Which Steelers have the best shot of making the Pro Bowl?
Yes, I’m aware: the Pro Bowl game itself is a joke. What’s no laughing matter is being named one of the best at what you do, and as such, there are several Steelers who could be Pro Bowl selections when the teams are announced next month. Here are some of the players I predict have the best shot of making the roster.
The Best Bets
Ben Roethlisberger
There are a lot of names that could be thrown around for potential Pro Bowl selections on the Steelers roster, but up until Thursday’s win over the Titans, no one was giving Ben Roethlisberger the benefit of the doubt.
However, let’s dig a little deeper. Roethsliberger has been chosen for the Pro Bowl the last three seasons in a row. Part of that is due to having great seasons. Part of that is due to a lack of quarterback talent in the AFC.
Aside from Tom Brady, who else can you name that would be worthy of a nod? Alex Smith? Blake Bortles?
Those are the other division leaders at the moment, and with Deshaun Watson of the Texans being placed on IR for the season, and lackluster quarterback play everywhere else, Big Ben almost seems like a lock. Smith has trailed off after starting hot, and several teams are juggling starters. GIven the fact that Trevor Siemien was invited as an alternate last year and Andy Dalton actually accepted his invite, just playing okay is good enough for this conference for this “honor”.
Le’Veon Bell & Antonio Brown
Both were named to the Pro Bowl last season. Both are currently the best, or among the best at their position.
Both will make this year’s team.
Maurkice Pouncey & David DeCastro
Ditto for two other Steelers who were selected to the Pro Bowl last season. Only DeCastro made the trip, his second of his career, and I expect him to earn the honor again this time.
Ryan Shazier
A first-time Pro Bowler (as an alternate) last year, Shazier has had an outstanding 2017 season so far, where only a collapse in play could derail his chances.
On The Outside Looking In
Cameron Heyward
If anyone finally deserves league-wide recognition it would be a man who has led the Steelers in sacks before, and currently leads the team in 2017. Heyward has been an absolutely dominating force on Pittsburgh’s defensive line, yet, playing in a base 3-4 usually works as a handicap in getting voted in. That’s why Heyward deserves a chance, but may not get it.
Marcus Gilbert
Long considered one of the best right tackles in football, it’s often said Gilbert would be more recognized if he were on the left, as his above the line play usually goes unnoticed. Even missing some time with injuries this season, Gilbert has been overdue his opportunity at playing in a Pro Bowl and is on the outside looking in since two of his teammates are already in the mix. (How many Steelers can you name to the team?)
The Long Shots
Chris Boswell
Boswell has been as solid of a kicker as anyone in the league. That’s indicative of his play, as well as how bad other kickers around the NFL have been this season.
I still think he’s a longshot since a single kicker gets named to each team. He has to compete with Baltimore’s Justin Tucker and New England’s Stephen Gostkowski; I don’t think he edges either out.
Joe Haden
I strongly believe Joe Haden was playing at his previously elite level before an injury claimed a chunk of his season. He’s believed to be able to return near the end of the regular season, but it won’t be in enough time to make the Pro Bowl.
