pro bowl predictions with 7 weeks to go in the season

Nov 15

The NFL has recently opened voting for the 2023 Pro Bowl Games. Here are some names that are deserving of a spot. Also to make it more interesting, all of my choices will be first-time Pro Bowlers.

Offense

Quarterback: Geno Smith, Tua Tagovailoa, Jalen Hurts

Geno Smith, also known as Mr “I ain't write back,” has surprised everyone with his play as the Seahawks starting quarterback. Smith has led Seattle to first place in the NFC West as of Week 11. The Dolphins are undefeated this season when Tua Tagovailoa is playing aside from his injury against the Bengals in Week 4. Lastly, Jalen Hurts’s play cannot be discredited as his passing game improved significantly from last year to now complementing his excellent running ability.

Running back: Dameon Pierce

Pierce is currently fifth in the league in rushing yards with 772 yards as a rookie. He has shown that he is one of the more physical runners in the league and is one of the reasons to get excited when you think of the Houston Texans.

Wide receiver: Jaylen Waddle

The pairing of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle has been the best wide receiver duo in the league this year. Waddle is fourth in receiving yards, while Hill currently sits at the top. There is no question, Waddle should be in the Pro Bowl this year.

Tight end: Dallas Goedert

Goedert is second behind Travis Kelce for receiving yards among tight ends. He has proved to be a reliable target for Jalen Hurts as his 12.7 yards per catch is one of the highest at his position.

Tackle: Christian Darrisaw, Andrew Thomas

Darrisaw is the highest-graded tackle at 89.8 according to PFF. He has been rock solid in run and pass blocking, which has shown in the production of Dalvin Cook and Justin Jefferson. Thomas on the other hand is the second highest-graded tackle right behind Darrisaw with an 89.6 PFF grade. Also, both have not given up a sack so far this season.

Guard: Michael Onwenu

Onwenu has a pass and run blocking grade of 80 plus which according to PFF, many guards would have an 80 plus run block grade, but a grade lower than 80 in pass protection. That shows how Onwenu has been solid in both areas so far.

Center: Creed Humphrey

Following his spectacular rookie season, Humphrey has shown to be the best center in the league right now. He is PFF’s highest-graded center at 83.2 which is simply impressive for just a second year player.

Defense

Defensive end: Jerry Hughes

In his 12th season, Hughes has the second most sacks among defensive ends only behind Nick Bosa. It is a shame he is putting up these numbers on the Texans, but the numbers speak for themself.

Defensive tackle: Dexter Lawrence, Quinnen Williams

Lawrence and Williams are currently ranked as two and three when it comes to PFF grades for interior defenders. Both are having really good seasons so far along with their respective New York teams.

Inside linebacker: David Long

As a Titans fan, I want to give him props for his play this year. He leads the team in tackles and interceptions so far. Also, I needed to include a Titans player in here somewhere and Long has been really good this year.

Outside linebacker: Alex Highsmith

Highsmith has been producing the sacks for the Steelers with T.J Watt out. He has 8.5 sacks, which are tied for second among outside linebackers. His production should only get better with Watt now back.

Cornerback: Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II

Surtain has proved to be a lockdown corner all year. According to PFF, he is the highest graded corner with a grade of 87.2. As for Gardner, he has been a joy to watch as he looks like the defensive rookie of the year so far.

Strong safety: C.J Gardner-Johnson

Gardner-Johnson has always been good in his time with the Saints but this season with the Eagles, he has been outstanding. He leads the league in interceptions and his transition from slot to strong safety has paid off so far.

Free safety: Jevon Holland

Holland can do pretty much everything, as he currently has 2 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and a grand total of 37 solo tackles. Holland has shown to be one of the best young safeties in the league.