2012 Pro Bowl Roster Predictions: Tim Tebow and Others Who Will Fall onto Team

Anytime an NFL player is selected to a Pro Bowl team, it should be looked upon as an honor.

However, there are players who find ways to miss the game because of injury, or playing in the Super Bowl, which opens a roster spot for players like Denver Broncos’ quarterback Tim Tebow. 

Here are a few players who may find themselves landing a Pro Bowl spot thanks to other circumstances.

Denver Broncos: Tim Tebow 

Tebow has not had the best statistical season.  His 75.9 passer rating ranks him 14th in the AFC, while his 12 passing touchdowns put him at No. 12. 

However, what Tebow does bring that no other reserve quarterback will is an audience that will tune in just to watch him.  

With the chance of Tom Brady or Ben Roethlisberger playing in the Super Bowl, it will open up a roster spot for Tebow. The coaches will see how well Tebow has played since he took over as the starting quarterback for the Broncos and will select him as a replacement. 

Passing stats are one thing, but leading your team from worst to first in the AFC West should land Tebow on the team if there is a spot that opens up. 

Seattle Seahawks: Marshawn Lynch

Lynch has come on in a big way since he was held out of Week 7’s game against Cleveland because of a back injury. Before that game, Lynch only had two touchdowns and no games where he rushed for more than 100 yards. 

Since Week 7, Lynch has been in full “Beast Mode.” 

He’s ripped off six games of more than 100 rushing yards, has 10 touchdowns and has carried this Seahawks team to five wins in their last nine games. 

His frantic finish may not have been enough for fans to vote him into the Pro Bowl over a player like Minnesota Vikings’ Adrian Peterson. But, because of Peterson’s knee injury, there will be a spot open for Lynch on the team. 

Miami Dolphins: Brandon Marshall

The Dolphins wide receiver has had a season just like Lynch’s. Marshall was quiet for the first seven games of the 2011 season, only catching one touchdown pass. However, in his last eight games, Marshall has grabbed five touchdowns. 

In those final eight games of his ’11 season, he has had three games of more than 100 yards receiving, which has helped this Dolphins team go from 0-7 to winning five of eight. 

Marshall will get passed over by fans from the initial voting. However, if the Steelers or Patriots make the Super Bowl, it will open a spot up for Marshall that he rightfully deserves. 

These three players will get left off of the initial voting when the rosters come out. However, because of injuries or other commitments, fans of these players will get to see them with the other great players from this year. 

Follow @tjmcaloon