Now that we are about halfway through the regular season, it is time to start considering which players are deserving of the Pro Bowl. For this series, we will look at the three most deserving candidates for each team. Obviously, some teams will have more or less than three players selected to the Pro Bowl, but for simplicity purposes, we will discuss the top three either way.
TOP MIDSEASON PRO BOWL CANDIDATES: BALTIMORE RAVENS
Brandon Williams
The stats may not indicate it, but the tape shows Brandon Williams is having a fantastic season. The third year player out of Missouri Southern has not been to a Pro Bowl, but in his first year as a full time starter this should be the year. Williams got some time as a rookie, but last year, when Haloti Ngata was out due to suspension, Williams made a case for more time. This off-season Ngata was traded, and Williams became the anchor. At nose tackle, he uses his 6’1” 335 pound frame to clog space and occupy multiple blockers to free up linebackers. He also has the versatility and speed to rush the passer from multiple spots on the defensive line. In a down year he should be looked at as a bright spot, and deserves the recognition.
Marshall Yanda
Yanda along with Williams should be able to find himself in the Pro Bowl this year. Unlike Williams, Yanda is a four time Pro Bowler, and also made the All-Pro team last season. Yanda’s production has been needed to help a rather disappointing line after expectations had them much higher heading into the year. Eugene Monroe never quite saw himself getting only four starts this year, but you cannot knock Yanda for playing at his same caliber. In a down year, if any two Ravens deserve a Pro Bowl, it is Yanda and Williams.
Daryl Smith
Last year rookie CJ Mosley finished with 133 tackles. This year his running mate Daryl Smith is on pace for 152. Smith has been one of the more underrated middle linebackers in the league since his arrival in 2004, but it appears this year it may pay off as he sits fourth in the league in tackles, which is something the voters will like. Smith has always been good against the run, and with his running mate Mosley having a bit of a sophomore slump, he has been the man in the box making the plays this season.
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