Every year around this time, fans and media alike voice their displeasure over the dozens of worthy players left off the Pro Bowl roster. With that in mind, here’s a look at five of this year’s biggest snubs.
L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback: We start with perhaps the biggest snub of them all in Sneed. The fourth-year pro has been arguably the best corner in the NFL, holding Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, D.J. Moore, Calvin Ridley and Ja’Marr Chase to an average of three catches for 35 yards while giving up only one touchdown when shadowing them this season.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions wide receiver: St. Brown has emerged as one of the premiere young pass-catchers in the NFL, and the stats prove it. He ranks third in receptions (112) and fifth in yards (1,371), yards per game (91.4) and touchdown receptions (nine) entering the final week of the regular season, and he’s tied with Pro Bowlers CeeDee Lamb and Hill for the most 100-plus receiving yard games in the league (eight).
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety: Former New England Patriots defensive back and two-time Pro Bowler Devin McCourty summed up this snub best, saying on social media that Winfield might be the first Pro Bowler who wasn’t also an All-Star. Winfield’s 73 solo tackles, five sacks, three interceptions and five forced fumbles should’ve given him the edge over others selected, like Arizona Cardinals vet Budda Baker, whose five tackles for loss are the highlight of his stat line.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback: While it’s hard to claim a rookie QB should grace the All-Star roster, it’s equally as challenging to argue against it in the case of Stroud. The first-year starter has stunningly led the Texans to a winning record and a chance at the postseason while recording 24 total touchdowns, only three less than Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Patrick Mahomes, with nine fewer interceptions.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars running back: Rushing behind arguably one of the poorest blocking offensive lines in the NFL, Etienne has still been one of the best rushers in the NFL. Among RBs, he’s fifth in rushing touchdowns (11) and eighth in yards (951) while leading the entire league in missed tackles (63).
There is hope for these seemingly overlooked players. More than a few players opt out of the annual All-Star festivities each season due to injury or simply being unmotivated to participate. So, there’s a distinct possibility that a few names from the list will find their way onto the Pro Bowl field come February.