2025 Pro Bowl Snubs: Who Missed Out and Who Should Have Made It?
Every year, the release of the Pro Bowl rosters sparks debate, as deserving players often get left off the initial AFC and NFC squads. Last year, notable omissions included Bills quarterback Josh Allen and Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.
With the full 2024 Pro Bowl rosters revealed on Thursday morning, NFL analysts Ben Solak and Seth Walder have weighed in on the players who have the strongest cases to feel disappointed. They’ve broken down the snubs into three distinct categories:
- Should Be In: The glaring oversights—players who unquestionably deserved a spot.
- Could Be In: Those with strong cases but narrowly missed out.
- Would Be In Most Years: Players who had great seasons but fell victim to the limited roster spots.
In the interest of fairness, Solak and Walder also identified the players these snubs should replace on the rosters. After all, with limited spots available, tough decisions must be made.
Important Note: Some snubbed players might still earn Pro Bowl nods later as replacements for injured players or those participating in the Super Bowl.
Let’s dive into the 2025 Pro Bowl's most controversial omissions and the cases for their inclusion.
Biggest Snubs: Players Who Should Have Made the Pro Bowl
A.J. Brown, WR, Philadelphia Eagles
- Who he should replace: Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders
Why Brown deserves a spot:
The numbers speak for themselves. A.J. Brown has been nothing short of dominant this season. He has more receiving yards (1,079) than Terry McLaurin (1,034) despite running over 100 fewer routes. Brown's efficiency is unparalleled, leading McLaurin in targets per route, receptions per route, and yards per route.
Against man coverage, the disparity is even starker. Brown averages 3.8 yards per route run compared to McLaurin’s 1.4. In fact, doubling McLaurin’s figure still leaves him a full yard short of Brown's production.
Advanced stats make the case even stronger.
According to ESPN's receiver scores, which analyze a player’s ability to get open, secure catches, and generate yards after the catch (YAC) using NFL Next Gen Stats, Brown earned an unprecedented 99 overall score—the highest ever recorded in a single season.
While McLaurin's 12 touchdowns may have edged out Brown’s seven in voter perception, the latter's elite efficiency and historic metrics make it clear: A.J. Brown absolutely deserves Pro Bowl recognition over McLaurin.