10 NFL players destined to make their first Pro Bowl in 2020
These 10 NFL players are well on track to make their first Pro Bowl in 2020.
Ever NFL season offers the opportunity for players to go from being considered a good player to putting their names in the conversation among the stars of the league. While many will debate the merits of the Pro Bowl, one way for players to measure making that leap is to earn their first selection to the league’s all-star contest.
Just last year, we saw players such as Lamar Jackson, Nick Chubb, Chris Godwin and several other household names make the first Pro Bowl of their respective NFL careers. All it takes is the right combination of talent and situation for a player to get the nod after missing out for however many years before.
So, as the NFL Pro Bowl is set to change venues and head to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas for the 2021 festivities following the 2020 season, which players could make that jump? Let’s take a look at 10 players who are in prime position to make their first Pro Bowl this year.
Note: All stats are via Pro Football Reference unless otherwise noted.
10. Marquise Brown, WR, Baltimore Ravens
After an explosive and productive career at Oklahoma, the Baltimore Ravens selected wide receiver Marquise Brown, better known as Hollywood, in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The hope was that his arrival would help unlock Lamar Jackson and the rest of the offense.
Well, the offense got unlocked — that’s for sure. However, Brown’s contributions to that taking place could be called into question. He was banged up for much of the year, though he played in 14 games. He finished the year with 46 receptions on 71 targets for 584 yards and seven touchdowns.
With a year of NFL experience and getting in better physical condition to withstand the rigors of the pro game, Brown appears ready to have a big season. Jackson and the Ravens will have to adjust what they did last season and incorporating a big-play threat like Brown more often could be a fantastic way to do that.
9. Fred Warner, LB, San Francisco 49ers
A third-round pick in 2018 out of BYU, linebacker Fred Warner has started all 32 games in his NFL career to this point. And in doing so, the young 49ers standout has established himself as one of the best coverage linebackers in the league. He had nine pass defenses last season and a pick-six as well, showcasing just how dangerous he can be.
Warner, however, also showed improvement as a run defender last season as well. If he can continue on this trajectory and keep improving, how can you not keep him out of the Pro Bowl? He’s clearly one of the best young linebackers in the league and, if the Niners can build off of making the Super Bowl last season, he’s going to be in the national conversation more often than he maybe has been.