There are seven weeks left in the 2024 NFL regular season. Plenty is left to be accomplished by teams, but individual recognition is on the line as well. The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl will take place Feb. 2 — one week prior to Super Bowl LIX — in Orlando, Florida. The event is to feature many familiar faces, but several are jockeying to be represented for the first time.
Here is a look at some of the players who could be selected to their first Pro Bowl:
Robinson currently ranks sixth in the NFL in rushing yards. The second-year back out of Texas is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season upon being unleashed in Zac Robinson’s offense. Among players with at least 100 carries, Robinson ranks No. 7 in tackle avoidance rate (22.8%), according to TruMedia. He is also on pace for nearly 70 receptions this season, which would have been third among all running backs last season. Robinson has not fumbled this season.
The only issue with this projection is that six of the league’s seven leading rushers are currently in the NFC. Chuba Hubbard of the Panthers would be in the conversation as well, but there are only three spots.
In the four games since Russell Wilson has been installed as Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, Pickens is averaging 91.25 receiving yards per game. In the six games with Justin Fields, he averaged 60.5 receiving yards per game. If he continues at the current pace, the Georgia product will finish with 1,367 yards, which is well above what the honor required a year ago. The entertainment value with Pickens is also very high and that will endear him to Pro Bowl voters.
Bowers is second in the NFL, only behind Ja’Marr Chase, with 70 receptions. The ex-Bulldog is on pace for 1,200 receiving yards, which would break a rookie tight end record previously held by Mike Ditka (1,076). His 722 receiving yards are ninth most and is first among all tight ends. All of this is being accomplished on a 2-8 team that has been unable to field consistent quarterback play.
Offensive guard Trey Smith (Chiefs) and center Aaron Brewer (Dolphins) are a couple interior players who could be in the mix for a first-time berth in the AFC. Competition at those spots can be stiff.
The offensive tackle conversation is difficult in the NFC. Although Paris Johnson Jr. (Cardinals) or Charles Cross (Seahawks) may be in the hunt if they were AFC players, the NFC boasts Trent Williams (49ers), Lane Johnson (Eagles), Tristan Wirfs (Buccaneers) and Penei Sewell (Lions). It is difficult to crack that rotation.
Baun came over from the Saints this offseason and has been a revelation at a position Philadelphia has inadequately filled for several years. His 102 tackles are fifth most in the NFL, but Baun has also produced several havoc-worthy plays, including two sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.
In the AFC, Indianapolis’ Zaire Franklin and Cincinnati’s Logan Wilson are competing for a spot in the game. Excluding reserves, there are only two off-ball linebackers and one of those spots will be occupied by Baltimore’s Roquan Smith.
The edge rusher position is experiencing a pile up of its own. Several would-be first-time representatives are a part of that conversation, including Boye Mafe (Seahawks), Nik Bonitto (Broncos), Will McDonald IV (Jets) and Jonathan Greenard (Vikings), but space is limited and the final six or seven games will be important for creating separation.
Branch has four interceptions this season, but his 17.1% pass breakup percentage ranks seventh among all NFL players with at least 200 coverage snaps, according to TruMedia. His 19.7% defensive passer rating is fourth. There were three safeties on last year’s Pro Bowl roster: Jessie Bates III, Budda Baker and Julian Love.
Joseph leads the entire NFL with seven interceptions. Only nine NFL players have recorded 10+ interceptions in a single season since 2000. Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs last did it in 2021 (11). Joseph’s 16.7 defensive passer rating is tied for the lowest in the league among players with at least 200 coverage snaps, according to TruMedia. The Lions defense is much improved from last season and Joseph is one reason why.
The entire NFC safety position may turn over in one year because McKinney of the Packers is another deserving candidate. Bates will be back in the mix again this season, though. His six interceptions are second most in the league and his 24.0 defensive passer rating is fifth among all players with at least 200 coverage snaps, according to TruMedia. McKinney is on a Green Bay defense that has shown substantial improvement in a year’s time.
