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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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Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) sits on the sidelines during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chris Long (95) sits on the sidelines during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Chris Long (New England Patriots)

Bill Belichick is a proven master at taking either failed or outdated players from other teams and turning them into productive contributors for the New England Patriots machine he’s built. Randy Moss, Corey Dillon and Junior Seau are just some successful examples from over the years. After trading Chandler Jones during the off-season, the team chose to take another calculated risk on an older veteran castoff. That would be defensive end Chris Long.

At one point in time he was one of the better pass rushers in the NFL, posting 24 sacks in a two-year span at one point. However, injuries have hampered him the past couple seasons. That and financial issues forced the Los Angeles Rams into the tough decision of parting ways with him. It didn’t take too much time for the Patriots to come calling. Belichick should know exactly what Long does best and will put him in situations to take advantage of it. Crazy as it may sound, this may finally be the year that the oldest son of Howie Long gets his nod.

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