Some have said the events surrounding football's all-star game must be canceled. Some of those opinions we agree with. Remember when the Pro Bowl Game was played? The event itself hasn't been interesting since Sean Taylor tried to knock Brian Moorman's head off. So, these days, we only concern ourselves with counting how many Philadelphia Eagles were voted in once the final roster is introduced.
Nope, that isn't true. We always take it a step further. We take a few hours to complain about the snubbed guys, Birds that didn't get their proper recognition by the voters.
Here are a few Eagles who are deserving of their first Pro Bowl nominations.
As is always the case, once we learn who made the cut and who didn't, we'll be taking a moment to see how many Eagles are on the NFC roster. Maybe we're biased. Maybe we have a point, but truthfully we can make successful arguments for at least one player at every position... except kicker... Sorry Jake Elliott.
Howie Roseman has done a great job of building this roster. The evidence is one of the best regular seasons in franchise history. Several Birds are trending towards another Pro Bowl appearance. Others are trending toward their first.
Here's a group of guys who we believe should finally be voted in, If they don't, we'll be tempted to launch an investigation.
Left Tackle Jordan Mailata
Jordan Mailata remains atop Pro Football Focus' list of the highest-graded tackles league-wide. He has been so for the majority of the season. We believe his first Pro Bowl nod should have been a while ago. It's almost as if he has been punished for playing alongside great teammates.
We knew Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson were being voted on the roster each year and over the past few seasons, Landon Dickerson has come into his own as one of the NFL's top guards.
Jordan shouldn't have been punished because the Eagles have too many Pro Bowl-worthy linemen, but in some respects, he has been. That's okay. Jason Kelce's retirement now allows him to step out of the shadow of at least three teammates.
Linebacker Zack Baun
Zack Baun deserves to be a Pro Bowler and an NFL All-Pro. It's as easy to see that as it is to read his jersey number.
Entering Week 17, his 92 solo tackles are the most by any player at any position. He also has an interception, 145 total tackles (11 resulted in a loss of yardage), 3.5 sacks, five additional QB hits, three pass breakups, and five forced fumbles on his resume.
Heck... We actually has an argument for winning the Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
Cornerback Quinyon Mitchell
This rookie entered the 2024 NFL Draft universally regarded as one of the top prospects at his position. We can officially state he has been better than advertised. His list of victims reads like a who's who of pro football's elite wide receivers. Here's the best part. Quinyon Mitchell is just getting started.
He didn't give up a touchdown in man-on-man coverage until Week 16 after being beaten by Terry McLaurin. Folks... There's no shame in being beaten by McLaurin.
Let's just say it has happened a few times, but the evidence is there. Mitchell deserves the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy. Voting him on the Pro Bowl roster should be a no-brainer.
Worth a mention in our book: Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith
This one is personal for us because DeVonta Smith is one of those 'snubs' we mentioned earlier. We could argue he deserved Pro Bowl nods after each of his first three seasons. One of the main reasons he didn't earn one is, during these last two, he's been, at times, overshadowed by A.J. Brown (who made the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023).
Don't hear what hasn't been said. Don't read what hasn't been written. DeVonta takes a backseat to no one.
He may not earn a Pro Bowl nod this season because his numbers are down. That isn't his fault. He's only been targeted 82 times, ranking 40th among all NFL receivers.
That's almost inexcusable. Still, in a world where make-up calls and dates exist, the NFL owes DeVonta his due. He shouldn't be punished for being A.J. Brown's teammate.