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

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Aug 20, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans outside linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) sacks New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) during the second quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Jadeveon Clowney (Houston Texans)

Everybody with eyes saw it. They viewed the highlights of the preseason game against New Orleans. For the first time people saw linebacker Jadeveon Clowney as he could be: a relentless, unstoppable force as a pass rusher. He was in the face of Drew Brees almost constantly, knocking him to the ground once and sacking him on another. The Saints, who boast a fairly solid offensive line had no answers for him. This is the talent the Houston Texans have waited to see.

Obviously the first and foremost reason Clowney will reach Hawaii is his own great play. It feels like a double digit sack season on the horizon for sure. However, what will boost his campaign is the possibility that he’ll play the first few games without J.J. Watt on the field. Unusual as that sounds, not having the cloud of Watt hanging over him as he continues to excel would improve his standing in the eyes of voters. Remember that Whitney Mercilus had 12 sacks last year and he was virtually ignored.

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