With the expectation they'll win more games this year, these five Detroit Lions players could be first time Pro Bowlers.
The Detroit Lions are getting plenty of attention this offseason, as the proverbial favorites to win an NFC North that looks to be there for the taking (or more).
Right or wrong, the best teams in the NFL generally get the most players elected to the Pro Bowl each year. Of course alternates get a chance to go as players from the Super Bowl teams don't go, and others just bow out for whatever other reason. The last two years, the Lions have benefitted from that as guard Jonah Jackson, offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown got a chance to go to their first career Pro Bowls.
It's routine for Lions players to fall below the radar for being voted into the Pro Bowl, even if their production and level of play makes them worthy. Last year, of the four who went, center Frank Ragnow was the only Lion originally voted to be on the NFC team.
But winning a lot of games this year (assuming it happens) will put more Lions' players on the radar of the national audience, and thus naturally make them better known to the masses. So, also naturally, more could be voted in or named alternates and then get to go when people bow out.
In particular, these five Lions players could make a trip to their first Pro Bowl this season.