NFL Players Most Likely To Reach 1st Pro Bowl In 2016

Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) runs the ball during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (not pictured) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos nose tackle Sylvester Williams (92) celebrates after sacking Minnesota Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater (not pictured) during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

Sylvester Williams (Denver Broncos)

The focus as always for the defense of the Denver Broncos is the pass rushers. Von Miller and company will be getting the attention for obvious reasons, followed close by that solid secondary of Chris Harris, Aqib Talib and T.J. Ward. With such an array of talent for people to watch, it’s easy to forget much of their success derives from the efforts up front by the big guys on the defensive line. None more so than emerging stud Sylvester Williams.

So much of what he does won’t appear on the stat. Last season he finished with 25 tackles and 2.5 sacks. Not the most inspiring numbers, but then again that was never his job. As a nose tackle his first duties was to shut down running lanes for opponents, creating opportunities for Miller and the pass rushers to shine. Given the fact that Denver finished with the 3rd ranked run defense and led the league in sacks in 2015, it’s safe to say he did that job extremely well. So this will be the year he gets that recognition.

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