Around this time each year, both the media and the fans express their dissatisfaction with the scores of deserving players who are left off the Pro Bowl roster. In light of that, let’s take a look at five of the biggest snubs of the year so far.
L’Jarius Sneed, Kansas City Chiefs cornerback
Cornerback L’Jarius Sneed of the Kansas City Chiefs:We begin with Sneed, which is arguably the biggest snub of them all. Shadowing Tyreek Hill, Justin Jefferson, D.J. Moore, Calvin Ridley, and Ja’Marr Chase this season, the fourth-year veteran has been probably the greatest corner in the NFL, allowing only three catches for 35 yards on average while giving up just one touchdown.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions wide receiver
Amon-Ra St. Brown, wide receiver for the Detroit Lions:The numbers show that St. Brown is one of the best young pass-catchers in the NFL. As the final week of the regular season approaches, he is tied with Pro Bowlers CeeDee Lamb and Hill for the most games with 100 or more receiving yards in the league (eight). He also ranks sixth in yards (1,371), yards per game (91.4), and touchdown receptions (nine).
Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety
Antoine Winfield Jr., safety for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:Devin McCourty, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive back and former member of the New England Patriots, eloquently described this rejection on social media when he said that Winfield might be the first Pro Bowl player who wasn’t also an All-Star. Winfield ought to have been chosen above other candidates, such as Arizona Cardinals veteran Budda Baker, whose five tackles for loss are the high point of his stat line. Winfield has 73 solo tackles, five sacks, three interceptions, and five forced fumbles.
C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans quarterback
QB for the Houston Texans, C.J. Stroud:Although it’s difficult to argue against a rookie quarterback like Stroud being on the All-Star team, it’s also difficult to argue against it. The rookie quarterback has remarkably guided the Texans to victory and a postseason appearance while throwing for 24 touchdowns in total—just three fewer than Kansas City Chiefs Pro Bowler Patrick Mahomes—and nine fewer interceptions.
Travis Etienne, Jacksonville Jaguars running back
Running back Travis Etienne of the Jacksonville Jaguars:Despite being one of the worst offensive line blocking rushers in the NFL, Etienne has remained one of the top rushers in the league. He leads the league in missed tackles (63), is ninth in yards (951) and fifth among running backs in terms of rushing touchdowns (11).
For these players who seem to be underappreciated, there is hope. Every season, a number of players choose not to take part in the All-Star festivities because they are injured or just lack motivation. Thus, there’s a good chance that a couple players on the list will be on the Pro Bowl field in February.
