Which players on the Las Vegas Raiders roster are most deserving of a Pro Bowl appearance this year? Let’s take a look at some of the contenders.
With fans being able to vote on who should play in the Pro Bowl this year, let’s go over which players we think have a good shot. Whether or not you agree with these choices, make sure to support the players by voting yourself.
DE Maxx Crosby
The most obvious candidate, Maxx Crosby, has been on a tear so far. Even though he only has five sacks on the season, he still changes how the quarterback plays by getting consistent pressure every week. According to Pro Football Focus, Crosby has the highest grade among edge defenders at 92.1. He is proof that sacks shouldn’t be the only statistic you look at when evaluating defensive linemen. Crosby has a motor that offensive lines struggle to stop. His opposite, Yannick Ngakoue, is deserving as well, with eight sacks on the season so far. There is no reason why Crosby shouldn’t be a Pro Bowler this year.
CB Casey Hayward
Remember when Casey Hayward was supposed to be in a position to battle with Damon Arnette? I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t. For Hayward, expectations weren’t too high, but he has come through for most of the season. He has allowed a completion percentage of 52.9, just under seven yards per target, and a 74.8 passer rating. With Travon Mullen missing a lot of time, Hayward has done his part to protect his side of the field. It’s his reliability and skill that make him deserving of a Pro Bowl appearance.
P A.J. Cole
AJ Cole has been sneaky good this season, and now it’s time that he gets rewarded. The third-year punter is leading the league in average yards per punt with 51.2. His foot has contributed to games not getting too far away when the offense struggles. His biggest play didn’t even have anything to do with his punting. During their Week 10 match against the Kansas City Chiefs, Cole forced a fumble on a punt return, which led to a turnover. Can your punter do that?
QB Derek Carr
Derek Carr had recently gone through a three-game skid from Weeks 9-11. His Pro Bowl chances were plummeting. Carr’s Thanksgiving performance, however, has put him back on track, for now. He threw for 373 yards and one touchdown in a must-win game. Carr leads the league in passing yards through 12 weeks. It has been shown that when Carr does well, the Raiders do well. Carr has had 300+ yards in every victory this year and has always been below that mark when they lose. Carr is going to have to be consistent for the rest of the season if he wants his fourth Pro Bowl nod.
TE Darren Waller
Darren Waller looked to be a shoe-in before the start of the season. Now he’s got some work to do in order to be the weapon that he was for the past two years. Waller has averaged 64.1 yards a game, which is lower than his last two years. While he hasn’t been the same force as the last couple of years, he still gets a lot of attention from opposing defenses. His knee injury, however, will be a problem, as he is listed as week-to-week. Waller can still hope for a strong finish to end the season.
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*Top Photo: AP Photo/Keith Srakocic