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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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Nov 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts the throw the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) tackles during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) attempts the throw the ball as Carolina Panthers defensive end Kony Ealy (94) tackles during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Kony Ealy (Carolina Panthers)

Few players have ever announced their arrival to the NFL  quite like Kony Ealy did. Though he was on the team that ended up losing the Super Bowl, it was not because of his efforts. If the Carolina Panthers had won the game, Ealy would’ve been in line for MVP honors after collecting three sacks on Peyton Manning. He also went through a stretch last season where he had five sacks in five games. This young defensive end looks like he’s ready to take his game to the top level.

Odds hard he is now the unquestioned starter and will be playing on a front that is loaded with talent including Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kawann Short. If the secondary is able to hold up without All-Pro cornerback Josh Norman, then Ealy is going to get plenty of opportunities to shine. Especially with a good coaching staff led by Ron Rivera helping him out. The added motivation of that Super Bowl loss won’t hurt either.

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