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The problems of the Pro Bowl within the NFL frame and its timing means a lot of injuries or a lot of players who can’t make it because of the Super Bowl. This season, with the whole fantasy draft thing being used, there are 15 players winning a spot they weren’t voted in for.
Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles – The second year quarterback was one of the more efficient passers in the NFL this season, completing 64% of his passes for 27 touchdowns and throwing only two interceptions. He helped the Eagles make the postseason, where they lost to the Saints. It is his first Pro Bowl.
Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts – Another second year quarterback who made the postseason this year; a second consecutive time for him since entering the league. He completed 60.2% of his passes for 3822 yards, 23 touchdowns and 9 interceptions. It’ll be his second Pro Bowl.
Eddie Lacy, RB, Green Bay Packers – The rookie running back finally gave the pass-happy Packers a ground game, rushing for 1178 yards and a 11 touchdowns on his first year out of Alabama, finishing with 1435 yards from scrimmage.
Alfred Morris, RB, Washington Redskins – An awful season for the Redskins, but the second-year had another productive season on the ground, finishing with 1275 yards and 7 touchdowns. It’ll be his first Pro Bowl.
DeSean Jackson, WR, Philadelphia Eagles – A career year for Jackson, catching 82 passes for 1332 yards and 9 touchdowns, all career bests, enjoying more than anyone the change at the quarterback position. It’ll be his third Pro Bowl; his first since 2010.
Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears – The second year receiver had a huge season for the Chicago Bears, catching 89 passes for 1421 yards and 7 touchdowns, showing some running skills as well with 8.8 yards per carry. He finished sixth in the NFL in receiving yards.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals – Another rough season for Fitzgerald who has no top receivers next to him, a bad running game and an offensive line that doesn’t really help the quarterback. He finished with 954 yards and 10 touchdowns, which is an improvement compared to last season. It’ll be his 8th Pro Bowl.
Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys – Witten dropped in production this season, but remains one of the most reliable tight ends in the game in both receiving and blocking. He caught 73 passes, the fewest since 2006, for 851 yards and 8 touchdowns. It’ll be his ninth Pro Bowl.
Evan Mathis, LG, Philadelphia Eagles – The All-Pro left guard will be making his first Pro Bowl appearance after nine seasons in the league.
Duane Brown, LT, Houston Texans – An awful season for Houston, but Brown was very good as always, making his second Pro Bowl.
Nick Mangold, C, New York Jets – It’ll be the fifth Pro Bowl for Mangold.
Jason Hatcher, DT, Dallas Cowboys – One of the few productive parts in the Dallas Cowboys defense, finishing the season with 11 sacks.
Cordarrelle Patterson, WR (Return Specialist), Minnesota Vikings – It took some time before the Vikings started involving Patterson in the passing game (45 receptions, 4 touchdowns, 469 yards). He returned 43 kicks this season for two touchdowns (an NFL best), averaging a league best 32.4 yards per return, including one for 109 yards.
Two long snappers, J.J. Hansen and Matt Overton, were also promoted.