4 Rookies with the Best Chances of Making 2012 NFL Pro Bowl Roster

There have been a lot of impressive rookies this season, particularly on the defensive side, that have quickly become among the best players at their position.

Teams like Denver, San Francisco and Carolina have enjoyed much better seasons, and they can thank the contributions from their top rookies as the biggest reason for their respective turnarounds. 

Here are four rookies that have the best chance of getting a spot on a Pro Bowl roster. 

Von Miller

Forget Tim Tebow. The biggest reason why the Broncos find themselves on top of their division is because of the play of Von Miller. He is not only one of the best rookie defenders, he is already among the best at his position. 

Cam Newton gets all the headlines, but Miller has been the best rookie of 2011. It would be a shame if he does not get a Pro Bowl berth. 

Aldon Smith

The 49ers have finally found their pass rusher in Aldon Smith, who is probably still giving Ben Roethlisberger nightmares after what he did to him on Monday Night. 

If it wasn't for Von Miller, Smith would be the top candidate for defensive rookie of the year. It will be a little difficult to get a spot in the Pro Bowl with guys like Ware and Matthews in front of him, but his play warrants ti. 

Marcel Dareus

Dareus is not a part of a very good defense, but he has replaced Kyle Williams very well. Since moving to the nose tackle spot, Dareus has been a handful for opposing offensive lines. 

He has some good players in front of him in the Pro Bowl race like Wilfork, but he has a good chance of making it in as an alternate. 

A. J. Green

Considered by many to be the best player in the 2011 draft, A.J. Green has been one of the biggest reasons, besides Andy Dalton, for Cincinnati's return to relevance. 

Green has a very good chance to make the Pro Bowl, mostly because the usual top AFC receivers, like Vincent Jackson, Santonio Holmes and Brandon Marshall, are having "down" seasons. Even if they were playing at their potential, Green should still get in.