The 2016 NFL regular season has reached the halfway point for most NFL teams. As such, it’s an appropriate time to analyze which players have put together a Pro Bowl-worthy campaign. For this series, the three most deserving on each team will be considered. Obviously, some teams will have more than three players selected. But for simplicity’s sake, only the top three candidates will be discussed.
With that in mind, here are the three frontrunners to make the 2016 Pro Bowl from the Cleveland Browns.
Top Midseason Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl Candidates
Christian Kirksey
Christian Kirksey has been one of the lone strong points in this porous defensive group. He has benefitted for two main reasons.
One, after seeing limited time in his first two years he was handed the full time starting gig. Second, the Browns play defense a lot, averaging over 33 minutes on defense per game, giving Kirksey more opportunity to either shine or falter. So far he’s played well, tallying 81 combined tackles, fourth in the entire NFL.
Kirksey is strong and fast with the knack of blowing up plays. He has two games with double-digit tackles and has a sack and half.
Terrelle Pryor
Terrelle Pryor has been a pleasant surprise for the Browns this season. Heading into the year there were questions if the former Oakland Raiders pass thrower would make the team. The Browns went wide receiver heavy in the 2015 draft, but, to many people’s surprise, Pryor has been a star.
With the combination of his huge stature at 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, 4.38 forty speed, and catching ability, he has been a match up nightmare. Currently he is on pace for 82 catches, 1028 receiving yards with seven touchdowns. Aside from his catching duties, he has also been relied on to pass and rush the ball. In the game against the Miami Dolphins, he became the first NFL player to have 120 receiving yards, 30 passing yards, and 20 rushing yards since 1959.
Joe Thomas
Not only the best player on the roster, but one of the greatest offensive lineman in the game today, Joe Thomas is almost a guarantee. The nine-time Pro Bowler, is tied with Lou Groza and Jim Brown for the franchise record. Year after year, Thomas receives awards for run blocking capabilities and pass protection. Heading into the 2016 season Thomas was ranked 23rd on the top 100 players list.
This season has showcased his aggressive quick hands and fast feet. He is also a very disciplined player, only having one penalty for a false start.
