The 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games rosters are out, and as always, the “snub” debate is on fire. With only 88 slots available across both conferences, every fan has their list of players who deserved a spot. While some omissions are glaring, others are simply a result of tight competition.
Let’s dive into five players who had incredible seasons but just missed the cut.
5. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (QB)
Baker Mayfield, once a polarizing figure, has transformed into a star quarterback for the Buccaneers. With Tampa Bay on the verge of another NFC South title, Mayfield’s numbers are nothing short of elite.
- Passing Yards: 4,279 (3rd in the NFL)
- Touchdown Passes: 39 (Tied for 2nd)
- Completion Percentage: 71.7% (Tied for 2nd)
- Success Percentage: 54.2% (2nd)
Even without star receivers Chris Godwin (injured) and Mike Evans (missed time), Mayfield delivered week after week, showing his ability to adapt and lead. Critics might point to his 39 sacks, but his overall EPA of 73.3 (6th among QBs) proves his effectiveness. Mayfield should be the first quarterback added if a spot opens up in the NFC.
4. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (WR)
As a rookie, Brian Thomas Jr. became the Jaguars’ go-to weapon. Despite playing on a team often overlooked, Thomas posted exceptional numbers:
- Receiving Yards: 1,179 (5th in the NFL)
- Receiving Touchdowns: 10 (Tied for 5th)
3. Zach Allen, Denver Broncos (DL)
Zach Allen’s impact on the Broncos’ defense has been immense, even if Pro Bowl voters overlooked it. Allen leads all interior defensive linemen with 65 QB pressures, ranking ninth among all defenders.
- Double-Team Pressures: 14 (4th among NFL players)
- Sacks: 8.5 (3rd among interior D-linemen)
- Stuffs: 20 (Leads all defenders)
Allen’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses has been crucial to Denver’s playoff push. He dominates the trenches, eating up blockers and still producing at an elite level. While teammate Nik Bonitto earned recognition, Allen’s consistent game-wrecking ability deserved a Pro Bowl nod.
2. Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions (S)
Kerby Joseph quietly delivered one of the best seasons by a safety in recent memory, but Pro Bowl voters seemed to favor his teammate Brian Branch. Joseph leads the league in interceptions with nine, two more than any other player.
- End-Zone Interceptions: 4
- Target EPA: -55.3 (1st among all defenders)
- EPA per Target: -1.84 (1st by a wide margin)
- Ballhawk Rate: 40% (1st)
Joseph’s knack for making game-changing plays in high-leverage situations kept Detroit’s injury-riddled defense afloat. His advanced metrics blow past other safeties, making his omission one of the most baffling snubs this season.
1. Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans (DE)
Danielle Hunter leads the NFL in QB pressures with 90, yet he was somehow left off the Pro Bowl roster. Playing for a Texans team that shocked many this year, Hunter’s dominance off the edge has been pivotal.
- QB Pressure Rate: 19.3% (Tied for 1st with Micah Parsons)
- Sacks: 12 (2nd in the NFL)
While these players didn’t make the initial Pro Bowl roster, their performances this season speak for themselves. From Mayfield’s resurgence to Hunter’s relentless pressure, these men showcased elite talent and determination. These five replacements should be at the top of the list if any replacements are needed.
