The NFL released the Pro Bowl roster on Wednesday evening, and there were quite a few Pro Bowl snubs that should have earned the honors. While no list is perfect, it is surprising that the following five players did not earn a spot on the team.
READ MORE: Chargers Pro Bowl Selections and Snubs
Five Pro Bowl Snubs, Ranked
Christian McCaffrey, Panthers and 49ers
No running back in the NFC has more combined yards than Christian McCaffrey, yet apparently, that’s not good enough to earn a Pro Bowl selection. After battling injuries for most of the past two seasons, the former first-round pick has stayed healthy this year and his playing like his old self. He was Carolina’s entire offense prior to the trade, and has stepped up in San Francisco as the leading rusher on one of the top teams in the conference. Additionally, he has also done a phenomenal job stepping up in the passing game, putting up some of the most efficient receiving numbers of any running back. Miles Sanders is having a great season in his own right, but McCaffrey is having a better year.
James Bradberry, Eagles
The New York Giants have to regret cutting James Bradberry, as he has been worth every penny for the Philadelphia Eagles. Starting in all 14 games, the cornerback has recorded three interceptions, 35 tackles, and two tackles-for-loss while only allowing a league-best 3.8 yards per target allowed and a 39% catch rate. While he doesn’t get the publicity of other players, every metric out there suggests he’s been a lockdown cornerback, and the film backs up those assessments. He should have led the conference in voting, rather than be omitted altogether.
Tyler Linderbaum, Ravens
While the Ravens Pro Bowl voting went well, they should have had one more player on the team. The Baltimore Ravens 2022 NFL Draft class looked like one of the best in the league at the time, and the early results have certainly justified that excitement. Tyler Linderbaum was one of the best center prospects we’ve seen in quite some time, and the rookie has played up to his potential throughout the year. Linderbaum currently is PFF’s sixth-best grade at the center position, while Mitch Morse is down ranks 20th in the same metric. PFF grades aren’t everything, but in this case, the film backs up the ranking. Linderbaum has had a much better year and is one of the bigger Pro Bowl snubs in the league.
I've talked to multiple league talent evaluators that believe #Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum (@TLinderbaum) is the best center to come out of his draft class and is already top 5 at his position and All-Pro caliber. This is vs. an All-Pro LB 🤯🤯🤯.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 13, 2022
Austin Ekeler, Chargers
The AFC running back trio of Nick Chubb, Josh Jacobs, and Derrick Henry have all had phenomenal years, but there should have been room for Austin Ekeler. Ekeler has been his usual reliable self on the ground, compiling 692 yards and nine touchdowns on 165 carries (4.2 YPC). However, what truly sets him apart is his ability to haul in passes. Through 14 games, the former undrafted free agent has recorded a staggering 95 receptions for 635 yards and seven touchdowns on 115 targets. Those are wide receiver numbers, and he’s doing it while also handing early-down work.
Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins
Miami’s wide receiver duo of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill is the best in the league. While Hill received a well-deserved nod to the Pro Bowl, Waddle is left at home for the time being. This is ridiculous, as the second-year pro currently has 62 receptions for 1,117 yards, seven touchdowns, and a league-leading 18.0 yards per reception. Ja’Marr Chase missed a lot of time due to injury, and it’s astonishing that he made the Pro Bowl team over someone that has been dominating defenses all season long.
