hard to overlook a player collecting 10-plus tackles a game for the Pro Bowl. 

12. Linebacker, Stewart Bradley

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CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 28: Devin Hester #23 of the Chicago Bears breaks for a first down run of 39 yards after a catch pursued by Stewart Bradley #55 and Dimitri Patterson #23 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field on November 28, 2010 in Chicago, Illino

Bradley's career has taken an interesting route. He was a second-team All-NFL selection by Sports Illustrated after the 2008 season, but he tore his ACL and missed all of the 2009 season. He missed a few games with a dislocated elbow last season, and when he did play, he wasn't nearly as effective as he was in 2008.

Next season, Bradley will return fully healthy. He will also return motivated, because second-year linebacker Jamar Chaney is breathing down his neck for his starting role.

Bradley, 27, could be a bust next season. But he could also return to his old form and earn his first Pro Bowl selection. 

13. Cornerback, Asante Samuel

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 28: Sidney Rice #18 of the Minnesota Vikings in action against Asante Samuel #22 of the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on December 28, 2010 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Asante Samuel might have been the NFL's most productive cornerback during the 2010 season. Although he missed a few games with injuries, he allowed 19 completions on 41 attempts for 142 yards, two touchdowns and seven interceptions. 

Those are better numbers than Oakland Raiders superstar Nnamdi Asomugha or New York Jets playmaker Darrelle Revis.

Samuel has also improved his tackling ability tremendously. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he should play well enough to earn his fifth-consecutive Pro Bowl selection next year. 

14. Safety, Quintin Mikell

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 19: Kevin Boss #89 of the New York Giants eludes the tackle of Quintin Mikell #27 of the Philadelphia Eagles during their game on December 19, 2010 at The New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by A

Mikell doesn't think he will return to the Eagles next season, but until he is gone, he appears on this list.

A Pro Bowler or an All-Pro each of the past three seasons, Mikell is one of the most underrated players in the National Football League. He is one of the leaders of the defense for the Philadelphia Eagles.

He flies under the radar because of play-making-teammate Asante Samuel, but if Mikell can again lead the team in tackles and collect a few interceptions next season, he can earn his second Pro Bowl selection. 

15. Kicker, David Akers

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 02: David Akers #2 of the Philadelphia Eagles kicks a field goal as Jay Ratliff #90 of the Dallas Cowboys attempts a block on January 2, 2011 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Cowboys defeated the Ea

Akers will very likely never kick for the Philadelphia Eagles again. But I've also heard reports of the Eagles keeping both him and rookie Alex Henery on the roster for the 2011 season.

If Akers does kick for the Eagles next season, it'll be with a mission—to prove that he is the team's best kicker. 

A five-time Pro Bowler, including each of the past two seasons, Akers is the greatest kicker in franchise history and has a legitimate chance at earning his sixth Pro Bowl selection next year...if he returns. 

16. Pro Bowl Probabilities

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 09: Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a touchdown in the thrid quarter against the Green Bay Packers during the 2011 NFC wild card playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 9, 2011 in Philadelphia

My random probabilities for each player earning a Pro Bowl selection next season:

1) Michael Vick, 65 percent.

2) LeSean McCoy, 50 percent.

3) DeSean Jackson, 70 percent.

4) Jeremy Maclin, 30 percent.

5) Brent Celek, 15 percent.

6) Jason Peters, 80 percent.

7) Todd Herremans, 25 percent.

8) Jamaal Jackson, 25 percent.

9) Danny Watkins, 15 percent.

10) Trent Cole, 60 percent.

11) Jamar Chaney, 15 percent.

12) Stewart Bradley, 20 percent.

13) Asante Samuel, 65 percent.

14) Quintin Mikell, 30 percent (assuming he stays).

15) David Akers, 40 percent (assuming he stays).

So I have the following players making the Pro Bowl next season: Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy, DeSean Jackson, Jason Peters, Trent Cole and Asante Samuel. And that doesn't include any free-agent signings the team will sign before next year (right cornerback!).