The 2022 Pro Bowl rosters are here, with something that’s not so shocking: The Philadelphia Eagles — followed by the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys — totaling the most players on the roster with eight, six of whom were starters.
Beyond that? There are some notable snubs. And while we know some players will bow out — even with the actual game being changed, thank goodness, to a flag football game and some skills competitions — we should still highlight some of the names who were left off the initial roster that was announced Wednesday evening.
Let’s run through some snubs from both the AFC and NFC rosters:
1
QB Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
It’s hard when the best QBs in your conference are Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Joe Burrow.
But Tagovailoa’s having a truly awesome year and was left off the list. And on top of that, he got the most votes from fans!
2
QB Justin Fields, Chicago Bears
Stiff competition here too, with Jalen Hurts, Geno Smith and Kirk Cousins getting the nods at the NFC quarterback position.
But I could make an argument for Fields over Smith.
3
G Kevin Zeitler, Baltimore Ravens
This tweet convinced me:
The Ravens’ biggest snub was guard Kevin Zeitler, who led his position in the fan voting.
It’s unreal that Zeitler has never been named to a Pro Bowl in his 11-year career. He was extremely deserving this season.
— Jamison Hensley (@jamisonhensley) December 22, 2022
4
LT Andrew Thomas, New York Giants
All the advanced metrics indicate he’s having a huge year.
Two Giants reached the Pro Bowl: RB Saquon Barkley and DL Dexter Lawrence. Both deserving.
LT Andrew Thomas and K Graham Gano snubbed. Also having great seasons.
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) December 22, 2022
5
WR Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
Look: There’s no way you can break into the quartet of Tyreek Hill, Stefon Diggs, Davante Adams and Ja’Marr Chase. That’s tough.
But Waddle is seventh in the NFL with 1,117 yards. He’s caught seven touchdowns. Hmm.
6
RB Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers
PFF had thoughts:
Christian McCaffrey this season:
♦️ 87.6 PFF Grade (4th among RBs)
♦️ 92.5 receiving grade (1st among ALL players)Pro Bowl Snub? pic.twitter.com/WupsXlnigI
— PFF (@PFF) December 22, 2022
Was he better than Miles Sanders this season? I’d say yes.
7
LB Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers
This tweet also convinced me:
Alex Highsmith is one of nine NFL players who have recorded 11+ sacks this season.
He’s the only one who didn’t get voted to the Pro Bowl.
Huge snub.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) December 22, 2022
8
CB James Bradberry, Philadelphia Eagles
I know the Eagles have a ton of players on the list already, but …
James Bradberry is a Pro Bowl snub.
Opposing QBs have the lowest passer rating targeting him in the #NFL (min. 50 attempts). #Eagles
— Jeff Kerr (@JeffKerrCBS) December 22, 2022
Lowest Completion % Allowed This Season (min. 50 targets), per PFR:
1. Chidobe Awuzie – 38%
2. Benjamin St-Juste – 44.1%
3. James Bradberry – 44.3%
4. Cameron Sutton – 48.3%That’s a career-best for Sutton, who is quietly having a solid year for the Steelers.
— Daniel Valente (@StatsGuyDaniel) December 15, 2022
Biggest snubs I see at first glance for the Pro Bowl:
James Bradberry
Justin Herbert
DJ Reed
Christian McCaffrey
Kevin Zeitler
L’Jarius Sneed
Andrew ThomasI know Herbert has insane competition, but him not being in the Pro Bowl is tough
— Matt Verderame (@MattVerderame) December 22, 2022
9
LB Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills
Lots of tweets about this one:
Matt Milano: 84.1 coverage grade this season
3rd among all LBs 🥉
Pro Bowl snub? pic.twitter.com/vxBcVNybEH
— PFF (@PFF) December 22, 2022
Matt Milano
— Sara Larson | BBGurl4Life (@sara_larson) December 22, 2022
