Pittsburgh Steelers: Ranking the Probabilities of 2011 Steelers Pro Bowlers

Last week, we looked at some potential players on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster that could have Pro Bowl seasons in 2011. This week, it's time to rank the probability of who will actually make the roster.

If nothing else, this will be a fun piece to look back on at the end of the 2011 season to see just how close (or far) I came to predicting Pro Bowl performances in June, in the middle of a lockout, and before free agency or rookie contracts were even signed.

Here's a look at the very premature 2011 Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl performers.

Virtual Locks

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NEW ORLEANS - OCTOBER 31: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers is seen on the field during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Louisiana Superdome on October 31, 2010 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Saints won 20-10 over the Steelers. (P

There are a couple of players that I expect will be in Hawaii no matter what. Here's the players you can count on seeing at Aloha Stadium:

James Harrison, LB

Harrison has been a Pro Bowl starter every season that he's been a starter in Pittsburgh. I would expect that trend to continue. Even with the new rules in place, Harrison will excel at getting to the quarterback, disrupting offensive flow and making big plays. He has a unique blend of skills that will land him in the Pro Bowl again in 2011 and possibly for many years to come.

Troy Polamalu, SS

Arguably the best safety in the NFL right now and possibly of his generation, Polamalu has been in the Pro Bowl all but one season since his rookie year of 2003. He'll be back as long as he stays healthy for the year. He's a player who can get in on reputation alone as well, but if he's on the field, he'll make some big plays and keep offenses out of the end zone.

Also Likely on the Plane

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers calls a play against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)

With the obvious locks out of the way, here's a look at two more players who should be representing the Steelers this season.

Ben Roethlisberger, QB

Given his superb statistics last year, he should have been in the game in 2010, but perhaps his four game suspension to start the season scared off some voters. Regardless of that, if he repeats his 2010 performance over a full season, he'll have stats that are impossible to ignore. Roethlisberger's clutch ability and his winning ways will place him in the Pro Bowl, possibly even as a starter, given Tom Brady and Peyton Manning's propensity for skipping the game.

Mike Wallace, WR

That Wallace didn't make the cut last year baffled me. He is the fastest receiver in the NFL and is one of the best pass catchers in the league today. He's emerged as the team's top receiver and will likely be even better with a full year of Roethlisberger and another year of seasoning. His ability to make people miss and make plays will likely vault him to the top of the list of elite NFL receivers. Look for him to be in the game for the first time in 2011.

And One More Guy You'll See with a Lei

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DENVER - AUGUST 29: Linebacker Lawrence Timmons #94 of the Pittsburgh Steelers defends against the Denver Broncos during preseason NFL action at INVESCO Field at Mile High on August 29, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 34-17.

There's always a wild card. Here's the Steelers' in 2011.

Lawrence Timmons, LB

Timmons is fast emerging as one of the top talents at linebacker on a team and in a league full of great players at the position. He's an adept blitzing linebacker who can disrupt the middle and is gradually turning into a great playmaker. He's likely to get better this year now that he's spent a full season alongside James Farrior. Timmons almost made it last season and will likely be in the game for his first time this year as well.

Missing Out?

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs the ball against the Green Bay Packers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. The Packers won 31-25. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Ge

Here are some maybes for 2011. Their potential to make the roster will be based on their performance and also their performance relative to their peers. Keep an eye on these guys.

Rashard Mendenhall, RB

He's posted back to back 1,200-plus yard seasons behind one of the most inconsistent offensive lines in the NFL. If the line improves, it's reasonable to think he could challenge for the league's rushing title and also a berth in his first Pro Bowl. A lot depends on his performance and how well he stacks up against his competition.

Maurkice Pouncey, C

He made it last year and figures to be in the mix again this year. The wild card in this is the rest of the league. There are some other great centers (Nick Mangold comes to mind), so Pouncey will have to continue to distinguish himself now that he's not a surprising rookie, but a proven veteran. That will be the key to his success.

Final Tally

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ARLINGTON, TX - FEBRUARY 06: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers hands the ball off to Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium on February 6, 2011 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Penning

So, to review, I've placed five players on the Pro Bowl roster for 2011:

Troy Polamalu

James Harrison

Ben Roethlisberger

Mike Wallace

Lawrence Timmons

With that said, I would expect to see Polamalu and Harrison as starters, and possibly even Wallace and Roethlisberger if they have a truly stellar season.

Keep an eye on Mendenhall and Pouncey as well. They have the potential to crack the team as well if they have strong seasons and out-perform their peers.