With the regular season just around the corner, we try to predict which five Detroit Lions on offense could be Pro Bowl bound.
With one preseason matchup with the Buffalo Bills left on their schedule, the Detroit Lions are inching ever closer to the point of the year when the games actually count.
Despite finishing with a 9-7 record last season, and making the playoffs for the second time in three years, the Lions still failed to send a single player to the Pro Bowl outside of kicker Matt Prater, who was actually the replacement for the Atlanta Falcons’ Matt Bryant.
Will Detroit send any players to the Pro Bowl this season? If they do, we believe these five on the offensive side of the ball have the best chance of doing so.
Matthew Stafford, Quarterback
This is probably the easiest answer, as Stafford had a near career year last season posting 4,327 yards, 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. But the ninth-year passer also faces stiff competition in the NFC, with names like Aaron Rodgers, Matt Ryan and Drew Brees all vying for the same honor.
Marvin Jones, Jr., Wide Receiver
Jones tore up the league in his first four games in Detroit, recording 23 receptions for 482 yards and two touchdowns in that span. Unfortunately, his production dropped as the season wore on. But if sixth-year veteran can be more consistent, a Pro Bowl bid could certainly be in his future.
Golden Tate, Wide Receiver
As the Lions’ most consistent receiver, many believe Tate should have already been nominated to the Pro Bowler. Averaging 93 receptions and 1,073 yards in each of his three seasons in Detroit, it’s a hard point to argue against. Perhaps this season will be the year Tate returns to his 2014 Pro Bowl status.
Ricky Wagner, Tackle
Signed by the Lions in free agency, offensive tackle Ricky Wagner was a four-time Pro Bowler with the Baltimore Ravens from 2013-2016. So why stop now? Wagner has arguably been Detroit’s best offensive lineman since joining the squad earlier this year and looks to be having yet another Pro Bowl caliber season, this time in the Motor City.
T.J. Lang, Guard
Lang became a Pro Bowler for the first time in his eight-year career just last season as a member of the Green Bay Packers. Now in Detroit, the 29-year old has been limited as of late as he’s recovering from hip surgery. If Lang can return to form, there is no reason to think he can’t return to the Pro Bowl in 2017.
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So those are our five picks for Detroit Lions who we believe could make the Pro Bowl this season on the offensive side of the ball. Did we miss someone? Tell us who and why in the comment section below.