It’s that time of year again when we compile our annual list of players who have yet to make a Pro Bowl but have the potential to earn recognition this season. This list excludes rookies, as they are still establishing themselves in the league. In previous years, our predictions have been on point, such as with Haason Reddick, the pass rusher for the Eagles, who thrived in Jonathan Gannon’s defensive system alongside a talented group of defensive tackles. We also successfully identified Joe Burrow and Penei Sewell as players who would make an impact and eventually earn Pro Bowl nods.
1. When it comes to Justin Fields, the quarterback for the Chicago Bears, I see him in a similar light as Anthony Richardson, who I previously predicted would win the Offensive Rookie of the Year title. Fields’ impressive and diverse performance on the field will overshadow the achievements of other quarterbacks. He has one season to prove himself as the future of the Bears’ franchise. In the near future, we’ll be discussing whether Chicago should exercise his fifth-year option and if they are interested in acquiring a quarterback in 2024 using the picks obtained from the Panthers deal. With his motivation, improved weapons, familiarity with the offense, and a better offensive line, it’s almost certain that Fields will be considered for the Pro Bowl. In the NFC, there is a lack of standout quarterbacks, and I believe that at least two out of the three quarterbacks nominated last year (Geno Smith, Jalen Hurts, and Kirk Cousins) will be replaced.
2. Tyler Linderbaum, the center for the Baltimore Ravens, can easily be argued as one of the best centers in the NFL last season. However, most of the centers that outperformed him or were on par with him were also in the AFC. Creed Humphrey tops that list, and with only two centers being selected for the NFL’s pre-Super Bowl festivities, it becomes challenging to secure a spot among the VIPs. Nevertheless, my argument for Linderbaum remains the same as before, and it also applies to Humphrey. Linderbaum has to work harder than other centers because playing with Lamar Jackson as the quarterback is vastly different from playing with a quarterback whose movements in the pocket are less unpredictable. Linderbaum needs to excel in both a hard-nosed, downhill running game and in improvisational plays, including challenging downfield blocks.
3. Andrew Thomas, the offensive tackle for the New York Giants, deserves consideration for the Pro Bowl, even though he doesn’t play for Tom Brady. Last year, Tristan Wirfs edged out Thomas for a Pro Bowl spot in the NFC, but I believe an anchor tackle who doesn’t protect Brady should have the edge. One of the reasons why Brady’s tackles are perceived as better is that they allow fewer sacks due to Brady’s quick release. Thomas played in a complex offensive scheme that frequently changed personnel groupings to confuse the defense. Additionally, the Giants heavily relied on their running game, with a mobile quarterback, which placed significant responsibility on Thomas as an offensive tackle. As Johnson, Williams, and other older guards in the conference phase out, Thomas will become a regular Pro Bowl selection.
4. Ja’Whaun Bentley, the linebacker for the New England Patriots, is one of the most versatile linebackers in the NFL. Last year, he was targeted 47 times in pass coverage, made 125 solo tackles, and recorded six quarterback hits. While he primarily operates in the box, he also had assignments as a cornerback and on the defensive line, showcasing his skills as one of the league’s top run defenders according to Pro Football Focus. Jerod Mayo, who understands the expectations of a versatile Patriots linebacker better than anyone besides Bill Belichick, has spoken highly of Bentley this offseason. Bentley played a career-high 80% of the Patriots’ snaps last year, and it’s expected that he will see even more playing time in 2023.
5. If Brock Purdy becomes the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and maintains that position throughout the season, it’s highly likely that he will be part of the Pro Bowl conversation. Purdy, the former Mr. Irrelevant, is an ideal fit for Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme, even if he doesn’t possess the same mobility as Trey Lance, who was selected by the 49ers in 2021. Purdy has an exceptional group of weapons at his disposal, arguably the best since the 2000 St. Louis Rams, and the 49ers’ offense is expected to score a significant number of points. As the leader of that offensive unit, Purdy will benefit from the opportunities to put up impressive numbers. In his five starts last season, he completed over 67% of his passes, throwing 13 touchdowns with only four interceptions. Being in a high-scoring offense and in contention for the playoffs will further enhance Purdy’s chances.
6. Marcus Davenport, the edge rusher for the Minnesota Vikings, is my under-the-radar pick this year, similar to how Reddick was last year. As a first-round pick in 2018 by the Saints, Davenport has yet to surpass nine sacks or 16 quarterback hits in a single season, but I believe he can achieve those numbers in Brian Flores’s defense. Davenport will step into the role previously held by Za’Darius Smith, who had 10 sacks and a Pro Bowl selection last year. Davenport will have the talented Christian Darrisaw, another player worthy of consideration for his first Pro Bowl, as his daily competition. Additionally, Flores’s defensive schemes excel at creating confusion and generating pressure from various areas on the field. Although Davenport won’t have the same level of support from star pass rushers as he did in New Orleans, the change in scenery will allow him to blossom and make a significant impact before hitting free agency in 2024.
7. Isaac Seumalo, the guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a prime example of a player peaking in his 30s. Despite being an exceptional player for a long time, he often went unrecognized on an offensive line that featured more prominent personalities like Lane Johnson and Jason Kelce. Now, in his seventh season, Seumalo is the centerpiece of a resilient Steelers unit that will surprise people in 2023. Kelce, who is known for his football intelligence and respected throughout the league, praised Seumalo as one of the best guards in the NFL and one of the smartest players he’s ever been around. This endorsement from Kelce should be taken seriously. Seumalo will face the challenge of protecting second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett and stabilizing the performance of third-year running back Najee Harris.
8. Chris Olave, the wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, was a strong contender, alongside Garrett Wilson, for the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. With the arrival of Derek Carr as the Saints’ new quarterback, Olave has an upgrade at the position. While he will share targets with Michael Thomas, the Saints offense draws inspiration from Jon Gruden’s system, which featured three players with over 70 targets in his final year with the Las Vegas team. Therefore, opportunities will abound for Olave. Despite having a rotating cast of quarterbacks in his rookie season, he still received a significant target share and emerged as the team’s primary receiving option alongside running back Alvin Kamara. This year, with A.J. Brown and Justin Jefferson as the only clear-cut top receivers in the NFC, Olave has a great chance to establish himself among the elite.
9. Derrick Brown, the defensive tackle for the Carolina Panthers, is the selection on this list that I have the most confidence in making the Pro Bowl. Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who has a reputation for maximizing his personnel at every stop, will now have the opportunity to utilize Brown in the Panthers’ revamped scheme. Despite playing on a struggling Panthers team that often trailed, limiting pass-rushing opportunities, Brown recorded a career-high 10 quarterback knockdowns and missed only one tackle last year. As a run defender, he proved to be one of the most dominant forces in the league as the season progressed.
10. Kayvon Thibodeaux, the edge rusher for the New York Giants, maybe a long shot for the Pro Bowl, but there are reasons to believe in his potential. Although he only tallied four sacks last year and finished fourth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting, Thibodeaux’s abilities should not be underestimated. Working under the guidance of defensive coordinator Wink Martindale, known for his strategic brilliance, Thibodeaux will have the opportunity to showcase his skills as a pass rusher. While sacks alone do not define a player’s impact, Thibodeaux’s hurry and pressure statistics are expected to improve this year. Furthermore, with more time removed from his college injuries and professional coaching, he has the potential to make significant strides in his performance. While this projection may have the lowest likelihood of occurring compared to others on this list, it’s important to remember that remarkable progress can happen in a player’s development.
