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

By Erik Lambert

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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Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field. The Atlanta Falcons won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars outside linebacker Telvin Smith (50) reacts in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at EverBank Field. The Atlanta Falcons won 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports /

Telvin Smith (Jacksonville Jaguars)

The Jacksonville Jaguars are an ascending team. There is no doubting that. Most of the reason for such optimism is their young quarterback and his arsenal of weapons led by wide receiver Allen Robinson. Yet it’s the defense that continues to get publicity of late. Thanks to a series of bold free agent and draft moves this unit has massively upgraded its talent. The irony is that the most likely Pro Bowler on the roster is somebody who was already there the past two years.

Since it is Jacksonville, fans have found it easy to overlook the Jaguars defense. It was bad in 2015. That doesn’t mean there weren’t any individual standouts. Linebacker Telvin Smith was the crowning exception. He delivered a sneaky good season with 128 tackles, 2.5 sacks. two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown. The guy was everywhere. To think he has help in the form of Malik Jackson, Dante Fowler, and Jalen Ramsey joining the fray? Not great news for opponents in his cross hairs.

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