4 Defensive Players That Could Make Their First Pro Bowl in 2019

Cover Photo: Getty Images

With so many talented players in the Pro Bowl every year, it becomes shockingly easy to forget about some of the hyper-productive players who get snubbed. Here's a list of four defensive players who are primed to make their first Pro Bowl in 2019.

4. Chris Jones, DT, Kansas City Chiefs

The 6'6", 311-pound Chris Jones came into his own last season, his third with Kansas City, putting up 15.5 sacks as a defensive tackle. Somehow, voters decided this wasn't enough to represent the AFC in the Pro Bowl. However, if he continues to make a similar impact this year, those same voters won't have any choice but to give him the nod for 2019.

3. Jaylon Smith, LB, Dallas Cowboys

Jaylon Smith was a beast for the Dallas Cowboys last year. On a defense that depended on its young studs to be successful, Smith was at times overshadowed by fellow linebacker Leighton Vander Esch and cornerback Byron Jones. Yet, Smith still found ways to make a serious impact in only his second season, recording 121 combined tackles to go along with four sacks and two fumble recoveries (one of which he took back for a touchdown). While he's still young, look for Smith to add to his impressive production in 2019.

2. Bradley Chubb, DE, Denver Broncos

Despite chasing down quarterbacks for 12 sacks during his rookie year in 2018, Bradley Chubb was not named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. This could be in part due to the amount of attention Denver's other pass-rushing force, Von Miller, requires. Expect Chubb to continue to make big plays during his second season and earn a ticket to Orlando.

1. Darius Leonard, LB, Indianapolis Colts

Despite being named a first team all-pro as a rookie for the Indianapolis Colts in 2018, Darius Leonard was somehow left off of the Pro Bowl roster. Leonard led the entire NFL with 163 combined tackles and 111 solo tackles last year. He also had seven sacks, four forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and two interceptions. If he can even come close to matching his production from a year ago, it will be extremely difficult for voters to keep him out of the Pro Bowl in 2019.

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Leo Abbe-Schneider is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Leo Abbe-Schneider also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username leoabbe2. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.