Every year, the Chargers send a few players to the Pro Bowl. This past season, Los Angeles sent seven players to the Pro Bowl with Derwin James and Adrian Phillips being selected to their first one.
Sure, awards are the more highly coveted recognition for players, but Pro Bowl selections do matter. The game isn’t as popular to watch anymore, but in a league with over 1,600 players, being in that top 5 percent is an honor.
There is a lot of talent on this year’s roster and the Bolts will likely send someone to the annual all-star game that hasn’t been there before. Here are three that should find their way to Orlando, FL at the end of the season.
CB Desmond King
Most people thought that the voters sent the right members of the Chargers to the 2019 Pro Bowl but among the annual snubs was King, who did not make the team after a sensational sophomore campaign.
King had a huge contribution to helping the defensive unit rank within the top-10 in passing yards allowed. The former Iowa product had three interceptions on the season, finishing as Pro Football Focus’ No. 2 cornerback.
King did the majority of his work in the secondary covering the slot, excelling at defending the run and even found himself a starting job as a return specialist.
This year, he could look to see an expanded role in terms of position, as he’s been playing some outside corner as well as reps at safety this offseason. King could top the amount of success from last year, locking up a Pro Bowl spot along with other accolades in 2019.
WR Mike Williams
This past season, Williams showcased the reason why they spent their first-round pick on him in 2017. The former Clemson product totaled 11 touchdowns, good for No. 5 among all wide receivers in the NFL.
His 664 receiving yards on 43 catches ranked No. 2 on the team behind Keenan Allen, and his three-touchdown performance (with a two-point conversion) against the Chiefs helped end the Bolts’ losing streak to Kansas City.
Now, officially as the team’s true No. 2 wideout with Tyrell Williams gone, the big-bodied wide receiver could see his first 1,000-yard season if he can stay healthy. The absence of Tyrell should only contribute to the amount of targets that he will likely receive this upcoming season to help his case.
FS Nasir Adderley
The Chargers pulled out a safety in the draft last year with Derwin James, who made it to the Pro Bowl in his rookie campaign. There’s a strong possibility that they could repeat that with second-round selection free safety Nasir Adderley.
Adderley was the only player in FCS with at least 160 tackles and nine interceptions over the past two seasons. He finished his collegiate career with 264 tackles and 11 interceptions. A true ball-hawking safety, Adderley is a truly dynamic player in the single-high role.
With him likely to be the starting free safety Week 1, the former Delaware product’s natural talent and traits should only help contribute to tallying up his stat sheet, which should make for Pro Bowl consideration in his first season as a pro.
